Getting behind the wheel of the seventh-gen Mustang provides a revitalized take on an iconic shape. Its fastback profile stays true to its roots, resonating with longtime fans. Up front, the grille asserts presence, though the slimmer headlight treatment may require a second glance. Out back, the redesigned tail gains bold definition—eye-catching for some, perhaps divisive for others depending on taste.
Dressed in Carbonized Gray Metallic, our test car featured Ford’s optional Matte Clear Film—a $5,995 upgrade that adds a smooth satin texture while doubling as paint protection. Paired with the $3,475 2.3L High Performance Package, which bundles 19-inch Brembos, carbon-painted alloy wheels, and a sleek lip spoiler, the Mustang strikes a confident balance between style and substance.
Interior changes land with a thoughtful touch. A large digital display merges cleanly into the dash, subtly canted toward the driver for improved usability. Layouts feel intentionally arranged, putting controls right where you’d want them. A thick-rimmed steering wheel offers just the right heft, encouraging connection through every turn and corner.
Cabin materials mostly satisfy, though minor play in the button stack beneath the vents hints at some areas that could use extra attention. Ford’s 13.2-inch Sync 4 touchscreen handles infotainment duties with clarity and speed, offering menus that make sense. A premium B&O audio setup rounds things out with crisp, immersive sound that fills the space with ease.
PERFORMANCE
Ford’s turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four returned with the 2015 EcoBoost and continues its run in the 2024 Mustang, now offered only with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Refinements such as twin-fuel injection, a revised turbocharger, and an electronically controlled wastegate enhance responsiveness. Peak output hits 315 horsepower, and despite added chassis mass, updated calibration squeezes out a slight improvement in fuel efficiency.
Instead of chasing higher numbers, this setup focuses on sharper dynamics. The package includes 19-inch performance tires, a 3.55:1 Torsen limited-slip differential, and reworked suspension tuning aimed at better feedback through corners. Braking receives serious attention with Brembo hardware at both ends. A rigid front strut brace and a mechanical hand-operated drift brake round out its performance credentials.
That drift brake isn’t just for show—it’s purpose-built to help experienced drivers kick the rear end loose with precision. At $3,475, the performance package offers solid value compared to previous setups that demanded far higher premiums. MagneRide dampers and the active exhaust can still be added individually, with our test car featuring the latter as a $1,225 upgrade.
Acceleration is brisk, with 60 mph arriving in 4.5 seconds and the quarter-mile finishing just past the 13-second mark. Braking feels stable and strong, while cornering generates nearly one g of lateral grip. Much of that capability stems from detailed chassis work and tires that maintain grip even under demanding loads.
The automatic transmission, however, often interrupts momentum. Gear selection can feel erratic, creating a sense of hesitation. Switching to Sport mode improves timing slightly but also activates a simulated engine sound that feels disconnected. For drivers seeking a more engaging experience, mechanical tuning will satisfy more than digital effects.
On the road, the Mustang maintains its daily appeal. Steering remains precise and well-weighted, while ride comfort holds up over uneven pavement. Leather-trimmed seating brings a premium touch to the cabin, and real-world fuel economy hovers near EPA estimates, which makes long commutes far less taxing on the wallet.
Inside, the layout promises modern tech but doesn’t always deliver. The expansive digital instrument cluster looks advanced but suffers from laggy inputs and unintuitive menus. Some physical buttons remain, though they sit awkwardly low and stray from the straightforward ergonomics of earlier Mustangs that prioritized ease of use.
Drivers can choose from five instrument themes, yet the retro-style layout modeled after 1990s gauges proves to be the most legible. What begins as a playful callback to earlier models ends up offering the clearest view, showing how simplicity sometimes outperforms complex design.
Where early EcoBoost Mustangs felt underpowered, this version finally delivers the urgency buyers expected. A few weaknesses remain, including the lack of a manual transmission, an overly busy automatic, and sound design that leans too much on artifice. Those craving more visceral energy will likely prefer the GT, where the naturally aspirated V-8 favors unfiltered response over refinement.
VERDICT
Ford’s 2024 Mustang EcoBoost Coupe Premium rolled into our test garage with a starting figure of $36,445. After factoring in nearly $14,000 worth of added equipment, the final tally reached $51,935. This week-long test gave us the opportunity to explore every upgraded feature baked into this build, offering insight into how much value those extras deliver beyond the base price.
Competition
Ford’s boosted coupe edges into sport compact turf when properly equipped, offering more than just straight-line thrills. Civic Si presents solid value under $30K, but its 1.5-liter turbo lacks the grunt to challenge Mustang’s broader capability, especially in trims tuned for spirited driving. That mismatch keeps Ford’s entry compelling for shoppers craving power without crossing into premium performance pricing.
Volkswagen keeps its driving DNA intact with two familiar yet distinct choices. Both GTI and Jetta GLI feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, pairing punchy acceleration with a choice between a tactile six-speed manual and a refined seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Either configuration delivers daily usability with a solid dose of driver engagement.
Hyundai’s Elantra N brings attitude in spades. With 276 horsepower and a choice between an engaging manual or an efficient dual-clutch automatic, it carves out its own lane in the performance compact space. Though similar in price to Ford’s offering, Elantra N’s character leans toward track-day readiness rather than grand touring appeal.
Drivers wanting year-round traction and spirited handling should give the Subaru WRX a look. With 271 horsepower and a signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, it delivers confident performance even in less-than-ideal conditions. A relatively accessible starting price enhances its appeal for shoppers chasing excitement without overextending financially.
GR Corolla throws subtlety aside. Powered by a rally-inspired three-cylinder sending 300 horses to all four wheels, it uses Toyota’s GR-Four layout and comes equipped with front and rear limited-slip differentials in the Performance Package. Even with those enhancements, pricing remains competitive, delivering raw energy and mechanical grit without surpassing affordability boundaries.
