Overview
Whether it’s used for top-down trips on the Sunset Strip or track time at Lime Rock, there’s a 2022 Ford Mustang for most every lifestyle and personality. With countless appearance packages, notable performance-enhancing options, and coupe or convertible body styles, it can be highly personalized. Power comes from a punchy turbo four or a mighty 5.0-liter V-8; both engines feed the rear wheels through an engaging manual transmission or a terrific 10-speed automatic. While all models are fun to drive, Ford offers myriad packages to up the excitement, culminating in the track-focused Mach 1. Even the most aggressive Mustang (excluding the 760-hp Shelby GT500) can be driven every day, and it has a roomier back seat and better outward visibility than the Chevy Camaro. When it comes to pony cars, there’s none better than the 2022 Mustang.
What’s New for 2022?
For 2022, Ford is giving Mustang shoppers a wider selection of appearance packages to help differentiate the popular steed. A new all-white, special-edition package–aptly named the Ice White Edition and also available on the Mustang Mach-E EV–includes white badges, interior accents, paint, and wheels. The pony car adds a Stealth Edition, too, and the California Special returns for the V-8-powered GT model. The latter includes a unique black grille, a scoop on the rear fender, and other exclusive exterior and interior appointments. The Stealth Edition is available on the four-cylinder EcoBoost Premium model and adds 19-inch wheels, copious black elements inside and out, and clear taillight lenses.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the Mustang is best appreciated with its sonorous 5.0-liter V-8, which requires either the GT model or the Mach 1. The latter has an additional 20 horsepower (480 total) versus the regular GT models, and it has performance equipment pulled from the Shelby GT500 that makes it more engaging to drive. Unfortunately, this puts its starting price near $54,000, so we’d recommend the regular GT coupe. Sticking with the standard manual transmission, we’d opt for the GT Performance package that adds upgraded Brembo front brakes, a limited-slip differential, stickier summer tires, unique chassis tuning, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Don’t be fooled by its cylinder count—the standard turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder has enough punch to embarrass V-8 Mustangs of old. Likewise, the optional High-Performance package adds a more melodic and responsive EcoBoost engine derived from the defunct Ford Focus RS. The optional EcoBoost Handling package also delivers racetrack readiness to the four-cylinder coupe. The GT models are motivated by a 460-hp V-8 with an optional active exhaust that trumpets a thunderous roar. Both of these compelling engines pair with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic that makes the Mustang quicker than before. With the track-focused Performance Pack Level 2 (PPL2) and the brilliant Bullitt model both put out to pasture, the resurrected Mach 1 model has best performance bona fides. With an enhanced 480-hp V-8 and chassis components shared with Shelby Mustangs, it’ll terrorize racetracks and make grocery runs, but the Mach 1 we drove had a tiring tendency to tramline. Still, even with the less powerful engines, the Mustang’s modernized chassis delivers a comfortable and controlled driving experience. The electrically assisted steering is appropriately light in Comfort mode and nicely weighted in the other two. The Mustang’s brake pedal has a firm feel that we felt to be touchy in stop-and-go traffic, but it’s easier to apply smoothly at higher speeds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most efficient Mustang is the one powered by the turbocharged four-cylinder with the 10-speed automatic, which earned EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The V-8–powered Mustang earned ratings of 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In our testing, the four-banger with the manual transmission returned 24 mpg—7 fewer than its EPA rating. The V-8 with the automatic saw 24 mpg in our hands, matching its EPA number. For more information about the Mustang’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mustang interior is better than ever, with an evolutionary design that harks back to Mustangs of old while managing to be fully functional and livable. While it’s available with premium features such as heated and cooled front seats, its mediocre plastics and cramped Headless Horseman–only back seat are demerits. Stellar performance combined with impressive cargo space makes the Mustang a high-performance daily driver. In our testing, it held the second-most carry-on suitcases and has the most interior storage space among rivals. The back seat stows by pulling a strap and folds easily by hand. Should you need to transport up to 12 carry-on bags, the Mustang can do so. The Ford wins with the biggest center-console bin among competitors we tested.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ford’s optional Sync 3 infotainment system has a clean design and a simple interface. While it’s not as responsive or robust as some rivals, it does come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a kickin’ stereo. The Mustang is available with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Ford Sync Connect, which allows users to control and monitor their vehicle through a smartphone app, is included as standard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Mustang is also available with more driver-assistance technology than any rival pony car, so you can go faster and feel safer. That’s how driver assists work, right? For more information about the Mustang’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Mustang has a solid but average warranty. However, unlike Chevy, Ford doesn’t provide a complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
