The Ford Mustang arrives for 2022 with minimal changes for its eighth model year on sale. Despite not receiving any major changes since its introduction in 2015, the 2022 Mustang largely remains a carryover model except for the addition of two new appearance packages. The new model year arrives with a new Stealth Edition Package and a new California Special Package.
With muscular lines, bulging fenders, and noticeable badges, the Mustang continues to sport an iconic design. A large grille opening, slim headlights, and hood vents give the Mustang an aggressive face. The rear end is just as sporty with three vertical taillights on each side, large exhaust outlets, and an available large rear spoiler.
For 2022, the Stealth Edition and California Special Packages add some unique elements to the sports car. The Stealth Edition is available on the EcoBoost Premium trim and brings clear taillights, 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, black exterior trim, and a badge in the instrument cluster. The California Special Package includes black badges, scoops on the rear fenders, stripes, and grille. Additional equipment with the package includes a strut tower brace, a spoiler, and suede interior trim.
On the inside, the Mustang has a few retro design elements that are incorporated into a modern cabin. The toggle switches, circular vents, and gauges on the dashboard are all classic design elements. Because of the Mustang’s sweeping design, the sports car offers a cramped set of rear seats that are hard to get into.
As a carryover model, we expect the 2022 Mustang to come with all of the same tech features as the current sports car. Standard features should include a 4.2-inch display, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and six audio speakers. An eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, two USB ports, an HD Radio, and satellite radio will be optional.
For 2022, the Mustang is expected to be available with the same engines as the current model. The standard engine will be a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that’s rated at 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The available High Performance Package raises power to 332 hp. Two 5.0-liter V8 engines will be available. In the GT, the V8 makes 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, while the Mach 1 produces 480 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. All of these engines are available with a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The range-topping Shelby GT500 comes with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that’s rated at 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The current Mustang comes standard with Ford’s suite of advanced safety features that are called Co-Pilot360. Standard features on the Mustang include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors are optional on the current model. In crash testing, the 2021 Mustang earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The vehicle missed out on an award from the IIHS. Without any changes, we expect the 2022 Mustang to earn the same safety ratings.
