History/Overview
There has never been a better modern Mustang than the current version, which benefited from a 2015 upgrade that replaced the old-school live rear axle with an independent rear suspension, the first ever such configuration for this storied pony car.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
Four years after a 2018 refresh, the Mustang moves into 2022 with no notable changes.
Available Trims
The lineup starts with a base Ecoboost trim powered by a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is also available in a Premium configuration. GT and Mach 1 add a 5.0L V8 engine, and Shelby GT500 gets a 5.2L supercharged V8.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard in most trims, with a 10-speed automatic available as the option. GT500 is the outlier with its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Standard Features
Base equipment includes manual A/C, an auto-dimming mirror, passive keyless entry, six-speaker audio, Sync infotainment, LED headlights, and 17-inch wheels.
Also standard is a suite of driver safety assists comprising forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Co-Pilot 360 system.
GT models gain rear parking sensors, power-adjustable front seats, 18-inch wheels, and LED fog lights.
Premium trim adds dual-zone A/C, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated/ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and nine-speaker audio. A GT Premium model is similarly equipped, but adds a garage door remote.
Mach 1 brings digital gauges, stronger brakes, and 19-inch wheels. Here, the Premium upgrade brings magnetic ride control and a heated steering wheel.
Finally, GT500 models get 20-inch wheels.
Key Options
In Ecoboost trim, you can add items like adaptive cruise and navigation in one package, while the next step up brings digital gauges and a heated steering wheel.
A Mach 1 handling package includes an adjustable suspension and aero add-ons, while a Mach 1 Elite group gets a 12-speaker stereo.
GT500 options include a carbon fibre handling package with adjustable suspension, carbon fibre wheels, and high-performance tires; it also deletes the rear seat.
Fuel Economy
Ford’s fuel consumption estimates start are 11.0/7.4 L/100 km (city/highway) with the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, and 11.5/8.2 with the stickshift. A high-performance four-cylinder is rated for 11.7/8.6 with the auto, and 11.9/8.7 with the stick.
Cars with the 5.0L V8 are ranked at 15.2/9.7 L/100 km with the auto, and 16.1/10.1 with the six-speed, and the Mach 1’s estimates are 15.2/10.1 L/100 km with the automatic, and 17.1/11.2 with the six-speed.
Finally, the GT500 is rated for 19.9/12.7 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The Mustang’s most obvious competitors are the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Newer additions to the list include the Toyota Supra, and, as we write this, Nissan is readying an all-new Z for 2023 that will go toe-to-toe with the Mustang.
