2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package Review

Even though it uses the engine from the Focus RS and the brakes from a V8 Mustang, the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the new High Performance pack is much more than just a performance parts bin mashup. The optional Handling package's unique Pirelli Corsa4 tire and retuned MagneRide shocks work with the stability control and ABS systems and the new engine's lighter weight to give this Mustang the most engaging handling this side of the Shelby GT350. If you prefer canyon carving and autocrossing to straight-line power, this might be the Mustang for you.

About the Mustang EcoBoost:

The 2020 Ford Mustang provides ample amounts of style and performance. It also makes the appropriate nods to the Mustang's heritage while staying current with the latest technology features. Among today's muscle cars, the Mustang is hard to beat.

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 10-speed automatic is optional. Other mechanical equipment includes a limited-slip rear differential, launch control (only with the manual gearbox), and an electronic line lock to facilitate burnouts (at the track only, of course).

Standard feature highlights include 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, a 4.2-inch center display screen, and a six-speaker sound system. Also standard is FordPass Connect, which includes remote start, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote services that allow you to check on the vehicle from a smartphone app.

The EcoBoost Premium keeps all the same hardware but adds 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, revised cabin trim, power-adjustable front seats, a nine-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system.

For both EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium models, an available High Performance package adds a high-performance version of the 2.3-liter engine with a 20-hp boost (up to 332 hp but with the same torque rating), larger brakes with four-piston calipers, 19-inch wheels and summer tires, a shorter differential ratio, a bigger radiator, active exhaust, stiffer front springs, a special front air splitter, a larger rear spoiler, and specialized track-oriented suspension tuning. The High Performance package also allows access to the EcoBoost Handling package (coupe only), which equips the Mustang with adaptive MagneRide suspension dampers and wider wheels (19 inches x 9.5 inches) with Pirelli Corsa4 tires.

Muscle cars don't exactly scream "high tech," but the Ford Mustang gets high marks for the availability of newer features. Ford's Sync interface has top-notch voice controls, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. The optional digital instrument panel not only looks cool, but it is functional and is a great secondary control screen.

The advanced safety features (blind-spot monitor, lane keeping assist, etc.) are well-tuned to avoid false alarms. The forward collision warning is appropriately startling. The adaptive cruise control executes with smooth inputs and maintains the set speeds on steep downhills.

Inside, the Mustang's interior is much the same as it has been for the past few years. Highlights include a pleasing retro design fitted with the latest technology options such as Ford's Sync infotainment system and adaptive cruise control. The drawbacks are predictable. These include limited rear-seat and trunk space and a stiff ride when you opt for the high-performance suspension. Overall, though, we thoroughly enjoyed the 2020 Ford Mustang. It's modern, fast, easy to drive, and available with just enough options to make it your own.

#Mustang #FordMustang #Edmunds

[porscheguy]

Ford is still holding the EcoBoost Mustang back. They could easily have that engine pushing out a very reliable and efficient 375-400 horsepower. They probably don’t want it tuned to put that much power out because it probably puts it to close to the V8 GT’s performance due to the lower weight and better handling.

[BrayZap]

Ive had mine for 2 years now and absolutely love it. A lot of my friends have 5.0 and in town especially its great cause i dont have to ring out the entire power band since it makes power more down low and in the middle. If people actually gave the car a chance with an open mind they would love it

[mckou]

Hey Edmunds, this guy has a great, natural personality for video. Use him more.

[MSimeon]

They wondered if a 4 cylinder focus RS would fit? If the V8 fits....

Come on now...

[Trendyflute]

Good review, guess I have to take back what I said about only wanting to watch Carlos Lago. I drove a EcoBoost Performance Pack 6MT Mustang a few years ago (pre-facelift, 310 HP version) and I was pretty impressed with the handling, the brakes, and the shifter; it made for an entertaining platform. The engine had adequate power but the way it dies at higher revs and the noise quality both conspire to take the special feeling away from the drivetrain. I definitely prefer the lighter nose and better handling of the EcoBoost compared to the V8, though!

[derrickhead]

Test drove a lime green one today man I liked it better than the GT no lie and camera don't do the exhaust justice it sounds soo good and the lightness of it is awesome

[dwphillips]

my friend has one these and I was so surprised I just couldn't believe how good it felt.

[joshmiller]

Great video and very informative. Love the car and what a great location to take it too. I like the lighter mustang.

[jgabrielr]

I’m looking on buying my first Mustang, I can afford the Ecoboost high performance or the 5.0L V8. But honestly, i was looking at buying the 310Hp model since I’m not really a diehard car person.

[joshc]

$500 dyno tune and you will be well over the 330hp and around 400ftlbs of tq.

[josemanuelruiz]

You answered a very important question that I had; does it handles better than a V8 because the engine should be lighter?
Thanks pal!!

[steves]

I just got the 2020 hp package mustang in black.awesome ride.quick.great looks.

[ProjectFairmont]

I’ve had a ‘15 Eb PP, ‘17 GT PP and ‘17 Gt350. I still have the EB, why, because it’s got a better torque curve, less weight on the nose and gets 23 mpg. You don’t need a V8 to have fun.

[charlesmarshall]

I love this car. I have become a fan of modern V6 engines even more. So much so that after seeing chassis dyno runs of dozens of Ripp supercharged 3.6 Pentastars in LH Mopars. I bought a new Chrysler 300S in 2017 and added the Ripp Vortec kit to it with the large intercooler that comes in the package. I also own a 2014 SRT 6.4 Hemi. We put them on the same dyno to do a fair comparison of wheel power. The supercharged V6 put down 443 HP and the 6.4 Hemi made 428 HP(check out other dyno runs of this package on You Tube). The V6 car is 200 pounds lighter than the iron Hemi car. The V6 car also is slightly faster and gets way better fuel economy. I'm selling the Hemi car and getting an 8 speed supercharged V6 Ram. I would give anything if FCA would build a supercharged Wide Body Charger with similar power levels.

[Joseph-duws]

Great video. Love this car and would not miss the V8.

[cadsux]

Interesting photography with the neon green Mustang and Golden Gate Bridge, which seems to complement the previous Bullitt Mustang review.

[barsaf]

An EcoBoost mustang that's actually cool? I think yes.

[Guy_de_Loimbard]

In before the "It's not a REAL Mustang without a V8" comments...

[RandallWhitted]

Like the video, really like the reviewer, just wish you would have given a few seconds of revs. The engine is supposed to sound better with the HP package - would love to have heard it.

[bmturbo]

if v8 fits then why wondered if RS engine may fit or not.