2020 Ford Mustang BULLITT
Other years
2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review
- Strong power from both the four-cylinder and V8 engines
- Civilized ride quality and low noise levels
- Cabin blends modern convenience with retro style
- Impractical back seat
- Performance package ride quality can be bouncy
- Long, heavy doors and mediocre cabin access
- New EcoBoost (four-cylinder) Handling package available
- Increased engine output with EcoBoost Performance package
- FordPass Connect now standard on all Mustangs
- Part of the sixth Mustang generation introduced for 2015
In some ways, the 2020 Ford Mustang is just as you'd expect it to be. It has rear-wheel drive, an available 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, and all sorts of factory options to make it faster, louder and more distinctive. What you might not expect about the Mustang is the way Ford has committed to the standard four-cylinder engine. Base Mustangs used to be underpowered and unloved, but not anymore.
The EcoBoost Mustang comes with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out a respectable 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. And for 2020 Ford has added a second four-cylinder engine available with the High Performance pack. This engine bumps output to 332 hp and makes its 350 lb-ft of torque available across a wider rpm range. High performance is no longer exclusively for the V8 GT — rejoice, frugal Mustang enthusiasts!
Inside, the Mustang is much the same as it has been for the past few years. Highlights include a pleasing retro design fitted with the latest technology options such as Ford's Sync infotainment system and adaptive cruise control. The drawbacks are predictable. These include limited rear-seat and trunk space and a stiff ride when you opt for the high-performance suspension. Overall, though, we thoroughly enjoy the 2020 Ford Mustang. It's modern, fast, easy to drive and available with just enough options to make it your own.
Our verdict | |
The Mustang convertible is a thoroughly capable machine, able to deliver high levels of performance and comfort in equal measure. The GT's 5.0-liter V8 offers an unyielding amount of power should you ask for it, yet it's sedate while driving around town. Make sure to opt for the Performance package if you want a pony car that drives as well as it looks. | |
How does the Mustang drive? | |
The Mustang GT's 460-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 provides more than enough thrust to get in trouble. The 0-60 mph sprint comes in 4.6 seconds, just half a second slower than the 707-hp Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Our test car was equipped with sloppy-handling all-season tires, but the optional Performance package bolsters the Mustang with increased grip and more stable handling. Tapping into that power can prove a bit frustrating since the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts into high gears too quickly (it upshifts to ninth at 40 mph!), and it's slow to downshift. Driving in Sport mode is more natural. | |
How comfortable is the Mustang? | |
This drop-top pony car shakes a bit over bumps, but the ride isn't brittle. Rather, it is cushiony without feeling floaty like the Challenger. The Performance package mildly increases ride harshness. The seats are plush and have tilt-adjustable headrests, but we'd like to see four-way lumbar adjustment. The optional ventilated seats effectively cool the leather on days you leave the top down. The available performance exhaust opens up the Mustang's otherwise too-quiet taps at low speeds, but it gets loud with any level of acceleration and can get grating after a while. At highway speeds, wind, engine and road noise is omnipresent but not overwhelming, and the exhaust note finally settles. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Mustang's cabin is spacious for two, with plenty of shoulder room, head- and legroom and a wide center console armrest. The rear seat is tight, and most will use it as a shelf for storage. However, a family of four could fit — provided they don't need much legroom — and the lowered convertible top aids entry and exit all around. Once inside, drivers will find logically laid-out controls and the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system. While it offers a useful range of adjustment, the front seat doesn't properly envelop the driver; you'll feel like you're sitting on the seat rather than in it. The Mustang's top lowering mechanism isn't totally automated, so you do have to initially unlatch it using a pulldown lever. Once done, it only takes about 10 seconds to raise or lower the top. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system controls a nine-speaker audio system that delivers clear audio and good bass response. But it doesn't get loud enough for us. Two USB ports are standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on both Premium trims. Sync's voice control system features some limited natural speech detection. A variety of advanced driver safety aids are available for the Mustang. It's worth noting that some of these features are not available on the Camaro. Most performed well in our testing, but adaptive cruise can't be activated until about 20 mph and turns off below 10 mph. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Because the top doesn't fold into the trunk like in luxury convertibles, the Mustang convertible's cargo area is only marginally smaller than the coupe's (11.4 cubic feet versus 13.5 cubes). Still, there's more room here than in the Camaro drop-top (7.3 cubic feet). The trunk opening shape and downward sloping trunk roof make it tough to load large items, but you can still fit a large suitcase in the trunk. You can also use the back seat for additional ad hoc storage. Cubbies and pockets inside the cabin are small but plentiful. There's not a ton of room in the back for car seats, but the car seat anchors are easy to access. Lowering the top naturally makes it much easier to install a car seat. | |
How economical is the Mustang? | |
The Mustang GT convertible is rated at 18 mpg combined (15 city/24 hwy). The V8-powered Camaro, in contrast, is a little more efficient, by an additional 1-3 mpg all around. Our test Mustang averaged 23.5 mpg on our mixed-driving evaluation route, which indicates that you should be able to get the EPA numbers fairly easily — assuming you've got a light foot, of course. | |
Is the Mustang a good value? | |
You'll find some hard-plastic panels inside, but in general the Mustang's interior is nicely trimmed. Our test car had soft-touch material on the dash and faux leather on the doors, plus soft leather for the front seats. (The rear seats had simulated leather.) Our tester exhibited no squeaks or rattles, which can be tricky for a convertible. Overall value is average. A loaded-up Mustang costs a lot of money, but a similarly equipped Camaro costs more. | |
Wildcard | |
Like other muscle cars, the Mustang GT convertible is a lot of fun to drive and exudes attitude and character. In its standard form, the convertible doesn't have the sharp handling of the coupe ‐ it's more of a laid-back cruiser with gobs of power and a cushy ride. It's the kind of car you'd be happy to commute in every day or take out for a Sunday cruise. To improve the car's handling, make sure to get the optional Performance package. It's expensive, but the extra bracing and retuned suspension help reduce body roll and control cowl shake. The wider summer performance tires also give you more control. Best of all, ride comfort is almost totally unaffected. | |
Which Mustang does Edmunds recommend?
The EcoBoost Mustang is better than it's ever been thanks to the availability of performance-enhancing options such as the High Performance package. It's a great pick if you're limited on budget. But we'd still go with the Mustang GT if money allows. The Mustang experience is at its best thanks to the sound, feel and overall performance of the 5.0-liter V8 under the hood.
Ford Mustang models
The 2020 Ford Mustang is available in EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and Bullitt trim levels for coupe body styles. Convertibles are available in all but the base GT and Bullitt trims. (The GT Premium is offered.)
Save as much as $6,951 with Edmunds
2020 Ford Mustang BULLITT pricing
in Ashburn, VABULLITT
5.0L 8cyl 6M
Edmunds Suggested Price$46,139
2020 Ford Mustang video
2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package Review
Even though it uses the engine from the Focus RS and the brakes from a V8 Mustang, the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the new High Performance pack is much more than just a performance parts bin mashup.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Mustang safety features:
- Lane Keeping Alert
- Sounds an audible chime if the car drifts to the edge of the lane.
- Pre-Collision Assist
- Applies the brakes and sounds an alert when it detects an impending collision.
- Reverse Sensing System
- Provides audible alerts when reversing toward an object behind the vehicle.
Ford Mustang vs. the competition
2020 Ford Mustang
2019 Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Mustang vs. Chevrolet Camaro
Locked in battle for all eternity it seems, the Mustang and the Camaro are two of the most evenly matched rivals you can find today. Both offer entry-level four-cylinder powerplants and optional V8s. Both offer high-performance packages aimed at improving lap times and street cred. Both come in convertible and coupe body styles and seat four passengers (sort of — the back seats are pretty tight). Really, it's a matter of preference, and we wouldn't fault you for choosing either one.
Ford Mustang vs. Dodge Challenger
While they're technically both considered muscle cars, the Mustang and the Challenger offer different skill sets. The Mustang is a bit sharper, with better steering and handling capabilities. The Challenger is a true throwback, though, with several massively powerful engines available, a big trunk, supremely comfortable seats, and a back seat big enough for adults. As a result, the Challenger is heavier and less nimble around a racetrack or through a curvy canyon.
Ford Mustang vs. BMW 2 Series
OK, so the BMW 2 Series isn't a muscle car, but it has some selling points worth noting. Unlike the big V8 in the Mustang, even the 2 Series' optional turbocharged inline-six gets impressive fuel economy. The BMW is also a bit more refined, with a nicer interior and a comfortable ride, even with sporty handling characteristics. If you want an unconventional alternative to the big American V8 coupe, this is it.
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Edmunds Track Tested: 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt
by Kurt Niebuhr , Vehicle Test Editor • October 9th, 2019Decked out in classic Dark Highland Green paint and equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, our 2019 Mustang Bullitt test car had all the right boxes checked. However, the manual transmission's gearing has grown taller during this generation, depriving stick-shift V8 Mustangs of the eager, revvy feel they once had. To wit, our departed long-term 2015 Mustang GT manual featured a 7,000-rpm redline and a 3.73 final-drive ratio, which had it hitting redline in second gear at 61 mph. The 2019 Bullitt manual has the same 3.73 final drive and 400 more revs on the counter thanks to the slightly updated V8, so you'd think second would top out in the mid-60s somewhere — but instead, you're approaching 80 mph by the time you need to grab third. That means the gearbox ratios are a lot taller than they were a few years ago, which in turn explains why the new car doesn't have the same ferocious energy when you're running through the gears.
But would it make a difference at our test track? Here's another factor to keep in mind — per the track notes, "1-2-3-4 synchros were lunched. Clutch was DOA." Not the best-case scenario all around, then. Nonetheless, until we can borrow a Bullitt that's less broken, we're bringing you all of our performance numbers on this particular example, plus exclusive driving impressions from the best testing crew in the business.
For reference, when we tested a manual-transmission 2019 Mustang GT convertible with no reported transmission or clutch issues, we clocked it at 5.0 seconds to 60 and 13.0 seconds at 111.4 mph in the quarter-mile. That car weighed about 150 pounds more and is rated at 460 horsepower to the Bullitt's 480 hp. The specifications are close, but a healthy Bullitt should edge out a GT convertible every time.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Performance Testing Results
Price as tested: $52,885
Date of test: 3/11/2019
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Odometer: 8,738
Powertrain: 5.0L V8 | 6-Speed Manual | RWD
Horsepower: 480 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
2019 Mustang Bullitt Acceleration
| Acceleration Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 0-30 mph | 2.3 sec |
| 0-45 mph | 3.4 sec |
| 0-60 mph | 5.1 sec |
| 0-75 mph | 6.7 sec |
| Quarter-mile | 13.1 sec @ 110.9 mph |
| 0-60 mph w/1 ft rollout | 4.9 sec |
"Only the first run seemed to be without any clutch issues, but the third- and fourth-gear synchros were already done for. There's a decent amount of traction from a stop and almost no need to feather the throttle all the way through first gear. Grabbing second broke the tires loose but the car stayed straight — not all V8 coupes do — and let me focus on the tach. This thing sounds amazeballs, especially over 7k rpm. But the gearing is way, way too tall. Second went well over 70 miles an hour and once I crunched into third, I could use that gear through the quarter mile. I think it goes to 115? Silly. But it's probably for the best, as any shift into fourth got another nasty crunch and highlighted a slipping clutch that would cause the revs to hang. That started costing 3-4 mph on each run. Poor car has had a hard life."
2019 Mustang Bullitt Braking
| Braking Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 30-0 mph | 27 ft |
| 60-0 mph | 113 ft |
"Lots of confidence and the brakes felt stronger than the numbers reflect. Maybe that's down to the cool track surface temperatures and/or a bit of dust from resurfacing. Excellent pedal feel, but it takes a strong press to keep it down and fight against the ABS. Great seats keep you from sliding forward. Not much dive, but just enough to remind you how hard you're stopping. No fade but some brake stink, for sure."
2019 Mustang Bullitt Handling
| Handling Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Skidpad, 200-ft diameter | 1.00 g |
"Pilot Sport 4S tires are amazing. There's tons of grip, but their grip is predictable and the loss of it feels safe and gradual. The front washes out first, but the car never felt nose-heavy. Decent visibility, too. The steering doesn't feel super-accurate but it's quick to react, and the car can be placed with some precision. Nicely responsive to throttle inputs. The throttle itself is well-calibrated to be smooth and allows for minor inputs, even in Track mode. Multi-mode steering doesn't feel remarkably different from one to the next, but Track is definitely stiffer than Comfort. Sport and Track limit body roll just a bit more but keep the ride civil — it's never bouncy and stupid. Even total lifts off the throttle at the end of the run saw the rear tires stay in line. Definitely lacks really high-limit handling but it's still fun, easy and capable."
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Vehicle Details
Drivetrain
Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive
Engine Type: Conventional Gasoline
Engine Configuration: V8
Engine Displacement (liters): 5.0
Engine Induction Type: Naturally Aspirated
Indicated Redline: 7,400
Actual Redline (rev limit): 7,400
Fuel Type: 91 octane
Transmission Type: Manual
Transmission Speeds: 6
Paddle Shifters: No
Downshift Rev Match/Throttle Blip: Yes
Holds Gears at Rev Limiter: N/A
Curb Weight and Weight Distribution
Curb weight as tested (lbs): 3,853
Weight L/F (lbs): 996
Weight L/R (lbs): 910
Weight R/F (lbs): 1,093
Weight R/R (lbs): 854
Weight distribution, front (%): 54.2
Brakes
ABS Type: Full ABS
Brake Rotor Type - Front: 1-Piece Disc
Brake Rotor (other) - Front: Vented
Brake Caliper Type - Front: Fixed
Brake Pistons - Front: 6
Brake Rotor Type - Rear: 1-Piece Disc
Brake Rotor (other) - Rear: Vented
Brake Caliper Type - Rear: Sliding
Brake Pistons - Rear: 1
Parking Brake: Hand
Tires
Tire pressure spec - Front: 32
Tire pressure spec - Rear: 32
Tire Make: Michelin
Tire Model: Pilot Sport 4S
Tire Tread: Asymmetrical
Tire Type: Regular
Tire Season: Summer
Tire Size (sidewall) - Front: 255/40 ZR19 100Y
Tire Size (sidewall) - Rear: 275/40 ZR19 105Y
Spare Tire Type: Sealant plus inflator
Tire Treadwear Rating: 300
Tire Temperature Rating: A
Tire Traction Rating: AA
About the Driver
Kurt is involved with performance testing, vehicle evaluation and writing reviews. Fourteen-year-old Kurt would be pretty stoked — current Kurt is pretty stoked, too.
FAQ
Is the Ford Mustang a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Mustang both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. You probably care about Ford Mustang fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Mustang gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Mustang has 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Mustang. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Ford Mustang?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Ford Mustang:
- New EcoBoost (four-cylinder) Handling package available
- Increased engine output with EcoBoost Performance package
- FordPass Connect now standard on all Mustangs
- Part of the sixth Mustang generation introduced for 2015
Is the Ford Mustang reliable?
To determine whether the Ford Mustang is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Mustang. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Mustang's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Ford Mustang a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Ford Mustang is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Mustang and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Mustang is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Ford Mustang?
The least-expensive 2020 Ford Mustang is the 2020 Ford Mustang BULLITT 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $46,705.
Other versions include:
- BULLITT 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) which starts at $46,705
What are the different models of Ford Mustang?
If you're interested in the Ford Mustang, the next question is, which Mustang model is right for you? Mustang variants include BULLITT 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M). For a full list of Mustang models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more