You’ll Like
- More powerful and better fuel economy
- More aggressive styling
- Customization
You Won’t Like
- Cramped rear seat
- Bold styling not for everyone
New for 2018
The 2018 Ford Mustang gets its first major makeover since the all-new car was introduced for 2015. Up front, the 2018 Mustang gets a more aggressive front clip including standard LED headlights and available LED foglights, and a lower hood with new vents. Around back, Ford has also revised the LED taillights and rear fascia, and added quad exhaust tips for the GT. The 2018 Mustang also gains new paint colors, four spoilers, new stripe options, more wheel choices, and more.
Inside, the 2018 Mustang gains a new customizable 12.o-inch digital instrument cluster with Track Apps, a heated leather steering wheel, and revived interior trim.
Ford also made drivetrain revisions. The V-6 engine is no longer available, while both the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 and 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 have been revised for more power and better fuel mileage. The six-speed manual has been updated for both engines, and V-8 models gain a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel for better torque capability. The previously available six-speed automatic has been replaced by an all-new 10-speed automatic.
Other performance upgrades include revised monotube shocks, V-8 exhaust manifold and optional active exhaust system. Additionally, the revised Performance Packs will be available on all trims and engines. The Performance Pack now includes MagneRide dampers, a new Michelin performance tire, Brembo brakes, and more.
Vehicle Summary
The Ford Mustang coupe and convertible is the automaker’s legendary front-engine rear-drive sports car that slots below the much more expensive mid-engine rear-drive Ford GT supercar and above the Ford Focus RS hatchback.
Overview
For 2018, the Ford Mustang is available with turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 in the base model or a port- and direct injected 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 in the Mustang GT. Performance Packs are available with either engine and both standard and Premium trim levels. Cloth seats are standard, and leather is optional. The Ford Mustang is offered in a wide variety of exterior paint colors and available stripes, interior colors and trim choices as well as wheels and spoilers.
Safety
Although the 2018 Ford Mustang hasn’t been crashed tested yet, we expect the coupe and convertible to retain similar NHTSA safety ratings as the 2017 model. The 2017 Ford Mustang has a five-star overall NHTSA safety rating (out of a possible five stars). Both Mustang body styles earned a Good rating from the IIHS in the moderate overlap front, side, and head restraints & seats tests, while the coupe earned a Good in the roof strength and an Acceptable rating in the small overlap front tests. The 2017 Ford Mustang also earned a Basic rating for its optional Forward Collision Warning.
New active safety tech for the 2018 model year included distance alert, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and Pre-Collision Assist system that adds automatic emergency barking to the forward collision warning system.
What We Think
Although we are excited to test the updated drivetrains, in our 2018 Ford Mustang First Look, we’re already looking ahead to the higher-performance variants: “Come on, Ford. Time to spill on the GT500.”
Cool Fact
In addition to port- and (new) direct-injection, the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 features the same wire arc spray-bore cylinder lining process used on the GT350/R coupe’s 5.2-liter Voodoo V-8 in place of the heavy iron cylinder liners.
Key Competitors: