Which 2018 Ford Mustang Is Right for You?
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car with a long heritage and a well-earned reputation. Despite reports of a complete overhaul, the muscle car has remained relatively unchanged other than the removal of its V6 engine options.
Instead, Ford focused on the EcoBoost options and Shelby GT line. This is what you can expect from 2018 Ford Mustang trims this year.
EcoBoost Fastback
The Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback has a starting MSRP of $25,585 and a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that produces 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The car also comes with a 3.31 limited-slip rear axle.
Feature-wise, you can expect the same features found in last year’s model, including six-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control and active noise cancellation. On the exterior, the EcoBoost Fastback adds a blade decklid spoiler and LED fog lamps. Everything else remains the same.
EcoBoost Convertible
The EcoBoost Convertible is a new trim addition for someone wanting to let the top down on beautiful days. The trim starts at $31,085 and includes everything the EcoBoost Fastback has. The biggest difference is the inability to fold the rear seat down, which helps accommodate the top. Just in case you want to leave the top down when you’re out running errands, the center console now has an electronic lock.
EcoBoost Premium Fastback
If you’re looking for more out of your EcoBoost engine, the Premium Fastback trim may be the perfect option. It has a starting MSRP of $30,600 and comes with an enhanced engine to improve handling.
On the inside, the cloth seats are exchanged for heated and cooled leather-trimmed front bucket seats. Dual-zone electronic temperature control for driver and passenger also improves rider comfort. Rather than Sync, the EcoBoost Premium Fastback adds SiriusXM Radio and Sync3, which is faster and more responsive. Finally, drivers also receive Intelligent Access with push-button start, universal garage door opener, and Track Apps. The exterior integrates blind spot mirrors and turn signal indicators.
An available EcoBoost Premium Convertible is also available—a convertible version of the EcoBoost Premium Fastback. It has a starting MSRP of $36,100. Like the other convertible Mustangs, you lose the split folding rear seat and gain an electronic locking center console.
GT Fastback
The GT Fastback has a starting MSRP of $35,095 and is designed for power. It has a much stronger engine with its 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8. This does lower the fuel economy, but it also gives you a whopping 460 hp and 420lb-ft of torque. Handling also improves with larger front and rear brake rotors. The electronic line-lock, for locking the front brakes for a burnout, is a perfect edition to this performance trim.
The interior includes power seating for the front passenger seat but tones down some of the “comfort” features. The seats are cloth rather than leather, and it comes with Sync, instead of Sync3.
GT Premium Fastback
As you might guess, the Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback is a step up from the GT Fastback and has a price of $39,095. It comes with the GT Fastback engine, but handling improves with the addition of selectable drive modes. The biggest changes are in the interior, which includes heated and cooled leather-trimmed front bucket seats. On top of this, both the driver and passenger seats are equipped with six-way power adjustment.
The entertainment system is also improved with the addition of SiriusXM and Sync 3 technology. The GT Premium Fastback also introduces nine-total speakers, which allows for clearer sounds. It also has intelligent access with push-button start and a universal garage door opener.
The GT Premium also has an available convertible trim has a starting MSRP of $44,595 which has some of the standard changes as other convertibles in the Ford Mustang line.
Shelby GT350
The Shelby GT350 is an American favorite and has a starting MSRP of $57,145. Naturally, it has more power than the GT Premium Fastback thanks to the 5.2-liter V8 engine with a flat-plane crank. It produces 526 horsepower and 429 pound-foot of torque.
The interior of the Shelby GT350 is just as impressive and comes with RECARO cloth seats featuring Miko suede sport inserts. It has a Shelby-exclusive aluminum trim and a unique shift indicator light displayed on the windshield.
Shelby GT350R
What’s better than the Shelby GT350? The Shelby GT350R. Designed to be race-ready, this Mustang has 19-inch carbon fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. It also has a carbon fiber rear wing, a large front splitter, and unique chassis tuning that doesn’t make compromises. To make it as light as possible, the Shelby GT350R doesn’t have a rear seat, rear-view camera, audio system, Sync, auxiliary gauges, tire inflator or sealant kit, USB port, or floor mats. The Shelby GT350R has a starting MSRP of $64,645.
