2020 Ford Mustang Coupe Review: All About The Base
Back in the early sixties, the General Manager of Ford dreamed up what would become the iconic Ford Mustang; and with its launch in the USA in 1964, Ford showrooms were overrun with eager buyers. More than fifty years later, Ford has managed to keep excitement levels about the Mustang high, with the refreshed EcoBoost Fastback for 2020 making waves for its new High Performance package 2.3-liter engine, borrowed from the Ford Focus RS. While GT models and the fire-breathing BULLITT variant regularly make appearances in true pony-car enthusiasts' dreams, the EcoBoost derivatives need to be lauded for their individual brilliance too. Like its ancestor from 1964, the 2020 Mustang EcoBoost is available in two powertrains for this model year, either the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost default that produces 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, or the all-new High Performance EcoBoost Engine, which upgrades to a to make 330 hp and 350 lb-ft. Featuring as the most powerful four-cylinder ever fitted to a production Mustang, the 2020 Mustang EcoBoost seems more attractive than ever before and still faces off against its Camaro and Challenger rivals.
What's the Price of the Mustang Сoupe?
The 2020 EcoBoost coupe is available in either the Fastback or Premium Fastback derivatives, with the entry-spec model having a base MSRP of $26,670 in manual guise with the stock 2.3-liter engine equipped. If you want the automatic gearbox, you will need to shell out $1,595 more. For the Premium, $31,685 is the base MSRP with the same add-on prices applicable. This excludes licensing, registration, taxes, and Ford's $1,095 destination charge.
2020 Mustang Coupe Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 188.3 in | 107.1 in | 54.4 in | 75.4 in | 62.3 in | 64.9 in | 3,532.0 lbs |
2020 Mustang Coupe Performance
Mustang Handling and Driving Impressions
Pimping up a powertrain is one way to enthuse fans, but ensuring a smooth ride is another story altogether. With an alloy strut tower brace adding some rigidity to the chassis, Ford has been attentive to keeping turn-in on the Mustang sharp. Body lean and sway are managed by a front roll bar and a 0.9-inch bar in the back. Ford has gone the extra mile in terms of steering feel as well, dialing up the power steering with new calibrations that translate to excellent feedback which are necessary for track rats who want to get the most from the experience.
Add to that the new EcoBoost Handling Package, and you get the MagneRide dampers that adapt to road conditions at over a thousand times per second, resulting in a smooth and balanced ride. The Handling Package also equips a Torsen limited-slip rear axle and wider wheels for better grip, while the on-board stability control and various selectable drive-modes are available to control the 'Stang's manners - switch to either normal, snow/wet, sport, track, or drag strip to get the most out of your driving experience. With well-designed independent components, the Mustang is a car that offers a controlled, yet pliant ride quality, allowing you to pilot with confidence at the limits.
2020 Mustang Coupe Interior
2020 Mustang Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the Ford Mustang coupe A Good car?
We're willing to bet that just by reading this review, you're probably halfway to buying a Mustang anyway - and if you're looking for confirmation, then this is it. The 2020 version of the old standard is even better and more fun to drive than before. At its price, a car like the Ford Mustang should thrill and excite. And in this regard, the upgrades to the engine and handling system are worth every penny, making this already attractive package even more appealing. If you're looking for a daily driver or something with packing space and a back seat for the kids, this may not be the right choice. But with high safety ratings, improved performance, and powerful styling, the 2020 Mustang is just right for the enthusiast, the hardcore supporter, and the track-fan who sees themself as a wannabe Ken Block. The lack of V8 noise aside, the EcoBoost 'Stang delivers a sharp driving experience that doesn't do the badge any disservice.
What Ford Mustang Model Should I Buy?
Although many may be lured by the thunder of the V8-powered Mustang GT, we reckon getting the EcoBoost is key to a sharper experience, particularly with the new EcoBoost Performance Package. To make the most of it, we'd also recommend the Handling Package, ensuring the additional performance is put to good use when the straightaways end and the turns begin. Between the two trims, the Premium is the recommended model between the two Ford Mustang cars. It's not only the more luxurious option with leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, and at least a few basic driver aids, but it also boasts a better infotainment system with SYNC 3 and nine-speakers, as opposed to the rather bland stock setup on the basic Fastback. Keep the six-speed manual transmission for the fun-factor, and you will be experiencing thrilling drive quality, daring performance, and genuine Mustang presence - as long as you don't have more than one passenger to share it with.
2020 Ford Mustang Coupe Comparisons
2020 Ford Mustang Coupe vs Chevrolet Camaro Coupe
Pony car vs bona fide muscle car, the Dodge Challenger doesn't enter the arena as much as it smashes down the gates and tears into the competition. Also sporting a range of updates for the 2020 year, the base model that compares to the Mustang Fastback range still doesn't make quite as much of an impression as its more powerful stablemates do. With a standard 3.6-liter V6 under the hood, the Challenger produces 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque, which - even without the high-performance engine on the new Mustang - falls short of the Ford's abilities. Still, the Challenger offers a standard seven-inch touchscreen, one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems in the segment, as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard, which the Mustang requires you to option on. The Dodge also has the benefit of an actually useful rear seat, with more space available for passengers thanks to its much bigger, heavier body. To its detriment, though, this negatively affects its ability to get off the starting line fast enough to manage competitive performance times. While both are great fun to drive, the Challenger suits the daily drive better and is less of a honed performance tool than it is a big muscly bruiser. The Mustang does it the other way around - let it live at the track, and have the added benefit of looking suave on your way to work. Go for the Mustang if your aim is to use it as a driver's car.
2020 Ford Mustang Coupe vs Dodge Challenger
The original rival to the pony-car is the Chevy Camaro, which enters the fray with a base model sporting a 2.0-liter turbo-four, capable of producing 275 hp, although a 335 hp 3.6-liter V6 is also available. Famous for kicking out power and being able to handle it well, the Camaro offers supple and satisfying handling, balanced steering and confident cornering. Suffering from the same issue as the Mustang in terms of limited safety features as standard, the Camaro also manages to outdo the 'Stang in a "who has the least usable space" competition, with utterly awful cargo space and rear legroom. The Camaro does come standard with lots of features though, where the Mustang requires quite a bit of optioning on to get up to the same level. Still, the Camaro just doesn't have the pizazz of the 2020 Mustang, and with rumors of the Camaro's discontinuation in 2023, we'd much rather invest in the Mustang either way.