The thrill of driving different iterations of the same iconic car back-to-back offers an unparalleled perspective. Having just experienced the raw power of the 2024 Ford Mustang GT, jumping into the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost provides a fascinating contrast. While both models carry the legendary Mustang name, they cater to different desires and driving styles. The key question for many enthusiasts centers around performance, and specifically, the Mustang EcoBoost horsepower. Is it enough to deliver the Mustang experience, or does it leave you wanting more?
Alt text: Sleek front three-quarter view of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, highlighting its modern design and sporty stance.
Having previously driven both the BULLITT and EcoBoost versions of the prior generation Mustang, albeit with a gap of a few months, I always pondered why the EcoBoost didn’t garner more widespread appreciation. It offers the same striking Mustang silhouette, a lighter front end contributing to potentially sharper handling, and improved fuel efficiency, all while boasting a sub-five-second 0-60 mph time. Crucially, it comes with a significantly lower base price compared to the GT.
On its own merits, the EcoBoost Mustang is undeniably good – genuinely impressive, particularly considering its price point. Yet, experiencing it directly after the GT clarifies the picture. The GT simply offers a superior driving experience. This comparative assessment is only truly possible through back-to-back drives, highlighting the nuances of each model.
Alt text: Rear three-quarter angle of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost showcasing its iconic taillights and athletic rear design.
The crux of the matter lies in Ford’s strategic positioning of the Mustang lineup. They’ve effectively created two distinct performance tiers within the Mustang family itself. The Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a respectable 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds and an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 24 mpg.
In contrast, the Mustang GT boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine, unleashing a more potent 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The GT accelerates to 60 mph in a quicker 4.3 seconds, albeit with a lower EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 18.5 mpg.
Alt text: Open hood of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, revealing the engine bay and highlighting the turbocharged powerplant.
Alt text: Close-up view of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine in a 2024 Ford Mustang, emphasizing the turbocharger and engine components.
On paper, the difference of 0.6 seconds in 0-60 mph times might seem like a minor trade-off for improved fuel economy. However, real-world driving dynamics tell a different story. As highlighted in the Mustang GT review, the V8’s immense torque is readily available across the rev range. In the GT, effortless acceleration is always at your disposal, even without downshifting.
In contrast, accessing the peak performance in the EcoBoost necessitates working the engine harder, keeping the revs up to maintain boost and mitigate turbo lag. While a manual transmission in the EcoBoost could potentially alleviate this by allowing drivers to stay in the optimal power band, the sole transmission option is a ten-speed automatic. This automatic, even in “Sport” mode, prioritizes fuel efficiency by swiftly upshifting to higher gears and lower revs.
While paddle shifters offer manual control via the “M” mode, upshifts, particularly from first to second gear, exhibit a noticeable lag, diminishing the sense of immediacy expected from a performance car. This transmission behavior might be less of an issue if the Mustang EcoBoost wasn’t presented with performance-oriented features. If it were positioned as a visually sporty Mustang without explicit performance pretenses, akin to the older six-cylinder automatic Mustangs, the powertrain might feel more aligned with expectations.
However, every Mustang EcoBoost comes equipped with a limited-slip rear axle, selectable drive modes, and track apps, all hinting at performance capabilities that the powertrain sometimes struggles to fully deliver, especially when compared directly to the GT.
Alt text: Wide open trunk of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, demonstrating its cargo space and practicality.
Alt text: Interior view of the trunk space in a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, showcasing its depth and usability.
Alt text: Back seats of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, illustrating the rear passenger space and seat design.
Alt text: Front seats of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, highlighting the seat design and interior materials.
Alt text: Detailed close-up of the driver’s seat in a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, focusing on the seat stitching and material quality.
The tested EcoBoost model further blurs the lines with optional performance enhancements. Features like the $1,650 RECARO seats, a $1,225 active valve performance exhaust, and the $3,475 2.3 High Performance Package (including a 3.55 Torsen rear axle, 19-inch wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes, and Magneride damping) elevate the performance expectation even higher.
Alt text: Interior dashboard of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost showcasing the instrument panel and driver controls.
The base price of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium starts at $38,040. Standard features at this level include approach lighting, automatic LED headlamps and taillamps, rain-sensing wipers, a power driver’s seat (replaced by RECAROs in the test car), ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, illuminated sill plates, leather-trimmed seats, and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies.
Alt text: Steering wheel and digital information display of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, emphasizing the modern technology and driver interface.
Alt text: Center console of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, highlighting the gear selector, cup holders, and storage compartments.
Alt text: Center stack of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, showcasing the infotainment screen, climate controls, and dashboard layout.
Additional non-performance options on the test vehicle, such as the $3,000 Equipment Group 201A (Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, navigation, premium trim, security package, and Bang & Olufsen audio) and $200 floormats, pushed the final sticker price to $47,590.
This as-tested price is just $2,905 less than the Mustang GT reviewed previously. Unless concerns about insurance premiums or fuel consumption are paramount, opting for the GT becomes a compelling proposition.
Alt text: Direct front view of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, emphasizing its aggressive front grille and headlights.
Alt text: Side profile of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, showcasing its fastback silhouette and sporty proportions.
Alt text: Rear view of a 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, highlighting the tri-bar taillights and rear diffuser.
Ford undoubtedly relies on the Mustang’s performance image. The EcoBoost variant likely serves as a significant contributor to fleet sales. Therefore, its existence is justified. However, its positioning as a performance variant, especially with the GT and the even more potent Dark Horse models in the lineup, raises questions.
Perhaps there’s a stronger case for the Mustang EcoBoost to be a 275-horsepower offering, available in coupe and convertible forms, emphasizing sporty aesthetics without the full-fledged performance aspirations. This could broaden the Mustang’s appeal and create a more easily achievable target for this model within the range. While Ford may not have sought this specific input, such a repositioning might unlock a wider market for the EcoBoost Mustang.
