Shopping for a Ford Mustang? Consider These 3 Alternatives

Looking for a powerful coupe? Instead of a Mustang, consider these alternatives from Dodge, Nissan and BMW

written by Kyle Patrick
edited by Greg Migliore
10/3/2026
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What's new: The Mustang has once again outlived its pony car rivals, remaining as the one purely rear-wheel-drive American coupe.
Why it matters: While the Mustang still serves up classic muscle car enjoyment, that recipe can be restrictive.
Edmunds says: Semi-affordable fun can be had in many different shapes and sizes, so don't miss these options from Dodge, Nissan and BMW.

The Ford Mustang is an icon. You'll have to travel far and wide in America to find someone unaware of the Blue Oval pony car's 60-plus-year history. While competitors have come and gone over the years, the Mustang has persisted. The latest model, which debuted in 2024, further refines the breed, adding a healthy dose of millennial-friendly tech while keeping the foundation unchanged. This is still a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe (or convertible) with an approachable turbocharged four-cylinder as its base engine and the raucous V8 available on the GT. Those wanting even more performance can opt for the hardcore Dark Horse and the truly wild Dark Horse SC.

As fun as it is, the venerable Mustang isn't without its faults. It's enormous for starters, though that doesn't translate into lots of useful interior space. There's also the small matter of its thirst: Work that V8 and you might only see 200 miles between fuel stops.

We still love the Mustang, but if you're considering one, take a few moments to consider a handful of similarly fun-to-drive alternatives.

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Dodge Charger

Price range: $51,990–$79,485
Edmunds Rating: 5.8 (out of 10)

We start with the obvious. While the current Dodge Charger is no longer the rear-wheel-drive, Hellcat-powered iconoclast of old, it's still the closest thing spiritually to the Mustang. This is still a (very) large vehicle with a low-slung design, heaps of power, and the sort of recliner seats that could carry a driver and their friends across the country.

But the Charger also offers buyers a bit more modernity. Every model comes with all-wheel drive, but don't worry, traditionalists: It can be switched off for big, smoky burnouts. There are two- and four-door models, and they're the same shape, which means the coupe has genuinely adult-friendly space in the back. It does make the coupe's doors big enough to have their own ZIP code, mind you. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine produces up to 550 hp, not just more than any non-supercharged Mustang but also more than any six-cylinder BMW. The cabin design is a definite step up from the Mustang too, with a wrap-around dashboard, a funky octagonal steering wheel, and plenty of adjustable ambient lighting. The Dodge comes well equipped with heated and ventilated seats and a surprisingly long list of standard safety features. It's a whole lot of car for the money.

There's also a fully electric version of the Charger. Just, uh, don't ask about how much we lost selling one.

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Nissan Z

Price range: $44,265–$67,045
Edmunds Rating: 5.6 (out of 10)

The Nissan Z is basically a Japanese Mustang: relatively affordable, big on power, and uniquely stylish. The latest generation draws plenty of its design inspiration from the original Z car of the ’`60s, but with a modern twist. A 2027 refresh tidies up the design, adds new color options inside and out, and increases the in-cabin tech.

All Z models are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 mounted behind the front axle. Standard models produce 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque; the high-performance Nismo model bumps those numbers up to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft, respectively. Unlike the Mustang, Nissan now offers every trim of its sport coupe with a manual transmission; a nine-speed automatic is also available. The Nismo also features suspension tweaks, wider and stickier Dunlop rubber, and upgraded brakes.

The Z doesn't offer many distractions for drivers. The interior is very basic, with plenty of carryover bits from the outgoing 370Z. If you find the Mustang's cabin too plasticky, it's unlikely you'll fall for the Nissan. Yet for those craving a precise hit of old-school, turbocharged two-seater performance, the Z delivers. In its own way, it's as unique as the Mustang.

BMW 2 Series

Price range: $43,550–$56,950
Edmunds Rating: 7.7 (out of 10)

Stay with us here. The BMW 2 Series is admittedly much smaller than the Mustang. Yet in terms of cost, there's a lot of overlap between the American icon and BMW's smallest two-door model. Unlike most of its competitors, BMW has kept its small model distinctly rear-wheel-drive, which gives it a playful personality not entirely dissimilar to the Mustang. Those in colder climates or simply wanting more all-weather security can still option BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive too.

The 2 Series engine lineup kicks off with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, with a healthy 255 hp. The ubiquitous 3.0-liter inline-six in the M240i bumps that up to 386 hp; with all-wheel drive, the M240i will launch to 60 mph in barely over 4 seconds. An M2 model is even more intense, and for 2026, it can also be had with xDrive.

Where the 2 Series triumphs over the Mustang is in cabin ambiance. Premium materials and a clean, uncluttered design give the BMW a high-end feel the Ford simply can't match. The seats are supportive, and when folded all the way forward, they make it at least as easy to access the rear bench as in the Mustang. As ever with BMW, buyers can also pick and choose from a variety of options to ensure their 2 Series is to their tastes. It's the wild child of the BMW lineup — and thus a pretty good alternative to a Mustang.

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by Kyle Patrick

Kyle is a freelance automotive writer with over a decade of experience. He's driven hundreds of cars over his career and two laps at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and is always looking to pump those rookie numbers up. He once had a sim racing game pay for a year's tuition, and he has the giant novelty check to prove it.

edited by Greg Migliore

Greg Migliore is an accomplished journalist with more than two decades covering the auto industry. He was the editor-in-chief of Autoblog for more than seven years and also served as the editorial director of AutoGuide. He's also been an editor at Automobile and Autoweek magazines. A widely quoted industry expert, he has contributed commentary to Autoline After Hours, NPR, Yahoo Finance and America on the Road. He's a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and the Yale Publishing Course. He is a member of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards jury. When not writing, editing or driving the latest new vehicles, Greg can be seen driving around in his extremely low-mileage 2006 Dodge Charger.

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