Driving two versions of the same car in quick succession offers undeniable insights. Fresh off reviewing the robust 2024 Ford Mustang GT, experiencing the 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost provides a direct and compelling comparison.
Image of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost showcasing its front three-quarter perspective, highlighting its modern design and sporty stance.
Having previously driven both the BULLITT and EcoBoost versions of the prior generation Mustang, albeit with a few months in between, the appeal of the EcoBoost always seemed somewhat understated. It presented the same iconic Mustang silhouette, a lighter front end contributing to potentially nimbler handling, commendable fuel economy, and a sub-five-second sprint to 60 mph. All of this came with a base price significantly lower than the GT, making it seem like a smart choice.
And indeed, the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is genuinely good – remarkably so, especially when considering its price bracket. Yet, after driving the GT immediately before, the picture becomes clearer.
The Mustang GT simply delivers a superior driving experience. This conclusion isn’t just theoretical; it’s a direct result of experiencing both models back-to-back, allowing for a nuanced and immediate comparison.
Part of the equation is that Ford has effectively created two distinct performance tiers within the Mustang lineup itself.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, emphasizing its sleek lines and signature Mustang taillights.
Mustang EcoBoost Engine and Performance Specs
The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerplant produces a respectable 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Performance figures are noteworthy, achieving zero to 60 mph in a claimed 4.9 seconds, while still managing an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined for city and highway driving.
In contrast, the Mustang GT boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine, generating a more substantial 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The GT accelerates to 60 mph in a quicker 4.3 seconds, but naturally, fuel economy takes a hit, landing at 18.5 mpg combined.
On paper, the fuel consumption difference might appear to be a significant trade-off for just 0.6 seconds shaved off the 0-60 time. However, the driving experience isn’t dictated by spec sheets alone, and the 0-60 metric is only a small part of the overall picture.
Image showcasing the hood of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost raised, hinting at the engine and performance within.
Driving Dynamics: EcoBoost vs. GT
As highlighted in the Mustang GT review, the V8 model offers effortless power delivery. You can comfortably remain in third gear, and instead of needing to downshift when engine speeds drop, a simple press of the accelerator unleashes a wave of readily available torque. This abundant torque is constantly on tap, providing immediate responsiveness.
Accessing comparable thrust in the Mustang EcoBoost demands a different approach. To truly tap into the power, you need to rev the engine higher, keeping it within the turbo’s boost range. This is necessary to mitigate the slight turbo lag experienced when initially demanding power. While a six-speed manual transmission in the EcoBoost might allow for better control over engine revs and boost, it’s not an option. The sole transmission available is a ten-speed automatic.
This ten-speed automatic, even in “Sport” mode, often feels like it’s working against the driver seeking immediate performance. Its programming prioritizes fuel efficiency, constantly upshifting to higher gears and lower RPMs whenever possible. This behavior is inherent to its design – aiming to maximize fuel economy in conjunction with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
While manual gear selection is available via paddle shifters, the responsiveness is not ideal. There’s a noticeable two-second delay in upshifting from first to second gear, and subsequent gear changes also exhibit a fraction of a second of lag.
This transmission behavior might be less frustrating if the Mustang EcoBoost wasn’t otherwise geared towards performance. If it mirrored the older six-cylinder automatic Mustangs, which offered the Mustang’s aesthetics without overtly promoting performance aspirations, expectations would be different.
However, every Mustang EcoBoost comes equipped with performance-oriented features, including a limited-slip rear axle, selectable drive modes, and track apps. These features inherently set a performance expectation that the powertrain, particularly with the automatic transmission, sometimes struggles to consistently meet.
Close-up view of the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, highlighting its engineering and compact design.
Premium Features and Optional Packages
The tested 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium model further blurs the lines by including optional extras that amplify its performance potential, and consequently, the inherent expectations. These options include $1,650 RECARO seats for enhanced lateral support, a $1,225 active valve performance exhaust for a more aggressive sound profile, and the $3,475 2.3 High Performance Package.
The High Performance Package is particularly noteworthy, adding performance-enhancing components such as a 3.55 Torsen rear axle for improved traction, 19-inch carbonized gray-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 255/40ZR summer tires for increased grip, Brembo brakes with performance linings and distinctive black calipers featuring a white logo for superior stopping power, and the advanced Magneride damping system for adaptive suspension tuning.
Image of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the trunk open, showcasing its cargo space and practicality for a sports coupe.
2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium: Features and Pricing
The base price for the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium starts at $38,040. Standard features at this trim level are generous, including approach lighting, automatic headlamps, LED headlamps and taillamps for enhanced visibility, rain-sensing wipers for convenience, a six-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support (replaced by the optional RECAROs in the test car), ambient interior lighting, dual-zone electronic climate control for personalized comfort, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated sill plates, leather-trimmed seats, and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies.
Further non-performance related options on the test vehicle included the $3,000 Equipment Group 201A, which adds Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, premier trim with color accents, a security package, and an upgraded 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Floor mats added an additional $200.
Interior trunk view of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, demonstrating the cargo capacity and finish.
Image of the rear seats of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, showing the space and design for backseat passengers.
Front seats of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, highlighting the design and comfort features.
Detailed close-up of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost front seat, showcasing the materials and craftsmanship.
These options pushed the final as-tested price to $47,590.
This figure is only $2,905 less than the as-tested price of the 2024 Mustang GT reviewed previously. Unless concerns about insurance premiums or fuel expenses are paramount – which might be unlikely for typical Mustang shoppers – it becomes challenging to argue against simply choosing the GT.
Instrument panel view of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, displaying the digital cluster and driver-focused layout.
Steering wheel and information display of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, highlighting the controls and digital interface.
Center console of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, showcasing the design and layout of controls and storage.
Center stack of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, emphasizing the infotainment screen and climate controls.
Rethinking the Mustang EcoBoost’s Role
Ford has clearly invested significantly in maintaining the Mustang’s performance image. Judging by the sheer number of EcoBoost Mustangs observed in rental fleets, this model likely contributes substantially to Ford’s revenue through fleet sales. Therefore, the EcoBoost’s existence is certainly justified from a business perspective.
However, the question remains: does the Mustang EcoBoost truly need to be positioned as a performance variant, particularly with the GT model sitting so closely in price and the even more potent Dark Horse situated above it? Is there a compelling argument for reimagining the Mustang EcoBoost as a more accessible, 275-horsepower iteration? Perhaps offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, emphasizing sporty aesthetics but without the full-fledged performance pretenses?
While Ford hasn’t solicited opinions, such a repositioning might broaden the Mustang’s appeal and establish a more clearly defined target audience for the EcoBoost, making it an easier market segment to dominate.
Front view of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, capturing its aggressive front fascia and iconic Mustang styling.
Side profile of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, showcasing its classic Mustang silhouette and sporty proportions.
Rear view of the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, highlighting its signature tri-bar taillights and rear design elements.
