2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review: Steve McQueen's Legacy Lives On

Getting arrested for jumping your 2020 Mustang Bullitt down the stepped roads of modern-day San Francisco is a certainty. Gone are the days where cops would look the other way while secret agents and evil crime bosses could run amok in some of the largest cities in the USA, but all is not lost: you can buy a brand new Mustang Bullitt and quietly cruise along at the speed limit where McQueen took flying lessons in his 1968 GT Fastback. The 2020 car matches its show with a lot of go, and unlike many tribute cars, it has been thoughtfully modified to give a unique driving experience that sets itself apart from the rest of the Mustang range. The 5.0-liter Coyote engine now produces 480 horsepower thanks to a few choice Shelby GT350 parts and has seen extensive work done to the chassis. Feature-wise, the Bullitt shares its goodies with the GT Premium but also gets exclusive details like a white cue ball shifter, green stitching on the seats, and the unique option of a Highland Green paint job to match the original. At $47,810, the 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt offers exclusivity, performance, and surely a nod of approval from old Steve himself.

What's the 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt’s Price?

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt's price is relatively high, the range starting at $47,810, which is a hefty $12,180 more than the Mustang GT and $12,630 less than the Shelby GT350. Ford has been clever with its pricing, which gives prospective Mustang buyers a wide range of extra-cost options and the freedom to spec their cars to their liking without breaking the bank entirely. Considering the fact that the Bullitt offers increased performance thanks in part to a larger intake borrowed from the Shelby GT350, Brembo brakes and a tweaked chassis, the price difference between the GT and Bullitt starts to make sense and poses as an attractive offer even for those who aren't familiar with its Hollywood roots.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Driving the Bullitt is a whole new experience after coming out of a standard Mustang: everything feels sharper, more responsive, and perfect for outrunning bad men on the streets of San Fran. The reason why the Mustang Bullitt feels so good is that it comes standard with the GT performance package, which adds a long list of chassis and suspension upgrades, including a beefier rear sway bar, K-member bracing, sportier front springs and modified traction control and power steering software. All of these elements combine to allow the 4,398-lb Bullitt to dance around corners with exceptional confidence, and although it can't hide its weight entirely, it gives enough feedback to let the driver know exactly what's going on with the chassis and tires below. The optional MagneRide damping system gives added comfort and predictability, and when carving through twisty roads, the Bullitt feels planted, with a special mention going out to those wide 275/40R19 rear tires. Brembo six-caliper front brakes make quick work of stopping the car in its tracks and should stand up to some serious abuse around a racecourse or twisty road.

Verdict: Is the 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt A Good car?

Many manufacturers have paid tribute to their cult movie classics of yesteryear by bringing out modern versions, but in many cases these cars only pay lip service, a perfect example would be the Chevy Camaro Transformers edition which basically consisted of a standard Camaro LT V6 or SS V8, but with a $1,000 appearance package, nothing more. The Bullitt edition has been done before; in 2001, 2005, and now with the latest car. Every single version was much more than its Dark Highland Green paint job: Ford went to the effort of making the Bullitt truly perform by modifying the chassis and engine, truly setting it apart from the rest of the range. The 2020 Mustang Bullet is more accomplished than ever; it's fast, practical, good looking and it makes whoever drives it feel like a superstar. What more could you want from a pony car?

Which 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt should I buy?

As there's only one model to choose from, you'll have to look at the options list to get the most out of the Bullitt edition. A must-have is the Electronics Package, which adds a number of infotainment and safety upgrades. For those who would like to increase performance and comfort levels further, the MagneRide suspension option is definitely worth a look. These options make a marked difference in the everyday practicality and overall enjoyment of the car, but don't stray too far down the options list, as you could end up in Shelby GT350 territory. Regardless of how you option your Bullitt, you better not even think of leaving the showroom without making sure it's Dark Highland Green in color!

2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt Comparisons

2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt vs Ford Mustang GT Coupe

Some will wonder if the Bullitt's $12,180 premium over the regular GT is truly justifiable: it all boils down to what you're looking for in a Mustang. The GT runs the same 5.0-liter Coyote V8 as found in the Bullitt, but doesn't get the Shelby GT350 intake, which translates into a lower power output of 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque at 4600 rpm, but it gets the option of a 10-speed automatic transmission. The GT rides on skinnier tires but returns thirstier fuel consumption figures of 15/24/18 mpg in manual guise. Interior space, features, and quality are all comparable, especially when the GT is specced with the premium package, but in the end, it misses out on some Bullitt exclusives such as that cool cue ball shift knob and custom seat stitching. The Bullitt is the superior performance machine and offers the appeal of exclusivity, but at the price, the GT is still a performance bargain worth every cent of its $35,630 asking price.

2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt vs Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Both the Bullitt and Shelby GT350 are iconic pony cars that have captivated the hearts and minds of car fans for decades, the significant difference being that one originated on the big screen while the other was born on the racetrack. From the get-go, it's clear that the GT350 is a more serious performance car: the flat-plane crankshaft and other high-performance modifications on the 5.2-liter V8 result in a potent 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. It is the way the GT350 delivers its power that has people talking; it revs out like a screaming banshee and is considered one of the best sounding cars out there, period. Both cars are only available with a six-speed manual, but the GT350 suffers at the pumps with estimated mileage of 14/21/16 mpg. Interior and cargo space is shared between cars. At $60,440, the Shelby GT350 doesn't try to be a more practical or comfortable car, but it will blow away the Bullitt on the track or street every day of the week and will turn more heads than the Bullitt.