Ford’s extensive lineup of Mustangs ensures that speed demons of all stripes can find their dream car.
In a matter of months, the current generation of the legendary Ford Mustang will end to make way for the 2024 models. The next-generation pony car doesn’t look too different from the current-generation model, but it’s likely that buyers won’t have as many customization options. There are an incredible 14 different trim levels available for the 2023 model year, covering everything from economical cool to astounding performance.
Ford finally got it right with the Mustang in 2005 by returning to the original’s classic fastback body style after dabbling with oddball designs for decades. In 2015, they released the sixth generation with only minor mechanical updates and a sleeker, more aerodynamic body. The seventh generation of the Mustang will debut for the 2024 model year, but unlike previous redesigns, Ford isn’t taking any major risks by sticking relatively close to the formula that has proven so successful.
Ford will continue to offer gas-powered engines for the Mustang, in contrast to Chevrolet and Dodge. This is possible in the era of electric vehicles because they have access to the Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric sports car. The Mach-E may not be a genuine Mustang, but it wears the Mustang badge, so it counts. Thanks to the addition of the Mach-E models, Ford now offers no fewer than 14 distinct Mustang variants, which is fantastic news for shoppers and speed demons alike.
Mustang EcoBoost
While most “base” models are weak and feature-free, the Mustang EcoBoost is anything but. Despite being the base model, the most affordable pony car in the lineup is equipped with the mid- to high-range appearing EcoBoost engine. The standard equipment doesn’t exactly scream “base model” Mustang.
The parking brake handle and steering wheel both have leather coverings, adding a touch of class to the cabin. A six-speaker audio system and a rearview camera complement the Ford Sync infotainment system. The exterior design is on par with that of any other Mustang, making this an outstanding deal.
Mustang EcoBoost Premium
The Mustang EcoBoost Premium is the next tier up and has the same horsepower as the EcoBoost but significant luxury upgrades. Leather seats, an improved infotainment system (Sync 3), and chrome trim make this a much more refined vehicle.
The Blade decklid spoiler and 18-inch aluminum wheels standard on the high-end trim provide a sportier and more aggressive look. If you’re already making the effort to level up, there’s no reason not to spend a little extra money to make a statement with the stripe package.
Mustang EcoBoost High-Performance Pack
For about $6k more than the base model, you can get the incredible four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine. The top trim for the 2023 EB Mustangs is the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Pack, which adds a few more horses and cuts the 0-60 time by a few tenths of a second.
The High-Performance Pack includes the same premium features as the Premium, plus an increase in speed befitting its name. Both the coupe and the convertible can get their hands on this package. The EcoBoost Handling Pack is exclusive to the coupe and adds larger wheels, better brakes, and a sportier suspension.
Mustang GT
The 2023 Mustang GT replaces the EcoBoost with a V-8 engine, which is where it belongs. The Mustang GT is the base model with an eight-cylinder engine and comes only in the fastback couple body style.
According to Car and Driver, the GT is the best of the ’23s because “the Mustang is best enjoyed with its sonorous, 450-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8.” This engine provides ample power while remaining reasonably priced. However, there are a plethora of attractive add-ons that might nudge it up to a higher trim level.
Mustang GT Premium
The GT Premium is a more opulent variation of the GT, much like the EcoBoost Premium is an improvement over the EcoBoost. The GT Premium offers the same upscale interior and exterior features as the standard GT, but with a touch more opulence for the discerning driver.
The Premium GT is notable because it is the first convertible trim to offer a V-8. The Premium GT’s speed and power will give you a bad hair day, but you’ll have a blast on the road.
Mustang GT Performance Pack
The Ford lineup now follows a predictable pattern: the entry-level model provides basic entertainment, the Premium adds luxury, and the Performance Pack maximizes performance. The Mustang GT Performance Pack is the highest available GT trim, but it does not increase the car’s standard 450 horsepower engine in any way.
Upgrades to the Brembo brakes, suspension, wheels, and tires make up the bulk of the GT Performance Pack. While this won’t increase the Mustang’s horsepower on a dyno, it will improve the car’s grip on the road and, in turn, its top speed for drivers with less experience.
Mustang Mach 1
Ford’s high-performance Mach 1 package was discontinued in 1978. It first reappeared in the early 2000s for a short while, and then again in 2021, this time hopefully for good. The 2023 Mach 1 is equivalent to the GT Performance Pack aside from the Premium amenities and with more power.
The Mustang’s base models are reasonably well-equipped, so all the numbers work out to be a no-frills street monster. Ford’s signature 5.0-liter V-8 was tweaked for use in the Mach 1, resulting in an additional 20 horsepower and a seriously quick production car.
Mustang Mach 1 Premium
What sets apart a Mach 1 from a Mach 1 Premium, if anyone knows? A Blue Oval, or more accurately a gold star, goes to everyone who guessed “it’s a more luxurious version.” When compared to the EcoBoost Premium and the GT Premium, the Mach 1 Premium is a more significant improvement.
The Mach 1 Premium comes with a more powerful stereo and heated seats in addition to the standard Premium features. As you move up the 2023 Mustang trim tree, money becomes less of an issue, and you should start lavishing yourself with all the optional extras.
Mustang Shelby GT500
The Shelby GT500 is not only the fastest production vehicle Ford has ever made, but it is also the most powerful Mustang the company has ever built. This level of viciousness doesn’t come cheap, and it shouldn’t, so it’s also the priciest. The GT500’s 10.6-second quarter-mile was the fastest ever for an American Muscle car until the 2023 Dodge Demon 170 surpassed it.
The GT500 has a rear wing spoiler and custom splitters to help it cut through the wind and stay glued to the track in addition to a larger engine and all the features of the Premium and Performance packs. Upon its initial release, MotorTrend hailed it as a “Game changer” and “the best all-around sports car available.”
Mustang Mach-E Select
Ford branded its all-electric crossover with these names, so like it or not, it is now part of the history of the fabled pony car, even though it doesn’t look anything like a Mustang or a Mach-anything. According to Road & Track, Ford put the Mustang moniker on this EV to make it stand out in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
The base model of this new Mustang is called the Mustang Mach-E Select. Since the speed and range of EVs depend on the size of their batteries, the base model is the least powerful and has the shortest range, but it is still adequate for most normal driving needs.
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