Plenty of drivers out there want a little something of everything from their car. They want it to be a good vehicle for getting to work and running errands but also something that can turn up the wick on the weekend. The 2024 Ford Mustang is designed for those people who want practical and fun in a single affordable package.
For more than 60 years since its debut, the Ford Mustang has set the benchmark for what we like to call “everyday excitement.” The vehicle has gone through a lot of changes over the years, and with the 2024 Ford Mustang, this iconic pony car is officially on its seventh generation. The redesign has been raising eyebrows ever since it was announced in late 2022, and now we get to see what the fuss is all about.
The latest edition has seen numerous changes and upgrades to maintain its status in American automotive history. By taking the spirit of the classic Mustang muscle car and infusing it with the things modern drivers—and, dare we say, modern families—need, the 2024 Ford Mustang is a statement-maker for people who want a new twist on an iconic nameplate.
Striking the Right Balance
There’s an old saying that if you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one. The designers of the 2024 Ford Mustang would respectfully disagree. It’s loaded up with the performance and technology features you need to drive it every day of the week.
Performance
The Mustang has long been known for being a powerful, fun car. The 2024 model continues the tradition with two new engines for power-thirsty drivers. A 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 is for people who want speed without the huge gas bill. It’s rated for 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque while still getting an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and an impressive 33 MPG on the highway.
If you just want to roar, the redesigned 5.0L Coyote V8 engine on the 2024 Ford Mustang GT will be more your speed. It has 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque in the standard configuration—and with the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse, it jumps to exactly 500 hp, more than enough to surge forward on open roads. The Mustang EcoBoost has a convenient and precise 10-speed automatic transmission, while the GT and Dark Horse are also available with a six-speed manual transmission for traditionalists.
Those who want to take their Mustang to the track on a day off will find plenty of additional goodies. Ford offers a Performance Pack that includes the Performance Electronic Parking Brake—also known as the drift brake. You can use it to break the rear end free with electronic assistance for a controlled slide. The Performance Pack also includes front strut-tower bracing and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential for pushing the limits. Other optional upgrades for excitement-minded drivers include:
- An active suspension that improves stability and riding comfort.
- Wider tires and wheels to improve cornering grip.
- Bigger Brembo brakes to increase stopping power.
- An active exhaust to add a little extra power to the 5.0L V8.
Interior
At any speed, the 2024 Ford Mustang is made to drive for hours on end. It seats four with a spacious 44.5 inches of front legroom and lots of headroom and shoulder room. The standard cloth-upholstered seats are incredibly cozy, and you can switch to high-performance RECARO front seats with leather inserts for even more support. It will certainly be a head-turning way to pick the kids up from school.
The newest Mustang also has 13.5 cu.ft. of trunk space, which is enough to take three or four large suitcases on a road trip. The Mustang EcoBoost and GT are both available as a fastback hardtop or a convertible, so if you like letting the top down and enjoying a beautiful day, the Mustang has you covered (or doesn’t, as it were). Heating and cooling are available for the front seats for comfort in any weather—and if you have the automatic transmission, you can add a remote starter to get the cabin to the right temperature before strapping in.
Technology
Staying connected is a must in the modern world, and the redesigned cockpit of the 2024 Ford Mustang has everything you need to keep up. It’s now available with a massive 13.2-inch infotainment center touchscreen—more than five inches larger than the previous model—and a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster to keep you informed. The Ford SYNC 4 software is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, letting you connect your smartphone for music streaming, navigation, and hands-free calls.
Want to use voice commands instead of knobs and buttons? Set up your Amazon Alexa account or use Ford Streaming. On top of the standard console USB ports for charging devices, the hardtop models have overhead USB ports to connect dash cameras. You can also add a wireless charger if you don’t want to deal with cables. Audio enthusiasts will love the optional 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which lets you feel every note in your soul. Finally, LED headlights and taillights offer amazing visibility when you go driving after dark.
Safety
Trouble is lurking around every corner, whether it be rush-hour traffic or wildlife suddenly crossing the road. Like all new Ford vehicles, the 2024 Ford Mustang comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance features to keep you and your family safe. Standard safety tech includes the following:
- Auto High-Beam headlamps that turn off and on based on traffic.
- A Blind Spot Information System to detect objects outside your field of vision.
- Automatic Emergency Braking to prevent forward collisions.
- Adaptive Cruise Control, which self-adjusts to current traffic conditions.
- A Lane-Keeping System to alert you if you start to drift.
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers that automatically turn on.
- A rear-view camera and rear parking sensors for safely backing out of garages and parking spaces.
Those are just some of the ways the 2024 Ford Mustang delivers safety without sacrificing thrills. The Performance Pack also includes active pothole mitigation that adjusts the suspension for a softer impact.
A Real Performance Bargain
A car that’s fun, sporty, and reliable shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. When you choose the Ford Mustang, it doesn’t have to. The 2024 model starts at just $30,920 for the EcoBoost Fastback, making it one of the best value options on the market. At an almost identical price tag to the base 2024 Chevy Camaro, the Mustang has more horsepower and torque, better fuel economy, more cargo room, and a bigger infotainment screen, among other advantages.
Of course, if you want more than the baseline, we’ve outlined plenty of ways to boost the experience. Along with the top-of-the-line Dark Horse, the EcoBoost and GT are offered in a Premium trim with many of the more luxurious features. Ford also has countless wheel options, a host of exterior and interior finishes, and many other ways to customize your vehicle.
When you sit at the controls of the 2024 Mustang, you’ll understand why people are raving about the latest generation. From a performance-minded daily driver to a track day standout and everything in between, there’s a Mustang for you. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or heading to the open highway, it’s a vehicle that will be right in your wheelhouse.
