2021 Ford Mustang

2021 Ford Mustang Highlights

The most important addition for the model year is the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. This limited-edition model packs a specially tuned 5.0-liter V8 with 480 horsepower along with track-ready upgrades (including an optional rear-seat delete). Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver assistance tech, which includes features like automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers, is standard on all trims. The Ford Mustang Bullitt and Shelby GT350 models are discontinued. Shelby GT500 models gain an optional Carbon Fiber Handling Package.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an entirely different vehicle than the standard Mustang. Instead of being a two-door muscle car, the Mach-E is an electric compact crossover SUV. This overview will focus on the standard Mustang.

Key Details

• Fastback coupe and convertible body styles
• Seating for two to four passengers
• Turbo-4 or V8 Mustang engine options
• Standard six-speed manual or available seven and ten-speed automatic transmissions
• Rear-wheel drive
• 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space (coupe)

Benefits

• Powerful and efficient turbocharged four-cylinder
• Thrilling performance with Mustang GT, Mach 1, and GT500 V8s
• Precise and engaging handling
• Comfortable front seats with good support
• Intuitive SYNC 3 infotainment system
• Extensive personalization options

Learn More: Which Years Of Used Ford Mustangs Are Most Reliable?

2021 Ford Mustang Overview

Performance

The 2021 Ford Mustang offers three engine options:

2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque (standard)
• 330 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque (High Performance Package)

5.0-liter "Coyote" V8 engine:

• 460 hp and 420 lb-ft (GT)
• 480 hp and 420 lb-ft (Mach 1)

5.2-liter supercharged V8:

• 760 hp and 625 lb-ft (Shelby GT500)

Even the 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost four-cylinder delivers impressive power with a broad torque curve. Stepping up to the 2021 Ford Mustang GT brings the classic Mustang V8 experience, with a muscular exhaust note and plenty of top-end power. The Mach 1's tweaked 5.0-liter V8 bridges the gap between the GT and the monstrous Shelby GT500 and is Ford’s consolation for canceling the 526 hp GT350.

All models have a six-speed manual, except the GT500, which uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. A ten-speed automatic is optional on EcoBoost and GT trims. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Mustang a top five-star overall safety rating.

Standard safety features on all 2021 Mustangs include:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Lane keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Front and rear seat belt reminders
• Rearview camera

Other standalone safety options include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, reverse brake assist, and active park assist.

Driving

The 2021 Ford Mustang is a vintage muscle car in looks and purpose but has modern handling, braking, build quality, and refinement. Even the base EcoBoost model delivers good power and torque, sharp and precise steering, and minimal body roll.

Still, the V8-powered GT and Mach 1 models are a considerable step up in performance. Their brawny Coyote powerplants give the Mustang genuine sports car (bordering on supercar) performance.

However, the Shelby GT500 truly offers supercar-challenging performance. With its 760-horsepower supercharged V8, massive Brembo brakes, and track-tuned suspension, the GT500 can keep up with exotic cars costing twice as much.

Interior

The 2021 Ford Mustang interior is driver-focused with a retro-inspired twin-cowl dash design recalling classic Mustangs of the 1960s.

Interior tech features on the Mustang include:

• Customizable 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• Standard 4.2-inch infotainment screen with SYNC (8-inch SYNC 3 optional)
• Standard FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
• Available 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Heated and cooled front seats (Premium trims)

Material quality is good but could be better in lower trims. Leather upholstery is available on the 2021 Ford Mustang GT Premium and EcoBoost Premium models, while the Mach 1 gets a unique Dark Spindrift scheme with orange accents.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of head- and legroom for taller drivers. Optional Recaro sport seats offer more lateral support for spirited driving. The rear seats best suit children or smaller adults on short trips.

Trunk space in Mustang fastback models measures 13.5 cubic feet. Convertibles offer 11.4 cubic feet.

Technology

The 2021 Mustang offers a mix of modern tech features and old-school charm.

Standard features include:

• A customizable 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• 4.2-inch screen and basic SYNC voice commands (standard)
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Two smart-charging USB ports
• FordPass Connect

FordPass Connect lets owners use a smartphone app to locate their parked car, check the fuel level, and remotely start the engine.

Available features include:

• 8-inch screen and SYNC 3 system (optional)
• Navigation
• 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
• HD Radio
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio

SYNC 3 has a user-friendly interface with crisp graphics and quick responses. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and AppLink.

The new Safe and Smart package bundles several desirable tech features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Voice-activated touchscreen navigation
• Memory function for driver's seat, mirrors, and ambient lighting
• Premium nine-speaker audio system

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2021 Ford Mustang vary by engine, transmission, and body style:

2.3-liter EcoBoost with manual transmission:

• Coupe (mpg): 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined
• Convertible (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• HO Coupe (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined
• HO Convertible (mpg): 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined

2.3-liter EcoBoost with ten-speed automatic:

• Coupe (mpg): 21 city / 32 highway / 25 combined
• Convertible (mpg): 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined
• HO Coupe (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• HO Convertible (mpg): 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined

5.0-liter V8 (GT) with manual transmission:

• Coupe (mpg): 15 city / 24 highway / 18 combined
• Convertible (mpg): 15 city / 24 highway / 18 combined

5.0-liter V8 (GT) with ten-speed automatic:

• Coupe (mpg): 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined
• Convertible (mpg): 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined

5.0-liter V8 (Mach 1) with manual transmission:

• Coupe (mpg): 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined

5.0-liter V8 (Mach 1) with ten-speed automatic:

• Coupe (mpg): 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined

5.2-liter supercharged V8 (GT500) with 7-speed automatic:

• Coupe (mpg): 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined

In general, 2021 Ford Mustang convertible models get lower mpg ratings due to higher weight and poorer aerodynamics.

2021 Ford Mustang Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2021 Ford Mustang an overall rating of 4.6 out of five. Owners praise the Mustang for its performance, styling, and reliability.

Reasons to Buy It

• Diverse range of engines and performance levels
• Visceral power with V8 models
• Agile and balanced handling
• Smooth and efficient EcoBoost turbo-4
• Intuitive and responsive SYNC 3 infotainment
• Excellent crash test scores
• Iconic Mustang style

Problems

• Base models have underwhelming interior materials
• Cramped rear seats
• Ride may be too firm for some
• Suspension noise on rough roads
• V8 models have mediocre fuel economy
• Upper trims get expensive quickly

Explore: The Ford Mustang Mach-E Years To Avoid

CoPilot's Take

The 2021 Ford Mustang carries the muscle car torch it’s brandished for over 50 years. From the efficient yet gutsy EcoBoost model to the track-ready Shelby GT500, the Mustang covers a wide swathe of performance needs. The return of the Mach 1 model bridges the gap between the GT and the Shelby.

While the Mustang's interior isn't as polished as some rivals, the cabin balances retro design elements with modern tech features, and there's plenty of space up front for taller drivers. Ride quality is generally good, but some may find it too stiff for daily driving.

On the road, the Mustang boasts sharp reflexes and powerful engines. The EcoBoost delivers strong acceleration without breaking the bank at the pump, while the Coyote V8 offers the sound and fury that muscle car fans crave.

Downsides are hard to come by. The biggest issue is the lack of backseat room and overall storage space. Also, buyers of the GT500 will frequent gas stations thanks to the engine’s thirst and the fuel tank’s relatively small size.

2021 Ford Mustang FAQ

Is the 2021 Ford Mustang reliable?

The 2021 Ford Mustang is considered a reliable car. Edmunds rates reliability as four out of five, and Kelley Blue Book users rate reliability as 4.7 out of five.

Is the 2021 Ford Mustang a V8?

While the 2021 Mustang offers several V8s, it comes standard with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. This engine produces 310-330 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, more than the V8 Mustangs of the early 2000s. V8 models are an order of magnitude more powerful, however.

Buyers looking for maximum efficiency and power will appreciate the Mustang’s EV cousin, the Mustang Mach-E. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT matches the gas-powered Mach 1, delivering 480 hp.

What are the disadvantages of a 2021 Ford Mustang?

The rear seats are cramped and unsuited for adult passengers on long trips. While suitable for a performance car, ride quality may be too firm for some drivers, especially on rough roads. Interior materials on lower trims are not as nice as some competitors. The Mustang's long hood and low seating position can make parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a bit challenging. Finally, V8 models will cost more to fuel than a typical midsize sedan or crossover.

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