AutoTrader SCORE
-
STYLING9/10
-
Safety8/10
-
PRACTICALITY7/10
-
USER-FRIENDLINESS7/10
-
FEATURES8/10
-
POWER8/10
-
COMFORT8/10
-
DRIVING FEEL7/10
-
FUEL ECONOMY8/10
-
VALUE7/10
Despite riding on a platform that dates back to 2005, Ford left almost no stone unturned when developing the sixth-generation Mustang.
Updates abound, and there are a variety of flavours to choose between ranging from affordable to fire-breathing track weapon. But it’s the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible that finds itself feeling like a competent boulevard cruiser.
Styling: 9/10
The 2024 Mustang is only a slight departure from the one that came before it, which debuted nearly a decade ago. Riding on the same wheelbase as before and sharing almost the same exterior dimensions, it now has a more chiselled nose and rear end. The shape and characteristic sequential flashing signal lights are still unmistakably Mustang, but a few new angles add just enough freshness after so many years of looking the same.
In convertible form, the Mustang looks sexy with the roof down, with enough aggression to make it stand out. With the top up, it feels a little like wearing a hooded tracksuit to a fancy dinner – functional if a little out of place.
Safety: 8.5/10
With the latest advanced driver-assistance system Ford has to offer, the new Mustang features forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam control. The adaptive cruise control system features stop-and-go functionality in heavy traffic, and traffic sign recognition that can automatically adjust the cruise control’s speed based on the posted limit.
Unfortunately, when cruising with the flow of highway traffic, the system had a tendency to pull back to the speed limit seemingly at random during this test, creating a major inconvenience. Moreover, the steering assist system constantly threatened to shut itself off due to a lack of driver steering input, this despite two hands remaining on the wheel consistently. Small adjustments to the safety system's calibration would go a long way to improve the user experience.
Features: 8.5/10
Standard features include power-adjustable front seats, a 12.4-inch digital instrument display, a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, aluminum pedals, an electronically locking centre console, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and LED projector headlights. The Premium trim tested here adds wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a remote start system.
Optional extras here include the 201A package ($3,000), which added the advanced safety suite, voice-activated satellite navigation, and premium interior trim and colour accents. A bronze appearance package ($1,300) added sharp-looking 19-inch bronze wheels to the mix, and an active valve performance exhaust ($1,495) gave adjustability to the exhaust note.
User-Friendliness: 7.5/10
The Ford’s cabin is visually appealing but has a few faults that impact user-friendliness. A few too many of the controls – including for the climate system – are buried in the touchscreen infotainment interface. As a result, it takes too much guesswork to determine which vehicle settings are configured by either the infotainment or the steering wheel controls. The screens for both the instruments and infotainment are glossy, which creates visibility issues in bright sunlight with the top down. This is only exacerbated by dust and fingerprints, which accumulate almost immediately after each wipe-down.
Fortunately, roof operation is effortless and can be done one-handed. After a latch situated front and centre above the driver is undone, holding down a button results in open-roof motoring in about 10 seconds. It's important to note that the vehicle must be travelling at speeds below five km/h for the roof to operate.
Practicality: 7/10
Despite its four-seat layout, the Mustang is perfectly suitable for daily driving if the back seat is only used occasionally. While the convertible’s 323-L trunk loses about 15 per cent capacity compared to the coupe due to the roof’s storage area, it’s still big enough for two people going away on a weekend road trip.
Comfort: 8.5/10
Highway cruising is among this Mustang’s best qualities. Bumps and road imperfections are soaked up well enough to become an afterthought during long-distance drives. The front seats are supportive and can handle long hours without excessive pain or numbness. The steering wheel has a high-quality, thick-feeling rim that adds a touch of sportiness.
Power: 8/10
While this isn't the Mustang GT with the fire-breathing 5.0L V8, the turbocharged four-cylinder isn't too shabby. With 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque (with 93-octane fuel), the turbocharger spins up quickly, and throttle response is good. The EcoBoost focuses on low- and midrange power, making it a strong performer in daily driving. A manual transmission is no longer offered with this motor, meaning all four-cylinder Mustangs are only available with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Driving Feel: 7.5/10
The EcoBoost engine provides ample power for merging and passing, and can quickly get the Mustang up to speed. Unfortunately, the transmission has too many gears to choose from. Depending on throttle position, it either skips too many gears or shifts too frequently, leading to an unrefined experience at lower speeds. What's more, the optional exhaust doesn't sound very good and is too flatulently loud in all but the quietest settings.
With 255-mm all-season tires wrapped around 19-inch wheels, the Mustang has more than enough grip for on-road motoring. It holds its own on twisty backroads, and while it won't be as nimble as proper sports cars, it offers a great balance between comfort and fun; it's best suited to top-down cruising with sunshine and chill vibes. Once up to highway speeds, the gripes become fewer and further between.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
While the output figures are given based on premium-grade gas, official fuel consumption numbers are based on burning 87-octane. The Mustang achieves 10.8 L/100 km in city driving and an impressive 7.1 on the highway. With mostly highway driving, observed economy was a solid 8.3 L/100 km.
Value: 7.5/10
With an as-tested price of $58,170 including destination charges, the 2024 Mustang Convertible is now in a class of one. Its main rival, the Chevrolet Camaro, is gone after the 2024 model year. The Mazda MX-5 is cheaper and sportier, but its two-seat configuration and cramped cargo space bring serious compromises in practicality. The Mustang’s pricing has remained relatively consistent compared to the previous generation, and even though it technically wins by default, it's still an excellent way to get a comfortable convertible.
The Verdict
The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible is a fun drop-top that adds just a dash of performance. It's comfortable, reasonably practical, and brings just enough performance to justify its price tag. The transmission does have a few refinement quirks, and it's best to skip the optional adjustable exhaust entirely. Beyond that, the four-cylinder shouldn't be seen as a rental car counter consolation prize when getting a convertible.
| Engine Displacement | 2.3L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo I4 |
| Peak Horsepower | 315 hp @ 5,500 rpm (w/93-octane fuel) |
| Peak Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (w/93-octane fuel) |
| Fuel Economy | 10.8 / 7.1 / 9.2 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 323 L |
| Model Tested | 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Convertible |
| Base Price | $49,630 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,195 |
| Price as Tested | $58,170 |
|
Optional Equipment
$6,245 – Equipment Group 201A, $3,000; Active Valve Performance Exhaust, $1,495; Bronze appearance package, $1,300; Premium floor liners, $250; Mini spare wheel and tire, $200
|
|
You may also like
