5 Reasons the Cheapest New 2023 Ford Mustang Is Worth the Money
The outgoing 2023 Ford Mustang could have been the end of the Blue Oval’s beloved muscle car. Instead, Ford is producing the seventh-generation (S650) model starting in 2024, meaning this model year will be the last of the sixth-gen (S550) pony cars. Still, even with the incipient update, the cheapest 2023 model, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, is worth your time and money for at least five reasons.
What’s good about the 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
In addition to the post-facelift S550 Mustang’s good looks, the 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has five redeeming qualities:
- Good fuel economy for a sports car
- Available as a convertible
- More horsepower than closest competitors
- Available manual transmission
- Attractive starting price
The 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has good fuel economy compared to its closest competitors, the Chevrolet Camaro and the V6-powered Dodge Challenger SXT. Moreover, the EcoBoost is available as a drop-top convertible with an increasingly rare manual transmission option. Also, with horsepower to spare and a competitive starting point in the segment, the EcoBoost is a solid sports car prospect.
How many miles per gallon does a 2023 Mustang EcoBoost get?
A 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost gets 21 mpg city and 29 mpg at highway speeds. That means the pony car is capable of around 25 mpg combined under ideal conditions.
Still, while that might not be enough to compete with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, it’s certainly enough to contend with the Dodge Challenger SXT, Toyota GR86, and Subaru BRZ. The fuel-sipping ‘Stang also out-rations the Chevrolet Camaro 1LT by around 2.0 mpg, per TrueCar.
Is there a non-Premium 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible?
Unlike the upcoming 2024 Ford Mustang, the outgoing 2023 base model offers a convertible option without opting for a Premium trim. The entry-level drop-top Mustang starts at around $33,270, around $5,500 more than the base model coupe.
However, fans who want a posher experience can opt for the Premium Convertible, which adds features like leather climate-controlled seats and a Sync 3 infotainment system. Of course, it also adds around $5,025 to the base.
Are EcoBoost Mustangs quick?
The Ford Mustang EcoBoost can hit 60 mph in around 5.1 seconds, around 0.2 seconds quicker than a comparable Dodge Challenger SXT. That speed is courtesy of a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 310 horsepower.
Those 310 ponies already establish the EcoBoost as a higher-horsepower alternative to its direct competitors like the four-cylinder Chevrolet Camaro and Toyota GR86. However, the EcoBoost also offers a “High Performance” option which bumps the power up to 330.
Do EcoBoosts come in manual?
The 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost packs a six-speed manual MT82 transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic unit. While the Mustang’s Getrag-sourced manual can be problematic, it’s still a fun alternative to the automatic transmission.
Unfortunately for Mustang fans, the EcoBoost will drop the manual altogether for the 2024 model year.
Is a Mustang EcoBoost worth it?
The 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost starts at around $27,770 for the coupe. As a result, the hardtop pony car is the cheapest Mustang in the lineup and worth the money. Considering the Ford model’s power, styling, and fuel savings compared to the V8-powered GT, it’s a serious contender in the segment.
What do you think of the cheapest Mustang in the lineup? Would you skip it for a competitor? Tell us in the comments below!
