2020 Ford Mustang “Fell Apart” Despite This High-Tech Handling Feature
The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic and beloved muscle cars in American history. And the latest ponies aren’t that different from their predecessors. Like most modern vehicles, late-model Mustangs offer plenty of smart features that improve their overall quality. But things don’t always go as planned.
Here’s a look at the 2020 Ford Mustang and how it lacks in a few areas.
Where the 2020 Ford Mustang shines
The 2020 Ford Mustang truly shines when its powerful engine is allowed to flex its muscles, MotorTrend reported. The base model offers a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that gets 310 hp. Though this motor is relatively small for a pony, it still delivers more than enough oomph. But Mustang fans might want to upgrade the engine, and Ford provides plenty of options.
For example, the automaker offers the same standard engine but with higher performance ratings. That version gets about 330 hp. Ford also offers a variety of V8 options, and they can harness between 460 and 760 hp. So these engines vary wildly. And generally, the more powerful the engine, the faster the ‘Stang — but at the cost of a worse fuel economy.
At the top of the spectrum, the Mustang can roar from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and hit a top speed of about 180 mph when equipped with that monstrous 760-hp engine, Car and Driver reported. But speed aside, the Mustang has a few issues.
What’s the deal with the handling?
Going fast in a straight line is one thing, but every car eventually must turn a corner. And in terms of handling, the 2020 Ford Mustang has plenty going for it. In fact, certain Mustang trims come equipped with Ford‘s suspension system, MagneRide. As the name implies, it uses magnets to provide a more stable ride. It’s a relatively new technology that debuted almost 20 years ago, but it’s only recently become more common on road-legal cars that most people can afford to buy.
Perhaps because of this advanced feature, U.S. News said the 2020 Mustang offers “precise handling.” But not all experts agree. Despite MagneRide and other features, MotorTrend thought the Mustang actually didn’t handle well. MotorTrend said, “On the winding track, the Mustangs fell apart with poor body control and a rear end that has a mind of its own.”
The 2020 Mustang has other things going for it, though
Though it’s not entirely clear why the 2020 Ford Mustang behaved that way on the track, the handling gaffe didn’t really matter to MotorTrend. Compared with other muscle cars, such as the Chevy Camaro, the 2020 Mustang is still a winner. That’s because the ‘Stang is more fun to drive and offers more interior space.
In the end, muscle cars aren’t meant for everyday errands. Yet the 2020 Ford Mustang provides enough cargo space for those types of chores, U.S. News said. The regular hard-top Mustang offers up to 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the convertible boasts about 11.4 cubic feet. The 2020 Mustang isn’t a spacious vehicle by any means — it’s still meant for four people — but that’s fine for most customers.