The Ford Mustang, a hallmark of American automotive culture, embarks on its seventh generation with the 2024 model year. This iconic 2+2 coupe and convertible stands out for its distinctive rear-wheel-drive platform, a feature that has contributed to its legendary status since its debut in April 1964. The Mustang’s allure stems from its perfect blend of performance and style, along with the spirit of freedom it represents. Over the decades, it has undergone continuous evolution, adapting to changing tastes and technological advancements while preserving the core attributes that have made it a beloved fixture on American roads and now worldwide.
How Much Does the Mustang Cost?
The 2024 Ford Mustang offers a wide array of models with varying price points to cater to a broad spectrum of buyers, from enthusiasts seeking the thrill of a sports car to those desiring a stylish and powerful daily driver. The pricing structure begins at $30,920 for the entry-level EcoBoost Fastback coupe, extending to $39,020 for the convertible version, and culminates in the high-performance Dark Horse Premium at $62,180. The Premium grade models start below $50,000, and bring the model’s traditional V8 engine to the forefront.
The cost of owning a Mustang can significantly increase when adding options and packages, with a fully optioned model approaching the $90,000 mark, inclusive of a $1,595 delivery fee. This pricing flexibility ensures that the Mustang remains accessible to a wide range of buyers while also offering the exclusivity and high-end features that premium customers seek.
What Changes Were Made to the Exterior?
The exterior of the 2024 Mustang has been thoughtfully updated to strike a balance between honoring its rich heritage and embracing the future. Ford’s designers have implemented evolutionary changes that refine the vehicle’s aesthetic without losing its muscular and dynamic essence.
Notably, the introduction of three small LED lamps on each side of the front fascia and the integration of turn signals into the front illumination mark a subtle shift from the previous model’s retro cues. The removal of the shoulder line creases in favor of softer side sill creases, more pronounced rear fender flares, and a body-color panel between the iconic sequential rear lights are other key updates.
These modifications, along with new wheel designs and a refreshed color palette, enhance the Mustang’s visual appeal, making it both contemporary and unmistakably Mustang.
How is the Interior Different With the New Model?
The interior of the 2024 Mustang has been redesigned to improve ergonomics, comfort, and the overall visual appeal while recognizing the practical limitations of a 2+2 seating configuration. The front seats are notably roomier and more comfortable, featuring enhancements such as heating and cooling controls for optimal comfort in various conditions.
The Premium models go a step further, offering plush Active-X seating with power controls for both the driver and passenger, ensuring a luxurious and supportive driving experience.
For those seeking a more performance-oriented interior, optional leather or Recaro seats are available. However, it’s worth noting that the Recaro seats, while offering superior body support during spirited driving, do not include heating and cooling features and may not be suitable for all drivers. Despite these improvements, the rear seating area remains cramped, underscoring the Mustang’s design focus on the front occupants.
Which Technologies are Offered?
The 2024 Mustang leaps forward in technological offerings, incorporating an entirely digital control interface that significantly enhances the user experience. A standout feature is the 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, which uses Unreal Engine 3D technology to display customizable animations and visuals specific to different drive modes. This technological marvel transforms the dashboard into an interactive and immersive control center, allowing drivers to adjust settings with intuitive gestures.
Additionally, the Mustang includes modern conveniences such as an optional wireless charging pad and strategically placed USB ports to connect devices and cameras, reducing clutter and enhancing the cabin’s functionality. Overall, the look is much more modern than before, with a less retro vibe presented.
Safety technologies have also been given a boost, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, ensuring that the Mustang remains at the forefront of automotive safety and convenience.
What Packages are Available?
To cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of Mustang owners, Ford offers an array of appearance packages across different trims. These packages, which include the Bronze Appearance Package, GT California Special Package, Nite Pony Package, Wheel & Stripe Package, and the Dark Horse Appearance Package, provide ample opportunities for personalization.
Each package has been carefully curated to enhance the Mustang’s visual appeal and distinction, allowing owners to tailor their vehicles to reflect their unique styles and personalities. Essentially, when enthusiasts purchase a Mustang, they start with the canvas at hand and make modifications thereafter.
What Are the Engine Choices?
The 2024 Mustang offers a choice between two potent engines, each paired with specific transmission options to cater to different driving preferences and performance expectations. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder unit that delivers an impressive 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, a testament to Ford’s engineering prowess in extracting substantial power from smaller engines. This engine is paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a seamless and efficient driving experience.
For those craving the unmistakable roar and raw power of a V8, the GT models come equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter engine producing 480 to 500 horsepower, depending on the specific model. This engine offers the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing drivers to engage more directly with the driving experience. The Dark Horse models, in particular, feature an enhanced version of the V8 engine for even greater performance.
How Does the Mustang Drive?
Driving the 2024 Mustang equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine (our test model) offers a blend of exhilarating performance and refined handling that is rare in its class. While some purists may lament the absence of a manual transmission option for this engine, the available 10-speed automatic is adept at delivering swift and responsive shifts, making the most of the engine’s power. The four-cylinder Mustang impresses with its robust acceleration and the responsiveness of the twin turbos, which provide ample power on demand.
The driving experience is further enhanced by the Mustang’s accurate steering and agile handling, attributes that Ford has meticulously engineered to ensure that the car feels connected and engaging on winding roads and through tight corners. Despite its substantial curb weight, the Mustang’s performance-tuned suspension system, which includes MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, ensures that the car remains composed and capable, whether on the track or the open road.
Needless to say, the V8 engine remains the “go to” motor for the Mustang. This traditional 5.0-liter arrangement in its modern configuration, connects to earlier versions. Although the turbo four has its place, most buyers opt for the four-figure upgrade to get the bigger engine along with its important suspension upgrades.
Ford Mustang: It’s a Wrap
For 2024, the competition has changed. The Chevrolet Camaro is no longer produced and production of the Dodge Challenger also ceased. A new two-and four-door Dodge Charger is on its way for 2025, bringing full electric and turbo-six choices.
But the Mustang has always stood on its own. With a heritage now marked by its 60th anniversary, it continues to define what a pony car is, even though it is more of a sports car than a grand tourer. For rabid enthusiasts, that’s good news as the legacy chain remains unbroken.
See Also — Evolved 2024 Ford Mustang Upholds its Pony Car Mantle
Exterior photos copyright Stumpwater Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Interior shots courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.
