2024 Ford Mustang Convertible First Look Review: EcoBoosted Excitement
The unveiling of the 2024 Ford Mustang range brought with it a few interesting new elements, not the least of which is the highly-anticipated Dark Horse coupe model. The Ford Mustang Convertible lineup retains two engine options for 2024, with the higher output GT Convertible reviewed separately. The less-powerful EcoBoost Convertible did get its share of TLC, however, and promises to give buyers even more driving pleasure than before. With more duality in this format, you can enjoy drop-top cruising and the occasional burnout on track - but if you were hoping for a manual transmission, you're plumb out of luck. Based on a heavily revised version of the old platform, but with a substantially revised engine, is the EcoBoost Mustang all you need for your drop-top thrills? Or is something missing from the equation?
When Is The Ford Mustang Convertible Coming Out?
You'll still be able to buy the current-gen Mustang for some time because the release date for the Ford Mustang Convertible is scheduled for 2023 - the first cars will go on sale in summer next year as 2024 models.
Ford Mustang Convertible Price and Competition
We don't have an official price for the 2024 Ford Mustang Convertible just yet, but the 2022 iteration starts at $32,970 MSRP. The new Ford Mustang Convertible should cost a little more than that by the time it arrives in the USA.
The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible makes for a good comparison; in base guise, the drop-top Chevy comes with a 275-hp four-pot and a starting price of $33,995. The performance specs from the 'Stang's rival aren't quite as impressive as what we're expecting from the 2.3-liter EcoBoost Convertible, but the Camaro can be optioned with a V6 in lower trims, too. Sadly, the Camaro Convertible may be on its last legs by the time the new Mustang Convertible hits US dealerships.
New Ford Mustang Exterior and Colors
Ford tried to straddle the line between pony heritage and cutting-edge looks in this newest iteration of the Mustang, and while every model in the lineup gets its own signature look, there are some exterior updates that carry over. Unfortunately, Ford has yet to showcase photos of the EcoBoost Convertible, so the images here reflect the GT, but there are many similarities.
For the most part, the Mustang Convertible hangs on to the shape and style that identifies it, but it features a much edgier look overall. The low brow on the nose underscores the muscular width of the car and draws attention to the upper grille design that harks back to the original design from the 60s.
There are tri-bar LED headlights up front, and the rear light clusters echo this design. The rear end feels wider at the haunches, and the trunk area shows elements of a much more modern car while still being distinctly Mustang. The convertible roof features an easy single-handle center latch to open and close the roof in one go. The whole brawny package rolls on 17-inch wheels as standard, with 18s, 19s, and even 20s optionally available.
In terms of colors for the Ford Mustang Convertible, the 11-hue paint palette includes two new shades, namely Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash. Naturally, Mustang's can be customized with a variety of stripe designs and colors, and there are even more available to the new models - and customers will be able to add some color inside the wheel arches by choosing from Black, Red, and Grabber Blue brake calipers.
We must mention the Mustang Design Series Appearance Package, which sees the convertible roll off the factory floor with Sinister Bronze alloys and bronze exterior badging when specified. Painted in a deep red or green, we reckon this would look spectacular.
Ford Mustang Convertible Dimensions
According to the manufacturer, the Ford Mustang Convertible's dimensions aren't that much different from the outgoing model, except that length comes in at 189.4 inches on the new versions - which is almost an inch longer. Despite seeming wider, the width of the convertible is the same at 75.4 inches, excluding mirrors (81.9 inches with the mirrors included). The wheelbase is 107 inches, and its height comes in at 54.8 - half an inch taller than the current model. In terms of curb weight, the Ford Mustang Convertible weighs in at 3,656 pounds.
Ford Mustang Convertible Engine and Performance
Traditionally the Mustang boasts serious muscle under the hood, so when the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine was introduced a few years back, it was met with skepticism. But it turns out the 2.3-liter engine is a good one - and in the 2024 Ford Mustang Convertible, it's all-new, according to the manufacturer. It may not be a totally new design, but a substantial overhaul enhances the turbocharged EcoBoost engine for lower emissions and better performance. We don't have official specs, though, but the current EcoBoost Convertible makes 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, with a higher-output variant upping that to 330 hp. We may see slightly higher outputs from the updated power plant.
Rumors originally suggested that the EcoBoost Convertible would come with a six-speed manual transmission, but we know from communication with Ford that only the ten-speed automatic will be used in this model. Power gets sent to the rear wheels. There are five selectable drive modes to choose from, which will change the way the steering feels, and how the transmission shifts in response to your driving style. Electronic line lock, launch control, and a lap timer are available for track use.
If performance trumps top-down cruising in your books, the Ford Mustang Convertible can also be had with some upgrades in the form of Performance packs that add a Tower Brace in the front, optional MagneRide active suspension, a Torsen limited-slip diff, and 15.4-inch front and 13.9-inch rear Brembo brakes. The 'Stang is also designed to provide enhanced cornering dynamics, thanks to quicker steering ratios. And if you're planning on drifting your drop-top, the Ford convertible comes with an electronic drift brake that simulates a mechanical hand brake to help initiate slides.
There aren't any official performance figures, but the current-gen Mustang Convertible manages the 0-60 sprint in under five seconds. We suspect the new models may try to shave some time off here, but just how much remains to be seen.
Ford Mustang Convertible Gas Mileage
There's nothing concrete regarding gas mileage at the time of writing, but we can expect similar figures to those the 2022 models managed. The current car manages 20/28/23 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles. We're unlikely to see significantly better figures than these in the new iteration.
Ford Mustang Convertible Interior and Cargo
Ford couldn't do too much to the exterior of the Ford Mustang Convertible without detracting from its heritage, so a lot of the updates are found inside the cabin. Here the difference is significant, with a cabin that draws inspiration from a fighter jet cockpit. Not only does it feel modern, but there are fewer knobs and dials and more real estate in terms of display screens.
The driver gets a 12.4-inch digital cluster imbued with graphics and interactions courtesy of the Unreal Engine 3D that's responsible for cutting-edge video games. This means passengers can adjust settings by simply swiping and rotating the on-screen graphic of the car - and it can 'overflow' from the information cluster into a 13.2-inch center stack display that houses the infotainment setup. Powered by Sync 4 software, the infotainment setup includes Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Base models, however, get a split-screen setup with smaller monitors.
There is ambient lighting in the cabin, optional wireless charging, roof-mounted USB ports for your Go Pro when you're on track, and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. We doubt the back row will be any more spacious than before, but that's one of the compromises you make when you're buying a 'Stang.
Inside, there's a decidedly up-market look and feel, although the standard interior of the Ford Mustang Convertible comprises fabric upholstery. Microsuede vinyl inserts are optional, and Premium trims will get upgraded wrapped instrument panels and door trim with accent stitching. ActiveX faux leather is available for the Ford Mustang Convertible seats, too.
Convertibles rarely have loads of space for cargo, thanks to the drop-top gadgetry taking up much of the trunk space, and while the Ford Convertible has dropped around a cubic foot of volume for the upcoming model, the 10.3 cubes it does have is still more than what you get in the Camaro Convertible. Ford notes you can still squeeze two golf bags in there because of clever roof design and the independent rear suspension.
