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The Ford Mustang EcoBoost brought the first four-cylinder ‘Stang into the equation since the oil-crisis-era second-generation model. Even with the horsepower figures of V8-powered models from a decade ago, the four-pot Mustang gets a bit of flak from the model’s faithful. But it begs the question: is the Mustang EcoBoost a replacement for displacement? Or is it a sad compromise for V8 models like the GT and Dark Horse?

The S650 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a marked improvement over the eight-cylinder Mustangs of two generations ago

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a point of contention for the iconic American nameplate. For starters, the EcoBoost offers half the cylinders of the GT and delightfully unhinged Dark Horse models. However, with the power output of previous V8 models and modern refinements, the EcoBoost is far from a punchline. 

Granted, the previous generation of Mustang EcoBoost outmuscled the S650 model’s power output. I’m, of course, referring to the S550 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance, a 330-horsepower take on the four-cylinder pony car. However, even with a power deficit, the latest Eco-Stang can dispatch a sprint to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds. That’s not far off from the first S550 and S197 V8 Mustangs.

Oh, but what about the finer points of the V8 Mustangs of recently-discontinued generations? Well, I had an S197 Ford Mustang Bullitt, a movie-homage representation of what the GT could be with performance and aesthetic upgrades. 

Sure, the Bullitt boasts an extra 15 horsepower, a sleek Steve McQueen-inspired look, and an orchestral model-specific exhaust system. However, its live rear axle-instigated tendency to tramline and its comparable stone-agedness don’t make the fifth-generation V8 Mustang much of a match for the EcoBoost.

What’s more, the EcoBoost, in a lineup devoid of a six-cylinder offering, is the undisputed bargain of the Mustang lineup. Of course, it should be noted that the seventh-generation Mustang pushed the base model’s lineup above the $30,000 mark. And that’s a bit of a tragedy for the working-class hero pony car.

S650 Ford Mustang EcoBoost (2024-2025)
Starting price$33,515
Engine2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder 
Transmission10-speed automatic 
0-60 mph4.5 seconds
¼ mile13.2 seconds
Fuel economy22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
Source: Car and Driver
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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).