From Cruiser To Track Bruiser. Few vehicles on the market offer the same wide range of performance as the 2022 Ford Mustang. With the available packages, the Mustang is available with five different engines. That kind of range ensures that Ford offers a Mustang for everyone, whether you plan on using your sports car for a relaxed Sunday cruise or for regular track days.
The base four-cylinder engine may be lacking four cylinders from Ford’s iconic V8 engines, but it still packs a punch. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder makes up to 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque with the High Performance Package. It delivers peppy acceleration with a zero-to-60 mph time in the mid-5-second range, which is plenty quick for most people.
Speed demons should look into the Mustang’s available V8 engines. The base 5.0-liter V8 is hardly a base engine with 450 hp and a sound that will wake the dead. The Mach 1 raises the bar with 470 hp and also adds track-oriented suspension, sticky Michelin tires, and an aggressive body kit.
For drivers that live at the track, the Shelby GT500 is the way to go. It boasts a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. It will get to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, has a top speed of 180 mph, and offers enough grip to make you sick. It’s the king of Mustangs.
Modern Where It Counts. Unlike the Chevrolet Camaro or the Dodge Challenger, the Mustang comes with a long list of standard safety features. The Mustang comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite as standard equipment, bringing a useful suite of tech.
Forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring are all standard. The Camaro and Challenger only come with a rearview camera.
While we cover the Mustang Mach-E separately, we feel compelled to point out that Ford does offer the nameplate in an all-electric variant – even if the electric SUV isn’t really a true Mustang. The gas-powered Mustang isn’t a heavy drinker, carrying a combined fuel economy rating of up to 25 mpg with the base four-cylinder.
Base Trim Lacks Features. We think most people will be fine with the Mustang’s base engine, but the base trim has a pitiful list of standard features that makes it hard to recommend. Spending some extra money to move up to a higher trim is well worth the added cost.
The standard Mustang EcoBoost Fastback comes with a tiny 4.2-inch display with outdated graphics and Ford’s SYNC infotainment system. Compared to what higher trims come with, this is a disappointing infotainment system. The Mustang is available with an eight-inch touchscreen, Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
While the base infotainment system makes the Mustang feel old, the interior is also to blame for the issue. Regardless of trim, every model comes with hard plastics that feel low quality.
Performance Over Comfort. Despite having four seats, the Mustang is a true sports car. That means that the rear seats aren’t usable by adults and are even cramped for taller kids. The Mustang is a far better vehicle when used as a two-seater.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on how much cargo you bring, as the coupe only offers up to 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The convertible is even tighter with a trunk that has 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space. We’d keep the rear seats folded as much as possible to allow for a way to store more cargo.
For track use, the available Recaro seats do an incredible job of holding you tight during cornering. The sport seats are heavily bolstered, though, which can be uncomfortable for long drives and for larger drivers. The Recaro seats also lack padding. You’ll want to try out these seats at a dealership if you can before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts. There’s nothing quite like the 2022 Ford Mustang. Other vehicles may have more power and other options may offer sharper handling, but no other American sports car offers the recognizable design, accessible performance, and safety features as the Mustang. Regardless of trim and powertrain, the Mustang is an exciting sports car.
In comparison, the Dodge Challenger has spacious seating for up to five people, up to 807 horsepower, a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.25 seconds, a top speed of 203 mph, and serious drag racing performance. The Chevrolet Camaro can throw punches with the Mustang in nearly every category but offers sharper handling and a bolder design.
