2021 Ford Mustang Review

Name: 2021 Ford Mustang Review
Brand: Ford

Price Range: $21,990 - $50,590

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe Exterior. Options Shown.

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe Exterior. High Performance Package Shown.

2021 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe Exterior

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From a base EcoBoost all the way up to a decked-out V8-powered GT, the Ford Mustang provides ample amounts of style and performance. It also makes the appropriate nods to the Mustang's heritage while staying current with the latest technology features. Among today's muscle cars, the Mustang is hard to beat.

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2021 Ford Mustang Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Strong power from both the four-cylinder and V8 engines
Civilized ride and low noise levels
Cabin blends modern convenience with retro style

Cons

Impractical back seat
Performance-package ride quality can be harsh
Long, heavy doors and mediocre cabin access

What's new

480-horsepower, track-focused Mach 1 is available
EcoBoost and GT models come standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver aids
Bullitt model has been discontinued
Previously optional Level 2 Performance package has been discontinued
Part of the sixth Mustang generation introduced for 2015

Overview

For more than 55 years, the Mustang has built a reputation for stirring performance at prices that the average shopper could afford. Sure, there have been countless improvements along the way, but the tried-and-true formula of two doors, lots of power and rear-wheel drive remains. This doesn't include the curiously named Mustang Mach-E, which is a completely different all-electric, four-door quasi sedan/SUV.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$192/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

There are a few changes for the 2021 Ford Mustang. The Bullitt edition is gone, but in return Ford has brought back another historically inspired version: the Mach 1. This revived Mach 1 is the most well-rounded and capable yet and fills in the gap between the GT and the monstrous GT500. It comes standard with many of the performance features that are optional on the GT plus specifically tuned MagneRide adaptive shock absorbers and an available Mach 1-specific Handling package for even greater capability. The Mach 1 also gets a 20-horsepower bump over the standard GT (up to 480 hp from 460 hp) and can be had with the six-speed manual from the GT350 or a quick shifting 10-speed automatic. This Mach 1 is definitely more than just a nostalgic sticker pack.

Overall, the Mustang remains our top muscle car pick, eclipsing the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Charger. How does it do that? Check out our Expert Rating below to read our in-depth evaluation.

What's it like to live with?

Want more real-world information? Check out our long-term test of a 2019 Mustang GT Convertible where we cover the ownership experience over the course of a year. Many of our observations still apply to the current Mustang, whether it's a drop-top or coupe.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the Mustang drive? The Mustang GT is impressively quick thanks to its gutsy V8. The brakes are also fittingly firm, giving you plenty of confidence to brake hard. In Edmunds' testing, the GT covered 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and stopped from 60 mph in 118 feet.

The steering effort changes depending on the drive mode you've selected. Regardless of mode, there's a good amount of feedback for the driver. Even without high-performance summer tires, the Mustang handles corners well thanks to well-managed body roll and impressive overall stability. The 10-speed automatic works very well too. It picks the best gearing without seeming overly busy.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Mustang? You'll be comfortable for hours in the Mustang, which is quite a feat considering how performance-focused this car is. The seats offer great support and the cabin is fairly quiet. The V8 sounds great, which is precisely what you'll want to hear.

The climate controls are front and center, and well-placed vents evenly distribute cooled air for front passengers. The automatic climate control rarely needs any adjustment once set. The ventilated seats are quick to cool you down on hot days and keep you comfy on long drives.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The controls are thoughtfully placed, and there are enough adjustments in the steering wheel and driver's seat for most owners to find a comfortable driving position. The Mustang's doors are long, which means they're hard to open fully in a tight parking space. Rear passengers will have a hard time stepping past the folded-forward seat when they're squeezing into the back.

Backseat space is limited even for children. Outward visibility is pretty good, though, with relatively narrow windshield pillars and a large enough rear window for a near-full view of what's behind you.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Muscle cars don't exactly scream "high tech," but the Mustang gets high marks for the availability of newer features. Ford's Sync interface has top-notch voice controls, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. The optional digital instrument panel not only looks cool, but it is functional and is a great secondary control screen.

The advanced safety features (blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, etc.) are well tuned to avoid false alarms. The forward collision warning is appropriately startling. The adaptive cruise control executes with smooth inputs and maintains the set speeds on steep downhills.

Storage

6.5/10

How’s the storage? The Mustang has a sizable lead in cargo capacity over the Camaro, but the Challenger still has the most. The 13.5-cubic-foot trunk has a wide opening and a low liftover height. Two golf bags can fit across the back with the standard stereo.

Inside, there's just enough space for personal items but not much else. The cupholders and door pockets are merely average. Installing a child's car seat will be tough because of the limited backseat space and the restricted room you have to load it in.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? Fuel economy for the V8-powered Mustang GT is about average for the class. We managed 23.6 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, but it took a lot of restraint to get there. That explains our 15.1 mpg average over the full two-week test time.

Value

7/10

Is the Mustang a good value? In the muscle car category, pricing for the Big Three is pretty much neck and neck. Ford's basic and powertrain warranties are also average for the class. Free scheduled maintenance is not included with the Mustang, though you do get roadside assistance.

Wildcard

9/10

The Mustang GT, even without any performance options, is a hoot to drive. It's stable and fast, yet you can also make it a tail-sliding hooligan machine if you want to. The available active exhaust adds an amazing sound to the car and encourages you to drive it hard. It's capable of raucous performance yet it's also a pleasant daily driver. That means it can fit your personality or mood on the fly.

Which Mustang does Edmunds recommend?

For the authentic muscle car experience, we recommend the GT trim that comes with a burly V8 engine. We also suggest sticking with the manual transmission for the full effect, even though the Mustang is marginally quicker and more efficient with the automatic.

2021 Ford Mustang models

The 2021 Ford Mustang is available in five main trim levels: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and Mach 1. The standard body style is a two-door coupe. A folding fabric-top convertible version is also offered in all but the Mach 1 trim. Convertibles add more security features and active noise cancellation, but the rear seatbacks are not foldable. There's also the Shelby GT500 that's such a giant leap forward in performance that we cover it in a separate review.

EcoBoost
The entry-level Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque). A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is available as an option. Feature highlights include:

17-inch wheels
Rain-sensing wipers
Limited-slip rear differential
Line lock (locks the front wheel brakes to allow for drag-strip burnouts)
Keyless entry and ignition
Wi-Fi hotspot
Remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app
4.2-inch center display
Six-speaker audio system
Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high beams

The 2.3L High Performance package is available for the EcoBoost and Premium trims. It adds:

Increased power output of 332 hp
19-inch wheels with performance tires
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Upgraded brakes
Sport suspension
Shorter rear differential gear ratio
Active exhaust system
Paddle shifters (automatic only)
Unique exterior and interior trim elements

The EcoBoost Handling package can be added to the High Performance engine option and adds:

Wider wheels and tires
Larger rear spoiler
Torsen limited-slip differential
Adaptive suspension dampers (MagneRide)

EcoBoost Premium
Adds many convenience, technology and comfort features, such as:

18-inch wheels
Heated mirrors
Upgraded interior materials
Partial leather upholstery
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
8-inch touchscreen
Nine-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Heated and ventilated front seats
Interior ambient lighting

GT
The GT trim receives a 5.0-liter V8 (460 hp, 420 lb-ft). A six-speed manual is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is optional. The GT has the same features as the standard EcoBoost trim and further adds:

18-inch wheels
Rear parking sensors
Upgraded brakes
Rev-matched downshifts (manual transmission)
Power-adjustable driver's seat

GT Premium
Includes the EcoBoost Premium features plus full leather upholstery.

Both GT trims are eligible for the GT Performance package that adds:

19-inch wheels with performance tires
Brembo brakes
Sport suspension
Torsen limited-slip differential

Mach 1
The new Mach 1 model increases power output to 480 hp. Compared to the base GT, you get:

Special 19-inch wheels with performance tires
Special active exhaust system
Mach 1-specific sport suspension with adaptive dampers
Mach 1-specific styling details
Brembo brakes
8-inch touchscreen
Digital gauge cluster display
Nine-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Dual-zone automatic climate control

Besides several aesthetic and mechanical enhancements pulled from the Shelby GT500, you get:

Upgraded features from the GT Performance package
Unique active exhaust system
Digital instrument panel
Cue-ball shift knob (manual transmission)

All Mustangs are eligible for the Ford Safe and Smart package that includes:

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Navigation system

Some extra features that come with the Premium trims, such as the 8-inch touchscreen, are available on the base EcoBoost and GT trims as options. Other significant optional upgrades include:

12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
Recaro front sport seats (heating and cooling is not available)
Heated steering wheel
Exterior and interior styling packages (e.g., the Pony package)
Mach 1 Handling package (wider wheels and tires, adjustable top front strut mounts, and special front bumper and rear spoiler)

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#23 out of 28 among Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford Mustang from 2008-2022.}

$503/yr

vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.84x/yr

vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

15.9%

vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Ford Mustang.

5 (84%)

4 (8%)

3 (2%)

2 (2%)

1 (4%)

4.7

37 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

EcoBoost High Performance Package Above The Rest

Jason D. , 12/31/2019

2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I bought the 2020 EcoBoost HPP 3 Months ago. Was the first owner of one in my state. This car can move. It has a lot of power and accelerates very quickly. It handles corners very strongly and blind spots are non existent. Feels great when accelerating and on corners. Loaded with modern convenience. Never have I had more compliments on any vehicle I’ve ever owned in 43 years. I would buy …

OUTSTANDING

MAENUN, 04/04/2020

2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I have this car now 4 months, 6000 miles! Best car ever i have last 50 years! Perfect for me, pleasure, also functional for my daily needs! Shopping! Nice car, perfect for me and my wife, not to expensive, lot of fun for the money!

Number of cylinders is irrelevant

Simon Stang, 10/24/2021

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I just picked up a '21 base model ecoboost to use as a daily driver. I was looking for something fun, comfortable, nice looking, and good MPG. The ecoboost ticked every box. Some people may roll their eyes at a 4 cylinder but don't let the number of cylinders fool you, it has more than enough power to be fun and still get 30 MPG! I absolutely love this car. If getting from Point A …

Great ride!

Mark, 04/30/2021

2021 Ford Mustang GT Premium 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M)

Perfect mix of power, handling, and great looks.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Ford Mustang, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mustang since its last redesign.

See all 37 reviews of the Ford Mustang

Write a vehicle review

2021 Ford Mustang videos

Drag Race! Shelby GT500 vs. Mustang Mach 1 | Which Mustang Is the Fastest Mustang?

2021 Mustang Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

EcoBoost

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$27,155
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$192/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Mustang models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.3%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Acceptable
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Ford Mustang Review

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2021 Ford Mustang Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Mustang does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Ford Mustang models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

EcoBoost High Performance Package Above The Rest

OUTSTANDING

Number of cylinders is irrelevant

Great ride!

2021 Ford Mustang videos

2021 Mustang Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2dr Coupe (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}