2023 Ford Mustang: Performance, Price, And Photos

Nearly 60 years after it changed the way people looked at cars, Ford’s Mustang is still going strong today, albeit with major changes on the horizon as 2023 will be a shortened model year to make way for the 2024 redesign. With a base MSRP of $27,770, the Mustang remains a segment leader in muscle car sales and is an affordable option for those looking to make their daily commute more exciting. Ford recently pulled the plug on three of its more popular models as there will be no more Bullitt, GT Performance Pack Level 2, and sadly, the absolutely nuts Shelby GT500.

But there is still a Mustang for everyone from the peppy Ecoboost base car, and the performance bargain Mustang GT all the way up to the range-topping Mach 1. Let's take a look at the current model lineup and how the S550 Mustang generation came to be over its eight-year production run.

2023 Ford Mustang

8.50 / 10

Key Features

Expansive Lineup
Color options
Powerful base engine

Specifications

Model: Mustang
Engine: 2.3L Ecoboost Inline 4 / 5.0L Coyote V8
Power Output: 310 - 485 HP
Torque: 350 - 420 LB-FT
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual / 10-Speed Automatic
Driveline: Rear-Wheel Drive
MSRP: $29,145 - $57,975

Pros

Power Coyote Engine
Most bang for the buck
Aggressive styling

Cons

No GT500, PP2 or Bullitt
Sync 3 can be unresponsive
Cheap plastics inside

2023 Ford Mustang Performance And Capability

It's hard to believe that the sixth-generation S550 Mustang debuted back in 2014. Building on the S-197 that came back in '05, it brought some big changes to Ford's pony car. A significant first for the S550 was that it was a global product and was also offered in right-hand drive for markets like the U.K. and Australia.

Fast forward to today and Ford has done a great job marketing its core market base. Similar to what its Detroit neighbors, Chrysler has done with its focused marketing with the uber-popular Chargers and Challengers, Ford figured out who exactly wants what model, build the appropriate number of cars and send them on their way – starting with the aforementioned Mustang GT. You’ll be hard-pressed to travel anywhere and not get passed by one on the highway.

Across the various special editions and models over its eight-year production run (2015-2023), the S550 Mustang was offered with 11 engine configurations, with everything from a 2.3-liter Turbocharged EcoBoost with 310 horsepower, all the way to a 5.2-liter Predator V-8 with 760 horsepower, found in the Shelby GT500.

For 2023, the Mustang either comes with the legendary Coyote V-8 engine that puts out 450 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque or the base engine, with the peppy 2.3-liter Ecoboost Inline four-cylinder, puts out 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Those wanting more can opt for the High-Performance Ecoboost that sees power bumped to 330 horsepower. All are available with both the six-speed manual and 10-speed automatic transmissions, with all models available exclusively in rear-wheel drive only.

If neither of these is enough, you can move up to the more exclusive, and expensive Mustang Mach 1. Not surprisingly, Mach 1 sees 60 mph quickest, taking just 4.5 seconds, while the quarter mile comes up in 12.8 seconds at 115mph. The top speed is an electronically limited 168 mph. However, fuel economy is less than stellar getting a combined 17mpg in the city and highway.

If M-P-Gs is important, you may want to stick with the base car as the inline-four Ecoboost sees the best mileage earning an EPA-rated 22mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway. Also, if you recall, for the first time, this generation Mustang ditched the old-leaf spring setup in favor of a standard independent rear suspension setup on the rear across the range.

2023 Ford Mustang Specs
Engine Type	2.3L EcoBoost	5.0L V-8
Horsepower	310 HP	450 HP
Torque	350 LB-FT	410 LB-FT
Transmission	6-Speed Manual / 10-Speed Auto	6-Speed Manual / 10-Speed Auto
0-60	5.8s	4.5s
Top Speed	145 MPH	168 MPH
Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive

Exterior Design

The S550 brought about some big styling changes that helped to modernize the Mustang. A design effort led by Kemal Curic saw a refreshed front and back end with three-illuminated DRL LED lighting elements. Depending on the trim you went with, the body got beefier, with stuff like a body kit, and functional aero components. Regardless of the changes, the overall silhouette was still instantly recognizable as that of a Mustang.

The Mustang's overall form is largely unchanged from the previous model year, as midway through 2023 will see the arrival of the seventh-gen generation, i.e the all-new S650 generation. The features a muscular look with a wide aggressive stance. Look closely enough, you’ll see design cues from Mustangs of old such as the upper grille and Tri-bar headlights which are reminders of 1960s models.

Ford designers optimized the car’s roofline to make it easier for drivers to get in and out without having to remove their helmets on track days. Meanwhile, a redesigned rear diffuser was added for improved aerodynamics and to provide more balance in the rear. Staying in the rear, the track width was increased by 70mm over the previous generation. This allowed designers to fit the car with wider fenders draped over the rear wheels. Speaking of wheels, you have several designs and finishes with the base model starting at 17 inches.

Always plenty of color choices with the Mustang. Popular options such as Grabber Blue, Race Red, and Shadow Black remain on the list. Ford gives its customers a break on paint as the only premium color available is Rapid Red Metallic ($495). You can get even more custom with their exteriors as they have the option to add a Racing Stripe ($495), Hood Stripe, and/or Side Stripe.

2023 Ford Mustang Available Colors
Colors	Models	Price
Shadow Black	All Models
Oxford White	All Models
Iconic Silver Metallic	All Models
Race Red	All Models
Rapid Red Metallic	Ecoboost, GT	$495
Atlas Blue Metallic	All Models
Grabber Blue Metallic	All Models
Dark Matter Gray Metallic	All Models
Mischievous Purple Metallic	All Models
Eruption Green Metallic	All Models
Carbonized Gray Metallic	All Models

Exterior Dimensions
Length	188.5 in
Width	81.9 in
Height	54.3 in
Wheelbase	107.1 in
Curb Weight	3,492 - 3,913 lbs

Interior Quality And Technology

When Ford debuted this generation of the Mustang, it managed to retain its signature double cowl dashboard design to keep the loyalists happy, while at the same time, the automaker added modern tech and convenience features like smartphone connectivity, etc.

As for quality, the Mustang has for the most part always been a comfortable daily driver. But cheap hard materials give an otherwise great car a lackluster feel inside. Sadly, plastics are featured throughout, and will no doubt provide its passengers with a serenade of creeks over time that can thankfully be drowned out by your right foot.

Staying with the nearly 20-year retro theme, the dash design harkens back to the 1960s era but with a modern feel – similar to a resto-mod. Gauges are what you would expect, large and easy to read with higher trims getting a fully digital cluster. Controls are thoughtfully placed and easily accessible from either side.

Seats are supportive while the leather seating surfaces are comfortable but don’t expect a luxury car feel. Front cabin space is adequate and should be fine on long trips. The rear seating is a different story as things a cramped and claustrophobic for anyone over the age of ten. Thankfully, no one buying the Mustang is expecting a family hauler, like the Explorer. The biggest surprise may be the amount of storage. You should have no problem carrying groceries or several pieces of luggage.

On the technology side, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system still isn’t standard. But when you opt for it, expected the latest and greatest of what Ford has to offer. The design is clean and the interface is simple enough that it should only take you a couple of times to use it to get comfortable. Unfortunately, you must move up to it if you want to get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Other options include a Wi-Fi hotspot and Ford Sync Connect which allows users to control and monitor their vehicle through a smartphone app with the latter being standard equipment.

Interior Dimensions
Seating Capacity	4
Headroom (front)	37.6 in
Headroom (rear)	34.8 in
Legroom (front)	45.1 in
Legroom (rear)	29.0 in
Shoulder room (front)	56.3 in
Shoulder room (rear)	52.2 in
Cargo Room	11.4 - 13.5 cu-ft

Safety

The Mustang is one of the segment leaders in driver assistance technology. Options include available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, available blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Five years ago, this was unheard of in a sports car as most focus on performance and handling, but kudos to Ford for making these available in the Mustang. Probably most impressive is how it faired in crash tests. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mustang scored an outstanding 5 / 5 stars for overall safety.

2023 Ford Mustang Price

The 2023 Ford Mustang is available as a coupe or convertible ( convertible only available on Ecoboost, Ecoboost Premium, and GT Premium). Pricing for the base model 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback starts at $27,770 plus $1,395 towards destination charges and $645 in acquisition fees.

For the ultimate in performance, you can move up to the more exclusive, and expensive Mach 1, which will set you back $56,570. So for nearly $20,000 more than the GT, you get an extra 20 horsepower (480 horsepower) squeezed out of the Coyote V-8 along with performance equipment borrowed from the outgoing GT500. But in all honesty, the difference may not be worth the extra coin. Across the trims, you can also choose from several performance and visual upgrade packages to further spruce up your Mustang.

Build your 2023 Ford Mustang Here.

2023 Ford Mustang Price
Models	Coupe	Convertible
Ecoboost	$27,770	$33,270
Ecoboost Premium	$32,795	38,295
GT	$38,345	-
GT Premium	$43,365	$48,865
Mach 1	$56,570	-
Mach 1 Premium	$58,655	-

Main Competition

DG022_010CLbbq7befophufjdhj9khijfi641 — Dodge

For several years now, the Mustang has always been one of the segment leaders in sales. But 2022 saw heavy competition from the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro which should come as a surprise to anyone. The Dodge Challenger led the segment of two-door muscle cars last year, selling nearly eight thousand more units. 2021 saw Challenger edge out the Mustang by just under two thousand vehicles.

So, what gives? It comes down to a few factors. First, bang for your buck. While Mustang does offer performance at a bargain price (comparably performing Challenger is thousands more), Challenger’s popularity has risen thanks to its place in pop culture (see every Fast and Furious movie) and its aggressive ad campaigns featuring various celebrities doing power slides (see Reese Bobby ad).

These types of vehicles are emotional purchases and as automakers know, get a consumer about a vehicle, they’re more than likely going to buy it. Chrysler has done a great job with this which is why it seems like every third car you see on the highway is a Challenger or Charger.

But, the segment will change dramatically in the coming years with Chrysler’s announcement of the discontinuation of its V-8 engines after 2023 and the rumored Camaro EV may give Ford an edge in the segment at least in the short term.