Driving the 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost right after experiencing the GT version reveals some stark contrasts and crucial insights for potential buyers. Last week, I explored the raw power of the 2024 Ford Mustang GT, and now, stepping into the EcoBoost, the differences are immediately apparent.
Image alt text: Angular front view of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost in a parking lot showcasing its modern design.
Having driven both the previous generation BULLITT and EcoBoost models with a short interval in between, the EcoBoost always seemed like a compelling option. It offers the iconic Mustang silhouette, a lighter front end which can enhance handling, and significantly better fuel economy, all while delivering sub-five-second 0-60 mph acceleration. Plus, it comes with a base price that’s considerably lower than the GT, making it seem like a smart choice.
And in many ways, the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is good – genuinely good, especially when considering its price bracket. However, experiencing it back-to-back with the GT clarifies why the V8 model holds a stronger appeal for performance enthusiasts. The GT simply delivers a more visceral and engaging driving experience.
The core of the matter lies in the fact that Ford has effectively created two distinct performance tiers within the Mustang lineup.
Image alt text: Rear three-quarter perspective of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost highlighting its sporty rear design and taillights.
Under the hood, the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost features a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerplant generates a respectable 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Performance figures are brisk, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, and it achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 24 mpg.
Contrast this with the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8, which churns out a more substantial 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The GT sprints to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, albeit with a lower combined fuel economy of 18.5 mpg.
On paper, the EcoBoost seems to offer a minor performance compromise for significant gains in fuel efficiency. However, the real-world driving experience tells a different story. As highlighted in my Mustang GT review, the V8’s abundant torque is readily accessible across the rev range. In the GT, you can confidently leave it in third gear and tap into instant acceleration without needing to downshift. The power is always on tap.
Image alt text: Open hood of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost revealing the engine bay and components.
Image alt text: Close-up view of the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine in a 2024 Ford Mustang.
In contrast, extracting peak performance from the EcoBoost necessitates a more deliberate approach. You need to rev the engine higher to keep it within the turbo’s boost range, managing a slight but noticeable turbo lag when you demand immediate power. A manual transmission in the EcoBoost could mitigate this by allowing drivers to keep the engine in its sweet spot. However, the only transmission option is a ten-speed automatic. While generally competent, this automatic gearbox prioritizes fuel efficiency, frequently upshifting to higher gears and lower revs, even in “Sport” mode. This behavior can feel counterintuitive in a car marketed as a performance vehicle.
While paddle shifters are available for manual gear selection, the responsiveness isn’t as immediate as desired. Upshifts, particularly from first to second, exhibit a noticeable two-second delay, with subsequent gear changes also experiencing a fraction of a second of lag.
This transmission behavior might be less frustrating if the Mustang EcoBoost didn’t project such a sporty image. If it were positioned more like the older six-cylinder Mustangs – offering the iconic Mustang aesthetics without the explicit promise of high-end performance – the powertrain limitations would be more forgivable.
However, every 2024 Mustang EcoBoost comes equipped with performance-oriented features like a limited-slip rear axle, selectable drive modes, and track apps. These standard features set a performance expectation that the EcoBoost powertrain, in conjunction with the automatic transmission, sometimes struggles to fully meet.
Image alt text: Wide open trunk of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, demonstrating cargo space.
Image alt text: A closer look inside the trunk of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, showcasing its depth and practicality.
Image alt text: Rear seats of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, showing passenger space and seat design.
Image alt text: Front seats of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost highlighting the seat material and sporty design.
Image alt text: Detailed view of the driver’s seat in a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost showcasing stitching and seat controls.
The tested model further blurs the lines with added performance options. It included $1,650 RECARO seats, a $1,225 active valve performance exhaust, and the $3,475 2.3 High Performance Package. This package adds desirable features like a 3.55 Torsen rear axle, 19-inch carbonized gray-painted aluminum wheels with 255/40ZR summer tires, Brembo brakes with performance linings and black calipers, and the Magneride damping system.
Image alt text: Interior view of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost instrument panel highlighting digital displays and dashboard design.
The base price for a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium starts at $38,040. Standard features at this trim level are generous, including approach lighting, automatic and LED headlamps and taillamps, rain-sensing wipers, a six-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar (replaced by RECAROs in the test car), ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated sill plates, leather-trimmed seats, and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies.
Image alt text: Driver’s perspective of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost steering wheel and digital information display.
Image alt text: Center console of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost showcasing gear selector, controls, and storage.
Image alt text: Close-up of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost center stack featuring touchscreen infotainment system and climate controls.
Further options on the test car included the $3,000 Equipment Group 201A (Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, voice-activated navigation, premier trim with color accent, security package, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system) and $200 floor mats.
This brought the total as-tested price to $47,590. Remarkably, this is only $2,905 less than the as-tested price of the 2024 Mustang GT reviewed previously. Unless factors like insurance costs or fuel consumption are paramount concerns, the price difference makes a compelling argument for simply opting for the GT.
Image alt text: Front profile of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost emphasizing its aggressive front grille and headlights.
Image alt text: Side view of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost demonstrating its sleek silhouette and wheel design.
Image alt text: Rear view of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost showcasing taillights and rear diffuser.
Ford clearly recognizes the importance of maintaining the Mustang’s performance heritage. The EcoBoost likely plays a vital role in fleet sales, given its prevalence in rental fleets. Therefore, its existence is justified.
However, the question remains: does the Mustang EcoBoost need to be positioned as a performance variant, particularly with the GT and the even more potent Dark Horse model above it in the hierarchy? Perhaps there’s a stronger case for the Mustang EcoBoost to evolve into a 275-horsepower model, available in both coupe and convertible forms, offering the Mustang’s iconic styling but with a more relaxed, less overtly sporty character.
While Ford hasn’t sought my input, such a repositioning of the Mustang EcoBoost could broaden its market appeal and create a more clearly defined target audience, making it an even more successful model in the long run.
