Cheapest New Ford Car Is a Keeper, Aside From These 3 Problems
The Ford lineup is down to just one car: the venerable Mustang. As a result, the 2023 Mustang EcoBoost is the cheapest new Ford car. However, just because it’s the most affordable coupe in the automaker’s offerings doesn’t mean it’s not a keeper. Still, it does have a few foibles, like its lackluster infotainment system.
Which is the cheapest car from Ford?
Since the Blue Oval discontinued its Fusion and Focus models, the cheapest car in the Ford lineup is the Mustang EcoBoost. The base-model EcoBoost starts at around $29,165, and the posher Premium trim adds about $5,025.
Moreover, the EcoBoost is the entry-level pony car, powered by a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine with a commendable 310 horsepower. Furthermore, fans who want to make the gas-sipping ‘Stang even more formidable can opt for the High Performance Package, which bumps the EcoBoost’s power up to 330, more than a V8-powered Mustang Bullitt from the previous generation.
What problems does the only Ford car for 2023 have?
The cheapest and only Ford car for 2023 is the Mustang. Still, while the entry-level EcoBoost has its redeeming features, it also has a few issues:
- Dated interior with lackluster infotainment
- Cramped rear seats
- Lack of all-wheel drive (AWD)
Is the Mustang considered a luxury car?
The Ford Mustang is many things: a pony car, a muscle car, a performance car, and a highway cruiser. However, it’s not a luxury car. The Premium trims work in leather seats, larger infotainment systems, and contrast stitching, but the entry-level models are a bit spartan.
For instance, the S550 Mustang’s interior hasn’t enjoyed much of an update since it went on sale in 2015. As a result, the pony car’s toggle switches and layout are long-winded. Moreover, the Ford car’s entry-level 4.2-inch LCD is lackluster and antiquated.
Ford will begin selling the new generation of Mustang in 2024, moving from the S550 to the S650 generation. However, before the pony car evolves into its seventh generation, the 2023 model has to live with its charming, albeit dated interior.
Ford’s beloved pony car has cramped rear seats
The 2023 Ford Mustang and its trims continue the S550’s grand-tourer platform, which includes back seats for a 2+2 application. However, the Mustang’s rear seats are very tight, and owners would be hard-pressed to accommodate four adults in the car. Moreover, modern muscle car fans who want more backseat space should consider the Dodge Challenger. The Challenger is larger in every metric, including interior and trunk space.
Will the 2023 Mustang have AWD?
The 2023 Ford Mustang does not feature AWD at any trim level. That’s unsurprising; except for the controversial Mach-E electric vehicle, the pony car has never offered AWD. Instead, the Mustang sends power to the rear wheels via the driveshaft.
As a result, the Dodge Challenger is the only muscle coupe in the segment that offers grippy AWD. Specifically, the Pentastar V6-powered Challenger SXT and GT trims have the optional feature, but not the V8 trims. Still, Dodge will discontinue the Challenger after the 2023 model year.
What do you think of Ford’s cheapest car and its few shortcomings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
