2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Coupe Review

Good looks and the Muscle You Expect

by Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel

"Everbody wants to be an Art Director..." This line from legendary Stan Freeberg is descriptive of the reactions to the exterior of the 2020 Mustang with its LED lighting in the front and rear and the signature headlights, turn signals, daytime running lamps, and available fog lamps. Driving around the Sacramento Valley, the comments from the 18-49 male demographic were 99 percent positive, and I would add myself to that group, appreciating the ridges and vents that evoke movement and power.

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Coupe tested included a new High Performance Package. Its enhanced engine outputs, via twin-scroll turbo compressor, and a larger radiator, creates 330 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque all the way up to the redline. Couple that with the new EcoBoost Handling package with its active dampers, 19-inch wheels, and an active valve performance exhaust. There is certainly thrust with a distinct baritone growl available whenever needed or wanted. The a quick-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission is remarkably smooth and shifts through the first five gears faster than you can say "2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Coupe."

The FordPass App is a helprful digital pit crew providing remote connection to your vehicle, Roadside Assistance and numerous rewards and benefits: You can add your VIN to the app to lock/unlock your doors, start/stop your engine, vehicle info like fuel levels, service history, and know when it's time for an oil change. There's Road Services like fuel delivery, flat-tire repair and more. Forgot where you parked? No worries. The FordPass App remembers your location.

The Premium trim has plenty of leather and the buckets that can be power-adjusted six waysand are both heated and cooled. The infotainment system has nine speakers and an advanced SYNC 3 system. This equips a larger eight-inch capacitive touchscreen, navigation, smartphone integration, including both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Ford Safe and Smart package needing to be added on for advanced driver assists like pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping alert and a reverse parking sensor system. The bottom line is that this pony has not lost its lineage and Ford is to be commended for upgrading and enhancing its iconic vehicle while maintaining its unique personality.