2020 Ford Mustang Review

The 2020 Ford Mustang pushes the limits of what modern-day muscle cars can achieve. In fact, this year’s Mustang is the Blue Oval’s most powerful street-legal vehicle ever. It also might be the most well-equipped Mustang ever, thanks to Ford’s many available luxury and technology features. Even the entry model delivers a rewarding combination of value and velocity.

Shoppers can get the 2020 Ford Mustang in coupe and convertible body styles. Both seat four. They can also choose from EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, Bullitt, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT350R and GT 500 trim levels. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Ford offers powertrain options such as two naturally aspirated V8 engines, a supercharged V8 and six- and seven-speed automatic transmissions. Top rivals include the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger.

The Mustang adds a standard mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for 2020. The Shelby GT500 also rejoins the stable after last being on sale as a new car for the 2014 model year. A 2.3L High-Performance package is new as well. It brings go-fast upgrades for the turbocharged four-cylinder Mustangs.

Exterior

The 2020 Ford Mustang looks less like a pony car and more like a panther that’s ready to pounce. With the fastback, a long tapering roof complements the Mustang’s muscular body. The convertible packs a power-retractable soft top. Of course, both body styles offer old-school design cues such as triple vertical taillights.

Ford supplies standard equipment such as LED headlights, LED signature lighting, sequential LED taillights, daytime running lights, a vented hood, power-adjustable mirrors with built-in blind-spot mirrors and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Options include LED fog lamps, mirror-mounted turn signals, heated mirrors, aerodynamic body kits, multiple graphic packages and 18- through 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Shelby trims carry standard high-intensity-discharge headlights to go with their high-performance bodywork. Shelby options are highlighted by a Carbon Fiber Track package that brings distinctive aero pieces and 20-inch wheels.

Interior

A symmetrical dash highlights the 2020 Ford Mustang’s sporty cabin. The upper dash is split and arched so that the two sides look like the long wings of a bird of prey. The low-profile dash emphasizes the instrument panel and center stack for a function-first vibe. In the coupe, the trunk capacity is 13.5 cubic feet. The convertible has 11.4 cubic feet of trunk space.

Standard features include cloth upholstery, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a two-way manually adjustable front passenger seat, manual climate control and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with a tilt-and-telescoping column. The Mustang is available with leather upholstery, climate-controlled six-way power-adjustable front seats, Recaro sport front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel and carbon-fiber instrument panel trim.

Performance

A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine is standard for the 2020 Ford Mustang. It makes 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the High Performance package boosts output to about 330 horsepower. For the Mustang GT trims, a  5.0-liter V8 is standard with 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The Bullitt model honors a 1968 Mustang that starred in a movie of the same name. The 2020 trim gets a show-stopping 480 horses from that engine. The Shelby GT350 and GT350R trims are equipped with a 5.2-liter V8 that leverages a special high-performance crankshaft. As a result, this engine cranks out more than 525 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission for these three Mustangs. Ford supercharges the Shelby engine for 765 horsepower and 625 pound-feet in the GT500. Here, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is the sole transmission.

EPA ratings for the Mustang coupe start at 21/30 mpg city/highway with the standard powertrain. Switching to the available automatic transmission pushes the highway rating to 32 mpg.

Whether it’s for the road, the racetrack or the dragstrip, Ford offers a Mustang that can meet your needs. The automaker helps meet your budget, too. Even the Mustang base model is available with performance and handling packages. At the other end of the spectrum, the range-topping GT500 is expected to run from 0 to 60 mph in the 3.5-second range. There’s no official word yet on top speed, but remember, the less powerful 2013 GT500 could break 200 mph.

Technology

The 2020 Mustang comes with a Sync infotainment system that combines a 4.2-inch display screen, six-speaker AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth and two smart-charging USB ports. Ford provides infotainment options such as a 12-inch digital instrument panel, an 8-inch touchscreen, nine-speaker or 12-speaker sound systems, HD Radio, satellite radio, Sync 3 technology, mobile Wi-Fi, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, and a navigation system.

All Mustangs come with a rearview camera. Also available are adaptive cruise control, automatic forward emergency braking, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance and rear parking sensors.