2021 Ford Mustang Review

　　

2021 Ford Mustang Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　For more than 55 years, the Mustang has built a reputation for stirring performance at prices that the average shopper could afford. Sure, there have been countless improvements along the way, but the tried-and-true formula of two doors, lots of power and rear-wheel drive remains. This doesn't include the curiously named Mustang Mach-E, which is a completely different all-electric, four-door quasi sedan/SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$192/mo  for Mustang EcoBoost

　　Mustang EcoBoost

　　EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $27,155 MSRPEcoBoost 2dr Convertible (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $32,655 MSRPEcoBoost Premium 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $32,175 MSRPEcoBoost Premium 2dr Convertible (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $37,675 MSRPGT 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) - $36,120 MSRPGT Premium 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) (Most Popular) - $40,120 MSRPGT Premium 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 6M) - $45,620 MSRPMach 1 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) - $51,720 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　There are a few changes for the 2021 Ford Mustang. The Bullitt edition is gone, but in return Ford has brought back another historically inspired version: the Mach 1. This revived Mach 1 is the most well-rounded and capable yet and fills in the gap between the GT and the monstrous GT500. It comes standard with many of the performance features that are optional on the GT plus specifically tuned MagneRide adaptive shock absorbers and an available Mach 1-specific Handling package for even greater capability. The Mach 1 also gets a 20-horsepower bump over the standard GT (up to 480 hp from 460 hp) and can be had with the six-speed manual from the GT350 or a quick shifting 10-speed automatic. This Mach 1 is definitely more than just a nostalgic sticker pack.

　　Overall, the Mustang remains our top muscle car pick, eclipsing the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Charger. How does it do that? Check out our Expert Rating below to read our in-depth evaluation.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Want more real-world information? Check out our long-term test of a 2019 Mustang GT Convertible where we cover the ownership experience over the course of a year. Many of our observations still apply to the current Mustang, whether it's a drop-top or coupe.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the Mustang drive? The Mustang GT is impressively quick thanks to its gutsy V8. The brakes are also fittingly firm, giving you plenty of confidence to brake hard. In zzdcar' testing, the GT covered 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and stopped from 60 mph in 118 feet.

　　The steering effort changes depending on the drive mode you've selected. Regardless of mode, there's a good amount of feedback for the driver. Even without high-performance summer tires, the Mustang handles corners well thanks to well-managed body roll and impressive overall stability. The 10-speed automatic works very well too. It picks the best gearing without seeming overly busy.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Mustang? You'll be comfortable for hours in the Mustang, which is quite a feat considering how performance-focused this car is. The seats offer great support and the cabin is fairly quiet. The V8 sounds great, which is precisely what you'll want to hear.

　　The climate controls are front and center, and well-placed vents evenly distribute cooled air for front passengers. The automatic climate control rarely needs any adjustment once set. The ventilated seats are quick to cool you down on hot days and keep you comfy on long drives.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The controls are thoughtfully placed, and there are enough adjustments in the steering wheel and driver's seat for most owners to find a comfortable driving position. The Mustang's doors are long, which means they're hard to open fully in a tight parking space. Rear passengers will have a hard time stepping past the folded-forward seat when they're squeezing into the back.

　　Backseat space is limited even for children. Outward visibility is pretty good, though, with relatively narrow windshield pillars and a large enough rear window for a near-full view of what's behind you.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Muscle cars don't exactly scream "high tech," but the Mustang gets high marks for the availability of newer features. Ford's Sync interface has top-notch voice controls, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. The optional digital instrument panel not only looks cool, but it is functional and is a great secondary control screen.

　　The advanced safety features (blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, etc.) are well tuned to avoid false alarms. The forward collision warning is appropriately startling. The adaptive cruise control executes with smooth inputs and maintains the set speeds on steep downhills.

　　

Storage

6.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The Mustang has a sizable lead in cargo capacity over the Camaro, but the Challenger still has the most. The 13.5-cubic-foot trunk has a wide opening and a low liftover height. Two golf bags can fit across the back with the standard stereo.

　　Inside, there's just enough space for personal items but not much else. The cupholders and door pockets are merely average. Installing a child's car seat will be tough because of the limited backseat space and the restricted room you have to load it in.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Fuel economy for the V8-powered Mustang GT is about average for the class. We managed 23.6 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, but it took a lot of restraint to get there. That explains our 15.1 mpg average over the full two-week test time.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Mustang a good value? In the muscle car category, pricing for the Big Three is pretty much neck and neck. Ford's basic and powertrain warranties are also average for the class. Free scheduled maintenance is not included with the Mustang, though you do get roadside assistance.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　The Mustang GT, even without any performance options, is a hoot to drive. It's stable and fast, yet you can also make it a tail-sliding hooligan machine if you want to. The available active exhaust adds an amazing sound to the car and encourages you to drive it hard. It's capable of raucous performance yet it's also a pleasant daily driver. That means it can fit your personality or mood on the fly.

　　

Which Mustang does zzdcar recommend?

For the authentic muscle car experience, we recommend the GT trim that comes with a burly V8 engine. We also suggest sticking with the manual transmission for the full effect, even though the Mustang is marginally quicker and more efficient with the automatic.

　　

2021 Ford Mustang models

The 2021 Ford Mustang is available in five main trim levels: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and Mach 1. The standard body style is a two-door coupe. A folding fabric-top convertible version is also offered in all but the Mach 1 trim. Convertibles add more security features and active noise cancellation, but the rear seatbacks are not foldable. There's also the Shelby GT500 that's such a giant leap forward in performance that we cover it in a separate review.

　　EcoBoost

　　The entry-level Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque). A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is available as an option. Feature highlights include:

　　17-inch wheels Rain-sensing wipers Limited-slip rear differential Line lock (locks the front wheel brakes to allow for drag-strip burnouts) Keyless entry and ignition Wi-Fi hotspot Remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app 4.2-inch center display Six-speaker audio system Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features: Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Automatic high beams The 2.3L High Performance package is available for the EcoBoost and Premium trims. It adds:

　　Increased power output of 332 hp 19-inch wheels with performance tires Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking) Upgraded brakes Sport suspension Shorter rear differential gear ratio Active exhaust system Paddle shifters (automatic only) Unique exterior and interior trim elementsThe EcoBoost Handling package can be added to the High Performance engine option and adds:

　　Wider wheels and tires Larger rear spoiler Torsen limited-slip differential Adaptive suspension dampers (MagneRide) EcoBoost Premium

　　Adds many convenience, technology and comfort features, such as:

　　18-inch wheels Heated mirrors Upgraded interior materials Partial leather upholstery Dual-zone automatic climate control Power-adjustable driver's seat 8-inch touchscreen Nine-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Heated and ventilated front seats Interior ambient lightingGT

　　The GT trim receives a 5.0-liter V8 (460 hp, 420 lb-ft). A six-speed manual is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is optional. The GT has the same features as the standard EcoBoost trim and further adds:

　　18-inch wheels Rear parking sensors Upgraded brakes Rev-matched downshifts (manual transmission) Power-adjustable driver's seatGT Premium

　　Includes the EcoBoost Premium features plus full leather upholstery.

　　Both GT trims are eligible for the GT Performance package that adds:

　　19-inch wheels with performance tires Brembo brakes Sport suspension Torsen limited-slip differentialMach 1

　　The new Mach 1 model increases power output to 480 hp. Compared to the base GT, you get:

　　Special 19-inch wheels with performance tires Special active exhaust system Mach 1-specific sport suspension with adaptive dampers Mach 1-specific styling details Brembo brakes 8-inch touchscreen Digital gauge cluster display Nine-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Dual-zone automatic climate controlBesides several aesthetic and mechanical enhancements pulled from the Shelby GT500, you get:

　　Upgraded features from the GT Performance package Unique active exhaust system Digital instrument panel Cue-ball shift knob (manual transmission)All Mustangs are eligible for the Ford Safe and Smart package that includes:

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Navigation systemSome extra features that come with the Premium trims, such as the 8-inch touchscreen, are available on the base EcoBoost and GT trims as options. Other significant optional upgrades include:

　　12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system Recaro front sport seats (heating and cooling is not available) Heated steering wheel Exterior and interior styling packages (e.g., the Pony package) Mach 1 Handling package (wider wheels and tires, adjustable top front strut mounts, and special front bumper and rear spoiler)

　　

2021 Mustang Highlights

Type: GTCoupeMach 1ConvertibleCoupe

　　Trim: EcoBoostEcoBoost PremiumGTGT PremiumMach 1EcoBoost

　　

Base MSRP	$27,155
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$192/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles