Much like the original Ford Mustang debuted before the traditional start of the model year, the 2024 Ford Mustang debuted halfway through 2023, shortening the model year for the 2023 Mustang and leaving it to basically stretch out the 2022 model year.
Some of the 2022 sporty model’s features didn’t make the jump, including a couple Limited Editions (most notably the awesome Shelby GT500 model) and their corresponding colors, leaving the 2023 Mustang to soldier on with the established equipment levels and 4-cylinder and V8 engines from 2022.
Meanwhile, Ford used the new model year for some last-minute housekeeping of its showrooms in preparation for the arrival of the new tenant in summer of 2023.
1. 2023 Ford Mustang
- Iconic sporty profile
- Lowest priced convertible
- Only car in Ford stable
- Trim: EcoBoost, GT, Mach 1
- Make: Ford
- Model: Mustang
- Segment: Muscle Cars
- Engine/Motor: 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 5.0-liter V8
- Horsepower: 310-470 hp
- Torque: 350-410 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Transmission: 6-speed manual / 10-speed auto
- MSRP: From $27,770
- Powerful engines
- Nostalgic design
- Affordable price tags
- Styling getting old, especially inside
- Really tight rear seat, even for kids
- No notable model-year upgrades
Excellent Engines Perform Wonders in 2023 Ford Mustang
Whether buyers opt for the iconic 5.0-liter V8 or the turbocharged “four,” they’re going to get a fine-performing Mustang.
The EcoBoost Fastback and Convertible use the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 310 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, and 350 lb-ft peaking at 3,000 rpm. A High Performance version (available only for the coupe) boosts horsepower to 330, elevating the peak to 6,000 rpm.
The GT, also available in Fastback and Convertible, squeezes out 450 hp, peaking at 7,000 rpm, from the 5.0-liter dual overhead cam V8, which generates 410 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm.
With the phasing out of the 760-hp Shelby 500GT in 2022, the Mach 1 becomes the power player in the Mustang line-up. It uses the same Coyote V8 of the GT, with power tweaked to 470 hp, peaking at 7,250 and leaving torque unchanged.
All 2023 Mustangs get standard six-speed manual transmissions. The EcoBoost and GT models use Gertrag six-speeds, while the Mach 1 employs a Tremec transmission with slightly higher gear ratios. Ford’s 10-speed automatic (with SelectShift steering wheel paddles on GT and Mach 1 models) is optional.
2023 Mustang Traditional RWD Power Controlled Through Modern Means
The traditional pony-car design features a long hood and short rear deck, with a powerful engine at the front and power put to the pavement at the rear.
The final drive ratio is 3.31:1 in the EcoBoost (3.15 with automatic transmission), with the limited slip rear axle. Moving up to the Torsen limited-slip differential improves the final drive to 3.55 (3.73 in GT and Mach 1).
Each automatic Mustang lets its driver choose how the car behaves in certain situations through the use of five driver-selectable modes – Normal, Sport, Snow/Wet, Track and Drag Strip – with a computer adjusting settings for ride, throttle response, traction control, exhaust note and steering response (further tailored through a steering wheel button between normal, comfort and sport, available on all Mustangs).
The Ford Mustang Is Equally At Home On The Track As On The Street
An optional High-Performance version of the EcoBoost adds a host of functional features, including 19" x 9" aluminum wheels shod with 255/40R19 performance tires, active valve performance exhaust, larger radiator, front strut-tower brace, heavy-duty front springs, larger rear sway bar, larger brake discs with four-piston fixed calipers, and upgraded tuning to the chassis, steering, ABS and stability control.
The optional Handling add-on takes tires up to 265/40R19 Pirellis mounted on half-inch wider wheels, and adds the Torsen rear diff, MagneRide active suspension and Brembo six-piston front calipers.
Ford’s standard Co-Pilot adds a host of safety features to take the guesswork out of emergency avoidance. Among the add-ons are blind spot alerts, lane-keeping assist, front collision warning and pedestrian detection with emergency braking. Optionally, Ford’s Safe & Smart Package adds adaptive cruise control, voice-activated touchscreen navigation System and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.
2023 Mustang Interior Is In Dire Need Of An Update
As Edmunds puts it, the Ford Mustang is one of those rare breeds that adds equal parts of style and performance, though at this point in its model cycle, the interior is past its prime. The standard cloth seats in the base EcoBoost models are still attractively simple and supportive, but the plastic all around them is in dire need of an update.
It gets a boost from the High-Performance engine variant, with “Engine Spun” aluminum instrument panel trim and a gauge pack (oil pressure and boost), leather wrapped steering wheel and paddle shifters for the automatic transmission.
A four-way adjustable driver’s seat is standard fare for tailoring ideal driving positions, but the rear buckets are tight even for children, and get tighter in the convertible when shoulder space decreases due to the requirements for stowing the fabric top.
Some Special Editions Carry On In 2023 Ford Mustang
Carrying on with some of the 2022 special editions allows the 2023 Mustang to stay relevant with consumers, though the aging, carryover presentation will undoubtedly impact new-car sales as buyers wait and see what a new Mustang offers.
Among the carry-overs are the Ice White Appearance package that harkens back to the 1993 Triple White Fox Mustang (of which there were only 1,500 convertibles made), is the first white-on-white Mustang since, and the first Fastback. It features exclusive Oxford White body, badging and wheels, and clear “iced” tail lamps.
Inside, there are Oxford White leather seats and door inserts, white accent stitching for black leather trim, and a white aluminum appliqué on the dash.
A Stealth Edition adds black wheels, mirror caps and pony badges, a performance rear wing and clear taillamps on the outside, a lighted door sill, and matte and gloss black trim on the instrument panel.
The Coastal package features machined darkened wheels, unique striping, signature rear-fender side scoops, gloss black grille, unique rear spoiler, and Coastal lighted door sill and instrument panel badge.
Ford Mustang Is Still One Of The Best Sports Car Bargains
The convertible features one of the easiest-to-work double-lined fabric roofs in the business and still owns the title of America’s best-selling convertible, with a price point only slightly higher than the much smaller Mazda Miata two-seater.
Prices start at $30,920 for the EcoBoost Fastback and rise to $33,270 for the convertible version. The Mustang GT starts at $38,345, rises to $43,365 for the GT Premium Fastback (Mustang’s most popular model) and tops out at $48,865 for Mustang GT Premium Convertible.
The Mustang Mach 1 finishes off the line, with an entry point of $56,570, rising to $58,665 for the Mach 1 Premium version.