2021 Ford Mustang

The biggest news for the new Ford Mustang lineup is the return of Mach 1 (reviewed separately). Ford has made Co-Pilot 360 standard that includes the latest safety aids across the Mustang models. The Coupe has a room for four adults but the rear passengers might feel a bit uncomfortable due to the sloping roofline and limited headroom. At 13.5 cubic feet, the trunk space is still decent for the dimension. The popular Mustang rivals against the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro, and BMW M2 competition. 

The 2021 Mustang EcoBoost Fastback gets a humble 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, but it delivers its purpose rightly. This is the most fuel-efficient engine in the Mustang's lineup. Available in base and Premium guises, the Ford Mustang does a great job as a daily commuter and turns out to be a practical car with an array of interior features and safety aids.

The base model with 6-speed manual transmission comes at a sticker price of $27,205, and the one with the 10-speed automatic comes at $28,800. The Premium models that add features like leather seats, heated steering wheels, dual-zone climate control come at an MSRP of $32,225. 

The High-Performance Package available at an additional cost of $4995, adds features like FordPass Connect, 4-way manual adjustable driver's seat, lane keeps assist, reverse sensing system, Cabin particulate air filter, and SOS Post-crash alert system. 

Which Trim should you buy?

The Mustang EcoBoost Premium offers a good amount of value-added features such as dual-zone climate control and a 9-speaker audio system. We would recommend adding the Handling Package that adds better brakes, wide 19-inch wheels with summer tires, and MagneRide adaptive dampers.

The Mustang EcoBoost comes equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that propels 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A High-Performance engine upgrade increases the horsepower figure to 330-hp, taking a toll on the fuel economy. A six-speed manual is standard, but a smooth optional ten-speed automatic is also available, in case you are ready to take more juice out of your Mustang on a daily basis. 

The manual transmission is pretty great when it comes to quicker shifts and the 10-speed automatic hurts the gears if you need the speed immediately. There is a delay in shifts with the 10-speed gearbox. The Coupe manages to shuttle 60 mph from a halt in 5 straight seconds. The light engine gets you a top speed of 121 MPH while the Mustang GT Coupe with powerful V8’s offers a top speed of 155 MPH. 

Comparatively, the Mustang is a bit faster than the Challenger and Chevy Camaro. The Camaro manages to offer a top speed to 165 MPH with its Inline-4 engine while the Challenger offers a top speed of 156 MPH with its naturally aspirated V6 engine. The German coupe is powerful in here followed by the Ford Mustang, the Challenger takes the last spot with 268 horsepower.

How well does the 2021 Ford Mustang handle?

The Mustang EcoBoost offers a pretty balanced and composed ride though it is not peppy like its V8-powered counterparts. Due to its light engine and lower curb weight, the Coupe is nimble most of the time. The steering is very responsive and provides the right amount of feedback irrespective of what driving mode you've selected. 

With the 17-inch wheels, the Mustang is ready to take over any kind of terrain and handles nicely in all weather conditions. Ford has successfully managed to control the body roll and stability of the Mustang at optimum levels. The 10-speed automatic gearbox works like a charm on highways. While cruising at higher speeds, it picks the best possible gear without taking much time to engage.

2021 Ford Mustang Braking Performance

The Mustang gets 12.6-inch brake rotors in front and rear, which helps the Coupe to stop at a distance of 104 feet. With a curb weight of 3,089 pounds, the Coupe offers a balanced braking execution even at high speeds. The brakes offer immediate response and feedback while traveling through uneven tracks. The aluminum brake pedal is light and does its job even with a light press. 

Comparatively, the BMW M2 gets bigger brake rotors in front and rear that helps the 3,600-pound vehicle to offer satisfactory braking. The rest of the rivals like Camaro and Challenger offer similar braking feedback just as the Mustang. The Chevrolet Camaro is the best performer in this category, followed by the Ford Mustang and BMW, and finally the Challenger.

The Mustang powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder with the 10-speed automatic is the most fuel-efficient model in the lineup. It returns EPA rated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Swapping the transmission with the manual one brings down the fuel economy as low as 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

With 15.5 gallons of the fuel tank, the Mustang offers an impressive driving range of 326 miles without taking a toll on the mileage. On the highway, the tank full Mustang Ecoboost can travel up to 465 miles. The Chevrolet Camaro offers 19 gallons of fuel tanks which are best in class and goes up to 361 miles in the city and 551 miles on the highway.

The Mustang's interior has seen major upgrades in recent times. The dashboard feels modern with Ford's infotainment system powered by Sync 3. The neatly designed interior looks minimalistic with nice placements of controls and small storage spaces. However, the Coupe won't offer much space for the rear passengers but the front passengers feel optimum levels of comfort and features. The material quality is premium and offers a cozy and noiseless ambiance. 

All the seats are wrapped under standard cloth upholstery. The bucket seats are comfortable for the passenger while high-speed cornering and driving through uneven terrains. The seats are heated and ventilated which ensures comfort in all weather conditions. You can try fitting children in the second row as it is short on headroom and legroom. Comparatively, the BMW M2 and Dodge Challenger offer better rear space. 

The Dodge Challenger offers the best cargo space in the class along with bigger exterior dimensions. The BMW M2 and Mustang get similar cargo areas. The Chevy Camaro offers a cramped cargo area that is way too small to fit taller stuff. Some of the notable interior features are:

• Aluminum foot pedals
• Ambient Lighting
• Satin chrome instrument cluster register vents and cupholder surrounds
• Angled Brush Aluminum instrument panel appliqué
• Intelligent Access with push-button start
• Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel with Cruise and Audio Controls
• Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
• Premium long door 

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Ford Mustang comes with a standard FordPass Connect system that features a 4.2-inch touchscreen display mounted on the center of the dashboard. The infotainment system is powered by Ford's SYNC3. The system is optimized to bring all the vital information about the car over the screen and track all the apps provided with the system.

The Coupe comes with a six-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 8.0-inch voice-activated navigation system supports the pinch-zoom function. You can also go for an optional Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System that comes with 12-speakers, offering better sound inside. Some of the notable infotainment features include:

• The 4.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 12-inch Driver-Side Customizable Digital Display
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• AM/FM/HD Radio
• Two USB Ports and Auxiliary input
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Connectivity
• Optional 12-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System

Many carmakers have been seen making extreme attempts in bringing the old design into modern times. Some of them were successful, and many failed miserably. Ford has been trying and testing the Mustangs' design for ages and has been successful with it. The 2021 Mustang is bolder and bigger than the older models. Mustang is the perfect example of a car that carried the legacy forward. You can't get tired of looking at the unique design of the pony car. 

The base model gets 17-inch wheels that are large enough to give the car a tall instance among its rivals like Camaro and Challenger. It comes with standard LED headlights in front and rear. Most of us believe that this is a perfect Coupe but Ford keeps telling us that it is Fastback, proving through a sloped roofline.

The Mustang coupe comes with a decent wheelbase of 107.1 inches, giving it a bold instance as a muscle car. Another car with best in class wheelbase is the similarly power-packed Chevy Camaro. Also, the Ford offers a ground clearance of 5.7 inches, which is impressive considering its compact footprint. Some of the notable exterior features include:

• 17-inch wheels
• Dual Exhaust tips
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Daytime running lights
• LED Fog Lamps
• LED Headlights
• LED sequential tail lights
• Heated body-color mirrors with turn signals
• Rear diffuser

The 2021 Ford Mustang gets an array of safety features that makes it safe for the driver and commuters. The Mustang lineup gets Ford CoPilot Safety suite that adds standard blind-spot monitor and lane keep assist. The Coupe has received good ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The Mustang misses holding the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick due to the ‘Acceptable’ rating in the frontal crash test. Some of the notable safety features include: 

• Active lane assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Remote activated perimeter/approach lights
• Break-resistant glass
• Forward Collision Warning-Plus
• Electronic stability control with anti-roll

2021 Ford Mustang vs. 2021 Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro might not be the best in terms of ride quality but manages to offer practical attire as a daily driver. The Camaro is a long-term rival of the Ford Mustang that offers similar interior features and design. Compared to the Mustang's infotainment, the Camaro's infotainment might feel dated and laggy to use. Choosing one between the two depends on personal preferences. In terms of looks, both cars are unique and head-turners. However, if performance is what you need in your daily commute then the Mustang is the perfect car any day. 

2021 Ford Mustang vs. 2021 Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger looks more retro compared to the Mustang. The Mustang has a unique design styling with modern elements, making it sporty and peppy. The Musta has a better interior than the Dodge. When it comes to power and performance, the Dodge Challenger takes the bite. The Challenger's naturally aspirated V6 is really amazing and powerful. The Mustang handles well around the corners and offers smooth transmission. The Mustang is meant for a daily commute while the performance-driven Challenger can remind you of track days at any time. 

2021 Ford Mustang vs. 2021 BMW M2 Competition

The BMW M2 offers interior comfort and elements like no other car in the segment. The BMW offers a reliable engine with faster power delivery and acceleration compared to the Ford Mustang. When it comes to the driving dynamics, the BMW M2 is no less than the Ford Mustang. The more concerning factor is the affordability, the Bimmer comes at a heft price compared to the Mustang. The Mustang remains an affordable Coupe compared to the BMW M2. 

You should keep the Ford Mustang on your car wishlist. With an amazing range of engine options and transmission, body styles, performance packages, the Ford Mustang is a worthy muscle car. It is a daily driving car that can tackle your performance needs and the four-cylinder engine easily manages to offer good fuel economy.