The Ford Mustang has a legacy that spans more than 60 years. It’s one of the last remaining American muscle cars, as long-time rivals the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger have exited or moved away from V8 performance. The 2025 Mustang retains its traditional pony car appeal while adding modern tech and amenities.
Base Price: $51,080
As Tested: $71,850
Horsepower: 480
Mileage: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined
The 2025 Mustang is in the second model year of the seventh generation. It was fully redesigned for the 2024 model year. For 2025, the 60th Anniversary model joins the lineup.
The 2025 Mustang comes in seven trims: EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, Dark Horse, Dark Horse Premium and 60th Anniversary. The Mustang is offered as a two-door coupe (fastback) and convertible body styles, but some models are only available as coupe. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all trims; all-wheel drive is not available. Starting prices range from $31,920 to $63,080.
Three engines are offered. The EcoBoost models get a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. GT models are powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 480 horses and 410 pound-feet. The Dark Horse trim has a modified 5.0-liter V8 that cranks out 500 hp and 418 pound-feet. The standard transmission is a 10-speed automatic. A six-speed manual is available on the GT and Dark Horse trims.
No matter the engine, handling is one of the Mustang’s strong suits. EcoBoost models have quick acceleration with decent efficiency. GT models up the ante with potent V8 performance, delivering more engaging power and that aggressive exhaust note! The Dark Horse is ready for the track – it’s the fastest production Mustang without stepping into specialty models like the GTD.
My GT Coupe Premium test vehicle is a blast to drive! Power delivery is smooth and effortless with the V8 – just touch the accelerator and you’re off! The GT launches with quick and immediate bursts of speed. This makes merging and passing on the highway a breeze. The updated platform from the 2024 redesign brought enhancements to the suspension and balance, making the Stang feel composed and stable with little body roll when cornering. It’s a joy to take out on twisty backroads! Steering is quick and accurate, and brakes are responsive. Drive mode settings let you tweak performance to your liking. The ride is on the firm side, but still comfortable enough for daily driving. The optional MagneRide adaptive damping system adjusts suspension stiffness in real time and softens ride quality when cruising.
All in all, this pony handles much better than older Mustangs with dynamic performance. But it’s still a muscle car, prioritizing raw power over the more refined athletic prowess you’ll find in some European sports cars.
Fuel economy is what you’d expect in a muscle car with a V8. EPA ratings for my GT Coupe Premium test vehicle are 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. I got 19 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. Models with the EcoBoost engine do better – the model that gets the best mileage is the coupe base model at 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined.
The cabin is an attractive blend of retro design and modern amenities. All trims get a dual-screen setup with a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system has long been one of the best, and the 2025 Mustang gets the updated 2024 version. Graphics are crisp and bright, and the system responds quickly to commands. The only pet peeve is the lack of physical buttons and knobs for many functions, but at least there’s a volume knob.
Front seats are supportive and comfortable with plenty of room for taller passengers. Yes, there’s a backseat, but it’s not really suited for human passengers, except possibly small kids. But it is a handy place to store your handbag, a few grocery bags, backpacks or duffel bags.
Cargo space is decent for a sports car. Coupe models have 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, while convertibles have 11.4 cubes. While the opening has a weird shape, the trunk still has enough room for luggage for a weekend trip or a couple golf bags. I transported some saddles and horsey gear and had plenty of space.
Here’s a look at the seven trims:
EcoBoost – MSRP $31,920 for the Fastback and $40,120 for the convertible. This is the most affordable Stang.
- Digital gauge cluster
- Infotainment system with 13.2-inch touchscreen
- Selectable drive modes
- Best fuel economy of all the trims
EcoBoost Premium – MSRP $37,545 for the Fastback and $43,045 for the convertible. This trim has the same engine and performance as the base EcoBoost but adds many creature comforts.
- Remote start
- Synthetic leather or leather seating
- Heated and ventilated power front seats
- Premium audio system
- Wireless device charging
- Ambient lighting
GT – MSRP $45,460. This pony has a big jump in power and sound and provides that classic muscle car experience in driving and that growl! It’s only available as a coupe.
5.0L naturally aspirated V8
- Available six-speed manual transmission
- Sportier tuning, stronger brakes
- Limited-slip rear differential
- Power-adjustable front seats
GT Premium – MSRP 49,980 for the coupe and $55,480 for the convertible. This trim strikes a balance between performance and comfortable daily driving.
- Leather seating
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Premium audio system
- Available MagneRide adaptive suspension
Dark Horse – MSRP $63,280. This pony is aimed at track enthusiasts and is only available as a coupe.
- Aggressive exterior styling
- More power with a modified 5.0L V8
- Six-speed manual transmission (10-speed automatic is available)
- Track-focused tuning
- Upgrades suspension (MagneRide)
- Upgraded brakes and cooling systems
- Performance-oriented suspension and brakes
Dark Horse Premium – MSRP $68,275. This trim adds luxury and tech features to the Dark Horse, making this the most expensive and well-equipped mainstream Mustang trim.
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power seats with memory settings
- Upgraded premium interior materials and trim with color accents and stitching
- Aluminum sport pedals
- Rear wing with gurney flap
60th Anniversary – MSRP $65,245. Ford only made 1,965 of these. This trim includes most of the features found on the GT Premium trim as well as unique color choices, badging and special 20-inch wheels.
Standard driver assistance technologies include
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Pedestrian detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rear parking sensors
- MyKey (allows you to set restricted driving modes on specific key fobs for teen drivers or valet parking. You can set maximum speed and audio settings, for example).
Available driver assistance technologies include
- Adaptive cruise control
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Lane-centering assist
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Evasive-steering assist (can steer the vehicle to avoid a crash)
- Driver-attention monitoring
The good:
Iconic heritage and styling
Available in a wide variety of trims
Powerful engine options
Dynamic handling
Customizable gauges
Dual-screen layout and SYNC 4 infotainment system
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Good cargo space for a sports car
The not-so-good:
Poor fuel economy in the V8 models
Track-focused trims can be too stiff for daily driving
Limited back-seat space
Pricing info:
My GT Coupe Premium test vehicle starts at $51,080. The Equipment Group 401A is $2,900 and adds premier trim with color accent, connected navigation (one year), security package, and Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist. The B&O audio system is $995. The GT Performance Package is $5,445 and includes summer tires, Brembo brakes, performance raised wing spoiler, and Torsen rear axle. Red calipers with white logo are $750. The Mustang Nite Pony Package is $1,295 with black painted aluminum wheels and black painted roof. The premium floor liners with carpet mats are $200. Active valve exhaust is $1,595. The matte clear film is $5,995. The destination fee is $1,595, bringing the grand total to $71,850.
Bottom line:
The 2025 Ford Mustang is both an icon and a modern sports car. It retains its appeal as a classic muscle car but with improved handling and a cabin filled with niceties and tech. Yes, the backseat is tiny and fuel economy isn’t great, especially in the V8 models. But the Stang is a blast to drive and will absolutely turn heads!
