2023 Ford Mustang Review: Specs and Pricing

2023 Ford Mustang

image is taken from carbuzz.com

OVERVIEW

The Ford Mustang has been developing into a more advanced vehicle for more than 55 years. A six-speed manual transmission and a 310-hp turbocharged inline-four EcoBoost engine are standard on this model. The Mustang GT with its 450-hp V-8 engine is the more normal option, even though the pony car can be as wild as the 760-hp Shelby GT500, which was reviewed separately.

Both the four-cylinder and V-8 engines can be connected to either a 10-speed automatic or manual transmission. Although Mustangs are available as either hard-shell coupes or rag-top convertibles, all Mustangs have rear-wheel drive.

The snarling V-8 is the engine that the Mustang is ideally suited for, despite the four-cylinder having a High-Performance 330-hp EcoBoost option. Although the Chevy Camaro, the Mustang's closest muscular opponent, has a more comfortable cabin, the Mustang's wider back seat and improved outside vision make it simpler to live with.

What has Changed for 2023?

The 2023 Ford Mustang remains mostly untouched in preparation for the following-generation pony car. The fifth generation S550 chassis is bookended by the 2023 Mustang, and an entirely new S650 Mustang with new styling, more power, and a much more technologically advanced interior will go on sale sometime in the summer of 2023.

2023 Mustang: Engine and Performance

Don't let the base 310-hp turbocharged EcoBoost four-low cylinder count deceive you; it has enough power to put the V-8 Mustangs of the past to shame. A more melodious and quick EcoBoost engine derived from the long-gone Ford Focus RS is also included in the 330-hp High-Performance package, which is an option.

The four-cylinder coupe is also prepared for the racetrack thanks to the optional EcoBoost Handling package. The 450-hp V-8 powering the GT versions has an optional active exhaust that produces a resonant growl. The Mustang accelerates more quickly thanks to the combination of these two powerful engines and either a 10-speed automatic transmission or the regular six-speed manual.

The Performance Pack Level 2 (PPL2), which is track-focused, and the spectacular Bullitt model have both been retired, leaving the resurrected Mach 1 model as the vehicle with the strongest performance credentials. It can terrorize racetracks and make supermarket runs thanks to an upgraded 470-hp V-8 and chassis parts common with Shelby Mustangs, but the Mach 1 we rode had a tiresome tendency to tramline.

However, the Mustang's chassis still provides a smooth and controlled driving experience, even with the less potent engines. The electrically assisted steering is properly weighted in the other two modes and is adequately mild in Comfort mode. In stop-and-go traffic, we found the firm feel of the Mustang's brake pedal to be touchy, but at higher speeds, it's simpler to apply smoothly.

2023 Mustang: Interior and Comfort

The interior of the Mustang is a progression of design that pays homage to earlier Mustangs while still managing to be totally practical and livable. Although it has high-end luxuries like heated and cooled front seats, its subpar plastics and claustrophobic back seats, which can only fit the Headless Horseman, are drawbacks.

The Mustang is a high-performance everyday driver thanks to excellent performance and generous load space. It features the greatest interior storage capacity among competitors and held the second-most carry-on baggage in our testing. The back seat may be folded and stowed by pulling a strap. The Mustang can carry up to 12 carry-on luggage. Of the rivals we tested, the Ford has the largest center-console bin.

2023 Mustang: Connectivity

Ford's optional Sync 3 infotainment system boasts an easy-to-use interface and a neat look. Although it isn't as quick or powerful as some competitors, it does include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a great sound. A Wi-Fi hotspot is provided for the Mustang. As a standard feature, Ford Sync Connect enables owners to monitor and operate their vehicles via a smartphone app.

2023 Mustang: Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Mustang ranges from $29,165 for the base EcoBoost model to $57,965 for the Mach 1.

Which one to Purchase?

The only GT or Mach 1 models of the Mustang's thunderous, 450-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine offer the greatest driving experiences. The latter is more thrilling to drive thanks to performance components taken from the Shelby GT500 and boasts 20 more horsepower (470 total) than the normal GT variant.

We would advise the standard GT coupe because, regrettably, its starting price is close to $58,000. We would choose the GT Performance option, which comes with stronger Brembo front brakes, a limited-slip differential, stickier summer tires, special chassis tuning, and more if we were to stick with the regular manual transmission.