2025 Ford Mustang Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
The American pony car era isn't over just yet. The seventh-generation Ford Mustang was introduced for 2024 with new engines, fresh styling, and modern technology. The Mustang range expands for 2025 with the addition of the track-ready GTD variant, a high-performance model developed for GT3 racing homologation . The Mustang's competitive set is rather small, but includes two-door gasoline-powered sports cars like the Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z . And let's not forget about the revived Dodge Charger .
Want to learn about the all-electric Mustang Mach-E? Check out its Buyer's Guide page here.
What's New
Other than the new GTD variant, the 2025 Mustang is mostly the same as last year. Dual-zone climate control is now standard across the lineup, and an automatic transmission is now a no-cost option on the Mustang GT. But the 2.3L High Performance package once optional on EcoBoost models is gone, and Ford has increased prices on GT and Dark Horse models.
What We Think
Sporting fresh styling and a heavily reworked interpretation of the previous-generation S550-code Mustang platform, the current S650-code model was introduced for 2024 as a pony car for modern times.
In our testing, we found the 2024 Mustang to exhibit excellent handling across the range. Power delivery, from the EcoBoost's turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the Dark Horse's naturally aspirated V-8 engine, is astounding. If only the 10-speed automatic transmission wasn't tuned with such unpredictable programming, the Mustang would be an immaculate driver's car. Thankfully, Ford still offers the ability to shift gears for yourself with a six-speed manual transmission on V-8 models. We best enjoyed thunderous exhaust noise from behind the wheel of the Mustang GT Convertible, although the chassis' lack of stiffness was a letdown over road imperfections.
The biggest change for 2025 is the addition of the race-bred GTD variant. Starting around $300,000, this pricey performance vehicle is aimed at dethroning European sports car royalty on the road and track. Those hoping for a more appropriately-priced high-powered Mustang should instead opt for the still-ludicrous Dark Horse.
We appreciate Ford's dedication to the pony car segment and will continue to enjoy the Mustang's gas-powered glory for as long as it lasts. Now, can we please test the Mustang GTD already?
Performance and MPGs
Ford carries over the 2024 Mustang's range of powertrains into 2025 while adding a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 as part of the GTD's suite of high-performance equipment. A 10-speed transmission is the default for EcoBoost, GT, and Dark Horse models. Ford brings out a six-speed manual transmission for the GT and Dark Horse. Finally, the GTD is slated to receive an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle.
2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Drivetrain: RWD
Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four
Horsepower/Torque: 315 hp/350 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway): 21-22/29-33 mpg*
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.9 seconds (with Performance Package)
2025 Ford Mustang GT
Drivetrain: RWD
Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 486 hp/418 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway): 14-15/23-24 mpg*
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.9-4.3 seconds (depending on configuration)
2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Drivetrain: RWD
Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 500 hp/418 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway): 14/22 mpg*
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.7-4.1 seconds (depending on configuration)
2025 Ford Mustang GTD
Drivetrain: RWD
Engine: 5.2-liter supercharged V-8
Horsepower/Torque: at least 800 hp/650 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.0 seconds (MT est. )
*Fuel economy figures based on 2024 EPA ratings.
2025 Ford Mustang GTD: Watch Out Porsche 911 GT3!
This time, the most powerful pony won't wear a Shelby badge. Instead, that honor goes to the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD. Derived from the Mustang GT3 race car, the GTD pushes the S650 platform to the extreme. Motivation comes from a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine developing over 800 hp, and we expect torque to top the previous-generation GT500's 625 lb-ft of torque. Other upgrades include an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle, pushrod rear suspension, and four-corner spool-valve suspension dampers with hydraulic actuation. Ford also outfits the Mustang GTD with a complete aero package, including a drag reduction system akin to what's equipped on Formula 1 race cars. Check out our First Look review for the full details.
Safety Ratings and Features
In the few metrics analyzed by IIHS, the 2024 Mustang performed adequately. The coupe and convertible received top-rated Good scores for the moderate overlap front test and side test. The coupe's small overlap front driver-side test wasn't quite as good, with a second-from-best score of Acceptable. LATCH ease of use for child restraints was the worst-performing area for the 2024 model with a second-from-worst score of Marginal.
Expect the 2025 Mustang to receive the same active safety technology as the prior model year. That includes the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, reverse automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Interior dimensions vary slightly between the Ford Mustang Coupe and Convertible body styles. Front legroom is the same, but the drop top gains a little rear legroom. For better cargo capacity, choose the coupe.
