2016 Ford Mustang Road Test & Review

2016 Ford Mustang GT350 - Front Passenger Side View While Cornering - White ・ Photo by Ford

The longest running continually produced nameplate in its category, the highly respected Ford Mustang is a genuine American icon. Freshly redesigned for the 2015 model year, the 2016 Ford Mustang is perhaps the most handsome iteration of the car ever produced. Immediately identifiable as a Mustang, it also hints at some of Europe’s finest GT cars.

In addition to the long-awaited adoption of an independent rear suspension system, like many European performance models, the Mustang is offered once again with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. "Once again," you ask? Yes, back in 1984, Ford offered a special edition Mustang SVO with a turbocharged four-cylinder in its engine bay.

Changes for the 2016 model year include the adoption of Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. Further, EcoBoost and GT coupes get a black roof option, the GT Performance package has been applied to Mustang convertible, and Mustang GT hood vents now incorporate turn signal repeaters.

Models, Pricing & Standard Equipment

Offered in Fastback coupe and Convertible body styles, the 2016 Ford Mustang can be had in one of five different trim levels. There are also ultra high performance Shelby GT versions of the 2016 Mustang, which are reviewed separately.

Starting at $23,895 for the Fastback and $29,395 for the Convertible, Mustang V6 serves as the base model. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, sequential LED turn signals and taillights, a limited slip differential, keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth, cruise control, A/C, voice activation of certain secondary functions, a rearview camera, Mustang Track Apps for quantifying various performance functions, and Ford’s MyKey system for establishing operating parameters for secondary drivers. A set of 18-inch wheels can be had as an option, along with LED foglights and a power adjustable driver’s seat.

The $25,395 EcoBoost Fastback gets all of those features, plus the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a power adjustable front passenger seat, aluminum interior trim, and active noise cancellation.

Options include Recaro seats upholstered in cloth and an EcoBoost Performance Package comprised of 19-inch wheels with performance-oriented tires, and shorter gearing. The Performance Package also incorporates a more aggressive suspension system; bigger brakes, a larger radiator, and a more sporting-oriented steering calibration, among other upgrades.

convertibles above the V6 trim level are offered only with the Premium package.

Photo by Ford

Models, Pricing & Standard Equipment Cont’d.

To all of the EcoBoost standard features, the $29,395 EcoBoost Premium Fastback and $32,893 EcoBoost Premium Convertible add heated exterior mirrors, puddle lamps with the Mustang logo, a rear air diffuser, adjustable drive modes, automatic climate control, heated and ventilated leather front seats, satellite radio, and the Sync 3 infotainment system.

Mustang GT Fastback starts at $32,395, and is outfitted largely the same as the EcoBoost Fastback—save the V8 engine. It also gets bigger brakes, electronic line-lock, and launch control (for manual transmission powertrains). GT options largely mirror EcoBoost, with the addition of Brembo front brakes and a Torsen limited slip diff.

The GT Premium Fastback starts at $36,395, while the GT Premium Convertible starts at $41,895. These are equipped largely the same as their EcoBoost Premium counterparts along with the V8 engine, brakes and differential.

A broad array of other options for the Premium models add features like smart cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring, in addition to various aero options and striping kits.

Photo by Ford

Exterior Design

The 2015 redesign of the Mustang called into play cues from some of the most revered models in the history of the car, while simultaneously informing them with a contemporary flair. During our time with the 2016 Ford Mustang GT Premium, many people remarked upon how much it looks like a European GT car in the vein of Aston Martin’s coupes and Jaguar’s XK.

One of the primary benefits of the new shape is improved aerodynamics, which increase performance as well as fuel efficiency. Further, each of the three different engines gets a unique grille treatment, and active grille shutters are incorporated for the EcoBoost powerplant.

Photo by Ford

Interior Features, Comfort & Cargo Capacity

Inside the 2016 Ford Mustang, the treatment employs the same dual-cowl formula offered since the Mustang first appeared back in 1964. You’ll also find bucket seats and a console-mounted shifter just as you always have.

And yet, within the heritage arrangement, cutting edge features abound. Keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, and TrackApps are standard on even the base V6 models. Meanwhile, upper trim levels get the new Sync 3 infotainment system, which is head and shoulders above the MyFordTouch system it displaces. Crisp graphics, faster response, a simplified interface, and a color scheme considerably more pleasing to the eye are among its hallmarks.

While the Recaro seats are a tempting option, be apprised you’ll forego heat, ventilation, and power adjustability. If you’re going to be engaging in primarily high-performance pursuits, these limitations might not matter, but if you’re looking to maximize comfort, this is a consideration.

We’re talking sporty 2+2 Pony Car here, so the backseat should be pretty much written off as upholstered storage. Small kids might find it thrilling, but your grown friends will tolerate it only when absolutely necessary.

As for cargo capacity, you’ll get 13.5 cubic feet from the Fastback—11.4 from the Convertible.

Safety Equipment & Crash Test Ratings

Mustang is a fast car, but it can take a hit, too. NHTSA ranks the 2016 Ford Mustang as a five-star car, which is its highest ranking. Similarly, the IIHS awarded Mustang its top rating in all crash tests as well.

In terms of safety features, you’ll find all the usuals raising their hands during roll call. These include ABS, traction control, stability control, a full complement of airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag. Manual transmission equipped Mustangs also get hill-start assist. Ford’s MyKey Parental controls are of particular note on a model with the performance potential of the Mustang.

MyKey allows the car’s administrator (read: owner) to establish speed limits, geo-fencing boundaries, and even the capability of limiting the volume at which the audio system will play. If boundaries are exceeded, the Mustang will rat the perp out. Available driver assistance features include smart cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

Mustang’s Sync 911 Assist feature will contact emergency response personnel and deliver key information regarding the severity of the crash. It can report whether the incident involved front, side, or rear impact, or a even a rollover. The system will also inform the authorities regarding safety belt usage, multiple impacts, and deployment of airbags.

Engines & Fuel Economy

Power for the rear-wheel drive 2016 Ford Mustang comes from a choice of three engines. All are offered with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

The base powerplant is a 3.7-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving with the manual, and 22 with the automatic.

The mid-level engine is the new 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is good for 310 horsepower and 320 ft-lbs of torque. The EPA says 26 overall with the manual and 25 with the automatic.

The big engine is a 5.0-liter V8 with 435 horsepower and 400 ft-lbs of torque. The Feds say you can expect to see 19 mpg combined whether you go manual or automatic with this one.

Photo by Ford

Performance & Driving Impressions

Of the current crop of muscle bound American Pony Cars, the genre’s namesake Mustang comes across as the smallest and most agile of all (an aluminum hood and front fenders go a long way toward facilitating this). If you love the feel of a responsive performance car, you’re going to consider every moment at the wheel of this new Mustang quality time.

It’s absolutely wonderful to drive—particularly with the exceptionally free winding V8 fitted to the GT models. Adjustable driving modes give the pilot control over steering effort, engine and transmission response, as well as stability control settings. This essentially allows you to custom tailor the responsiveness of your Mustang to your particular preferences.

The long-awaited adoption of an independent rear suspension system has improved the handling of the Mustang significantly. The car was already terrific in a straight line, and handled quite admirably—even with its solid rear axle. With its newfound capabilities, the 2016 Ford Mustang strives to reach beyond the Pony Car ranks and credibly compete among the world’s Grand Tourers—at a considerably more affordable price.

Photo by Ford

Final Thoughts

Bottom line, this is easily the highest performing, most technologically advanced, and best-built Mustang ever offered. It’s positively brilliant to drive, and borders upon ravishing in appearance. The car is comfortable over long distances, and effortlessly goes toe to toe with its cross-town rivals from Chevrolet and Dodge.

Of course, there is an all-new Camaro out there now, which is being heralded as the best ever in its lineage as well. And, while the Dodge Challenger is now officially the old brother in the nightclub, it still boasts a formidable array of engines.

Pros & Cons

This is the best Mustang ever—period. But don’t count on anybody wanting to sit in the back seat.

Photo by Megan Green