Before experiencing the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost firsthand, the idea of a four-cylinder Mustang seemed almost sacrilegious. As a V8 Mustang enthusiast, the thought of losing that iconic rumble and raw power was initially off-putting. My personal experience with V8 Mustangs, including my exhilarating 2012 GT, had deeply ingrained a belief that a true Mustang had to have a V8. Dismissing the EcoBoost variant as something less than a “real” Mustang was an easy assumption to make.
However, spending 24 hours and driving approximately 230 miles in the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang completely shifted my perspective. This wasn’t just a pleasant surprise; it was a revelation. The EcoBoost Mustang proved to be engaging and enjoyable in ways I hadn’t anticipated. In fact, by the end of my time with it, I found myself wanting more seat time – a sure sign of a car that leaves a positive impression.
For those who prefer a visual experience, here are some video highlights from my test drive of the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang:
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Now, let’s delve into the written review of the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang, exploring its design, performance, comfort, and overall driving experience.
Initial Encounter with the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
My introduction to the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang happened at Portland International Airport (PDX), courtesy of Avis rental services. While I had briefly seen the redesigned Mustang at an auto show a couple of years prior, this was my first opportunity to truly experience it.
Front view of a red 2015 Ford EcoBoost Mustang
The 2015 Ford EcoBoost Mustang showcases a modern yet classic Mustang design.
The first impressions were largely positive. The 2015 Mustang design successfully blends modern aesthetics with retro Mustang cues. The tail lights, in particular, stood out with their signature три-bar design, a nod to Mustangs of the past.
Rear tail lights of a 2015 Ford Mustang
Iconic три-bar tail lights are a standout design feature of the 2015 Mustang, paying homage to its heritage.
Taking a closer look, the louvered detailing within the tail lights added a touch of sophistication and depth to the rear design.
Close-up of the louvered tail lights on a 2015 Ford Mustang
Louvered details within the tail lights add a refined touch to the 2015 Mustang’s rear styling.
However, for me, the headlights were the most captivating design element. Their sleek, aggressive styling contributed significantly to the Mustang’s modern and assertive front fascia.
Headlights of a 2015 Ford Mustang
Aggressively styled headlights are a favorite design element, enhancing the 2015 Mustang’s modern appearance.
The chrome Mustang emblem on the fender served as a subtle reminder of the car’s legendary heritage.
Chrome Mustang emblem on the fender of a 2015 Ford Mustang
A chrome Mustang emblem subtly reinforces the iconic heritage of the 2015 model.
Despite the overall positive first impressions, two aspects felt slightly unusual. From the driver’s seat, the long, flat hood appeared quite prominent and somewhat awkward. Additionally, it was surprisingly difficult to discern whether the car was equipped with a V6 or the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine during the initial hour of driving. This understated nature of the EcoBoost engine was unexpected.
Beyond these minor observations, the car felt well-built and comfortable. Navigating through both heavy traffic and open freeways, it quickly became familiar and instilled a sense of connection with the road.
The expansive hood did take some getting used to, evoking a sense of size reminiscent of older, larger cars like a ’78 Caprice. While not necessarily a negative, it contributed to the initial impression of the 2015 Mustang feeling substantial on the road.
Performance Dynamics of the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
The performance of the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang is genuinely surprising, primarily due to its adaptable driving modes. Initially, unaware that the car was set to “normal” mode, and oblivious to the existence of four distinct driver modes (normal, sport, track, and weather), my first impression was underwhelming.
Leaving the airport, the car felt sluggish and underpowered, far from the sporty experience I anticipated. It seemed lethargic and lacked excitement.
It wasn’t until about an hour into the drive, while stuck in traffic, that I began exploring the center console controls and discovered the driving mode settings, along with options for adjusting steering feel.
Switching to “sport” mode was transformative. The 2.3L four-cylinder EcoBoost engine awakened with remarkable responsiveness and energy. It was akin to driving a completely different car. Throttle response became noticeably sharper, and suddenly, the Mustang exhibited impressive torque, feeling every bit like a genuine sports car eager to perform.
Ford 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine
The 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine provides ample power for the Mustang, especially when utilizing sport mode.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2015 Mustang delivers a respectable 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. This output is more than adequate for spirited driving and offers a compelling alternative to larger displacement engines. In fact, I found this engine more engaging than the base engine in the Dodge Challenger, feeling more rev-happy and delivering power throughout the rev range. For a more in-depth comparison, be sure to check out a dedicated Mustang vs. Challenger analysis.
The 235/50R18 Goodyear tires, mounted on 18-inch wheels, provided commendable grip and handling around corners, contributing to a confident driving experience.
18-inch wheels on a 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
18-inch wheels and 235/50R18 Goodyear tires offer good grip and contribute to the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang’s handling.
The six-speed automatic transmission in this particular model was responsive and lively, but again, primarily when in sport mode. In normal mode, it felt less engaging and somewhat sluggish in its shifts.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost six-speed automatic transmission
The six-speed automatic transmission performs best in sport mode, offering responsive and engaging shifts.
Steering feel was precise and crisp, especially when the sport mode setting was engaged. This combination of sport mode and the stiffest steering setting truly unlocks the fun-to-drive character of the Mustang.
Driving a 2015 Ford EcoBoost Mustang on a scenic road
Driving the 2015 Ford EcoBoost Mustang becomes truly enjoyable when utilizing sport mode and a stiffer steering feel.
Pro Tip: For the most engaging driving experience, keep the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang in sport mode with the steering set to its stiffest setting. This configuration transforms the car into the playful and exciting machine it’s meant to be.
Driving the EcoBoost Mustang spiritedly naturally raises questions about engine longevity. While the 3.5L EcoBoost engine has an estimated lifespan of around 250,000 miles, the long-term durability of the 2.3L version remains to be fully seen. Time will tell if it can achieve similar longevity under demanding driving conditions.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the comparison between the four-cylinder EcoBoost and the V8 Mustang, be sure to read a comprehensive EcoBoost vs. 5.0 Mustang comparison for a more detailed analysis.
Comfort and Interior of the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
In terms of overall comfort, the 2015 Mustang represents a noticeable improvement over my previous 2012 model. The most significant upgrade is in the seats. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable – possibly among the most comfortable I’ve experienced in any car. This is a notable statement, especially considering I had recently driven over 500 miles in a 2016 Cadillac SRX, which also boasted very comfortable seats. Surprisingly, Ford has surpassed Cadillac in seat comfort in this “lesser” vehicle.
Front seats of a 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
The front seats in the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang are remarkably comfortable, possibly setting a new benchmark for car seat comfort.
It’s worth noting that I have a slender build, so my positive assessment of the seats might not fully reflect the experience of larger individuals. I found them to be supportive with an ideal level of firmness, but they might feel somewhat snug for those with a larger frame.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is also commendable in all directions. It’s significantly better than in 5th and 6th generation Camaros and even slightly improved compared to my 2012 Mustang.
The steering wheel felt substantial and well-contoured, providing a comfortable grip and enhancing the driving experience.
Steering wheel of a 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
The steering wheel in the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang offers a comfortable and substantial feel in hand.
Overall, the interior of the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang proved to be a pleasant and comfortable space for longer drives, and aesthetically pleasing as well.
Interior of a 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
The interior of the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang is both comfortable and visually appealing, making it suitable for extended drives.
The attention to detail throughout the interior, such as the door sill plates, highlights how far the Mustang has evolved over the years.
Door sill plate of a 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
The Mustang’s evolution is evident in the refined details like the stylish door sill plates.
While the trunk space was more than adequate for typical needs, I personally wouldn’t mind sacrificing some trunk volume to achieve a slightly smaller overall vehicle size.
Trunk space of a 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
The trunk space in the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang is ample, though a slightly smaller car overall could be desirable for some.
Final Verdict on the EcoBoost Mustang
Ford deserves significant praise for creating a more accessible and fuel-efficient Mustang that doesn’t compromise on driving enjoyment. The 2015 EcoBoost Mustang successfully blends sensibility with fun.
Red 2015 EcoBoost Mustang parked along the Pacific Coast
The 2015 EcoBoost Mustang looks stunning against the backdrop of the Oregon Pacific coast.
Side view of a 2015 EcoBoost Mustang
The 2015 EcoBoost Mustang represents a modern take on American muscle car heritage.
It was only after discovering and utilizing the different driving modes, particularly sport mode, that the EcoBoost Mustang truly won me over. It’s unfortunate that the “normal” driving mode feels so subdued and uninspired, as it doesn’t showcase the car’s full potential.
Considering that most Mustang buyers likely seek a degree of excitement and spirited driving, Ford’s decision to default to such a watered-down “normal” mode is perplexing. If this were my personal car, it would remain in sport mode permanently from day one.
Interestingly, the EcoBoost Mustang experience seems to improve over time. My subsequent review of the 2021 EcoBoost Mustang further solidified my appreciation for these four-cylinder pony cars, confirming their enjoyable driving dynamics and overall appeal.
