The 2025 Mustang Dark Horse is capable of remarkable handling and impressive braking, provided you equip it the right way. With a 500-horsepower V8 and a tech-filled interior, the Dark Horse is an impressive machine, though it comes with a steep asking price.Read full review
With the discontinuation of both the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro, it's fair to say the Ford Mustang is the last muscle car standing. Available with a turbocharged four-cylinder or the traditional 5.0-liter V8, the Mustang can be had in a broad array of trim levels for a wide variety of buyers. For 2025, Ford adds a new level of Mustang to the selection: the GTD. Drawing heavy inspiration from its Mustang GT3 race car sibling, the GTD is packed with race car goodies such as a pushrod-actuated suspension, adjustable dampers and a rear transaxle (this combines the transmission and rear differential into one compact unit). Oh, and it also features a racetrack-scorching supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine with upward of 800 horsepower for good measure.
Once the engine of choice for both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike, the V8-powered car is now a fairly rare thing. But the Mustang continues to offer the tried-and-true powerplant and does so in three versions. In the GT a 5.0-liter V8 makes 480 hp, and in the high-performance Dark Horse it cranks out an even 500 hp. For 2025, the GTD offers a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 — similar to the engine in the much-missed GT500 — that will make a whopping 800-plus horsepower. As a bonus, Ford still offers a six-speed manual transmission for the GT and Dark Horse versions.
Competitors to consider
The BMW 2 Series offers a back seat and a useful trunk as well as a high-performance version to keep up with the Mustang GT. There's also the Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z, though both of these cars lack back seats and as much practicality as the Mustang. You might also consider waiting for the gas-powered version of the new Dodge Challenger. Check out our test team's thorough review of the Mustang in the Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr
Good
8.0
out of 10
We drove the 2025 Ford Mustang on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
9/10
How does the Mustang Dark Horse drive? Somewhat disappointingly, the Dark Horse is not much quicker than the Mustang GT in a straight line. During our instrumented testing, our manual-equipped test car sprinted to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and raced down the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds at 111.6 mph. That's only 0.2 second quicker to 60 and essentially identical through the quarter mile than a manual transmission-equipped Mustang GT we tested earlier. But the Dark Horse wasn't built to win drag races — it was built for track days.
Our test car was equipped with the optional Handling package and, among other modifications, that means it was shod with the stickiest of Pirelli rubber. As a result, the Dark Horse delivered a hugely impressive 1.12 g on our skidpad, putting it firmly in the realm of more exotic and expensive sports cars. Braking numbers, too, were just shy of amazing. Stopping from 60 mph in just 94 feet, the Dark Horse is only out-stopped by the Porsche 911 GT3, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the C7-generation Corvette ZR1.
Put it all together and the Dark Horse rewards the driver with loads of confidence and speed. The brakes resisted fade over numerous hard laps, while the Dark Horse's chassis and suspension modifications allowed drivers to fully exploit all the grip of the Pirelli Trofeo RS tires. We only wish the steering provided more feel and feedback through the wheel. In more relaxed driving situations, the Dark Horse is as benign and easy to drive as a standard Mustang GT. The six-speed manual transmission's shift action is positive, direct and a great match for the Dark Horse's character.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Mustang Dark Horse? Thanks to its standard MagneRide adaptive dampers, the Dark Horse manages to deliver a fairly smooth ride even with its impressive performance potential. The optional Recaro sport seats are also pretty comfortable even considering their extra bolstering, though they lack the Mustang's otherwise available heating and ventilation functions.
Enthusiasts will likely have no problem with interior noise levels in the Dark Horse. There is tire and road noise from the wide tires, but the rest of the cabin is fairly well insulated. The various exhaust settings can be tailored from mild to wild, and we didn't encounter any droning over longer highway drives.
We're less keen on the Mustang's climate system design. The air vents don't offer enough adjustment or airflow, and some of the system's controls are touchscreen-based, which is inconvenient.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Our test car had the optional Recaro front seats. Their thick bolsters can make it hard to get in and out without sliding the seat back. And, as expected, the Mustang's rear seats are cramped, especially when it comes to headroom, though they should work out OK for children on shorter trips. The Mustang's long doors can make it difficult to get in and out in tighter parking situations.
Whichever seats you choose, you will enjoy a driving position that works well for both road and track driving. Visibility over the largely flat hood is good, but the front roof pillars are thick and can block some of your view on tighter roads. The side mirrors are also too small for a car the size of a Mustang.
Once inside, the Dark Horse presents its occupants with a fully digital dashboard and a minimal assortment of buttons. Previously, the steering wheel in Mustangs has been overcrowded with controls so we're glad to see Ford has streamlined the layout. Most of the other functions and settings are accessible through the large digital infotainment screen. It can be a bit of a stretch for some drivers, but the screen is easy to read, fast-acting and fairly intuitive. The Mustang won't take most owners long to figure out.
Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A/X/Z Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title, and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A/X/Z Plan.
How’s the tech? Facing the driver is a 12.4-inch digital instrument panel joined to a 13.2-inch touchscreen powered by Ford's Sync 4 system. The instrument panel has a multitude of configurations, while the touchscreen is easy to read, fast-acting and features a menu structure that's relatively straightforward. We found the navigation system quick and efficient.
The Dark Horse's standard 12-speaker B&O audio system is less impressive. It can crank out decent volume but lacks nuance once you turn it up. Of course, there's always the 5.0-liter V8 to listen to. A wireless charging pad is available, and there's an assortment of USB charging ports within easy reach.
Equipped with standard driver assist tech like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and lane keeping assistance, the Dark Horse is about average among sports cars in the segment. Most of the systems worked well in our testing. The exception was the lane keeping system that had a difficult time keeping the Dark Horse centered, resulting in ping-ponging back and forth between the lane lines.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The Dark Horse maintains all the usability of a standard Mustang, making it totally capable of being a daily driver and errand runner. Though the opening is a little oddly shaped, the trunk makes the most of its capacity — 13.5 cubic feet, far more than the Camaro's 9.1 cubes — to hold golf bags or suitcases with ease. It's also more practical than the hatchback trunks of the Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z.
Interior storage space is also identical to a standard Mustang's. You'll find enough room for sunglasses, a phone and drinks, and everything stays secure during spirited driving. Car seats can be accommodated, but you will likely struggle to fit them inside.
How economical is the Mustang Dark Horse? With an EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined (14 city/22 highway) the Dark Horse is far from fuel-efficient. Over our 115-mile evaluation loop, we extracted 18 mpg from the 500-horsepower V8. It's worth noting that the 10-speed automatic transmission and six-speed manual have identical EPA estimates. As with any sports car, if you drive it with any vigor, expect to get fuel economy in the low teens.
Value
7/10
Is the Mustang Dark Horse a good value? This is the tricky bit for the Dark Horse. Unless you're in the market for a turn-key trackable Mustang, the Dark Horse's starting price of just over $60K is a little expensive. As optioned, our Dark Horse Premium stickered at $73,650. That's more expensive than a top-of-the-line Toyota GR Supra, Nissan Z Nismo and Chevy Camaro SS 1LE. While we know the Dark Horse is all about performance, its interior materials just aren't up to snuff for its price tag.
Warranties are fairly standard with bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage of three years/36,000 and five years/60,000 miles, respectively. Complimentary maintenance is not included but roadside assistance is covered for five years/60,000 miles.
Wildcard
9/10
If you're looking for a very well sorted and very fast Mustang and have zero interest in adding any aftermarket parts to do so, the Dark Horse is arguably the best Mustang. Brimming with attitude and capability, the Dark Horse still manages to be fairly comfortable and practical while you pass the time waiting for your next track day.
On the inside, the Mustang offers a much-needed update from previous generations and should satisfy the needs of more tech-savvy buyers without being overly difficult to use. Add one of the best six-speed manual transmissions on sale today and the noise from that 5.0-liter V8 and you've got an instant classic on your hands.
Which Mustang does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the GT version of the Ford Mustang if it fits your budget. The EcoBoost turbo-four engine is strong, but it doesn't compare to the GT's V8. The 5.0-liter powerplant churns out 480 horsepower (165 more hp than the EcoBoost) while unleashing a throaty soundtrack. And unlike the EcoBoost engine, the V8 can be paired with the 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. For additional performance, make sure to get the GT Performance package.
The owners of the 2025 Ford Mustang feel mostly positive about its performance, style, and how fun it is to drive. They love the powerful engine, say that it handles well, and enjoy the sporty design. However, some owners mentioned quality issues, like interior noises, technology glitches, and a few problems with the car windows or software. Overall, while the Mustang impresses with its driving experience and style, some owners wish for improved technology and attention to detail.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
Edmunds U-Drags: Ford Mustang Dark Horse vs. Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing | Quarter Mile, Handling, More
Welcome back to Edmunds U-Drags, our series of down-and-back drag races that incorporate a standing quarter mile, handling, and a rolling start all in one race! In this episode, two American sports cars do battle as the Ford Mustang Dark Horse takes on the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing.
Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A/X/Z Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title, and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A/X/Z Plan.
Safety
Key safety features on the Mustang include:
Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
4 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
7.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
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
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
FAQ
Is the Ford Mustang a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Mustang both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. 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 2025 Ford Mustang?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Ford Mustang:
Race car-inspired Mustang GTD will feature 800 hp and cost over $300K
No other significant changes for 2025
Part of the seventh Mustang generation introduced for 2024
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 2025 Ford Mustang a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Ford Mustang is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Mustang and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Mustang is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Ford Mustang?
The least-expensive 2025 Ford Mustang is the 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $63,080.
Other versions include:
Dark Horse 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M) which starts at $63,080
If you're interested in the Ford Mustang, the next question is, which Mustang model is right for you? Mustang variants include Dark Horse 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 6M). For a full list of Mustang models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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