There are many excellent and affordable sports cars on the market today. One well-rounded option is the Ford Mustang, an iconic vehicle that was one of the first popular pony cars. While it may look a little different in 2020, it’s still one of the most exciting cars you can drive.

You can also enhance the Ford Mustang’s performance on the track with its Ecoboost High Performance Package, according to Cars.com. This bundle includes some additional parts and a few extra ponies for the engine. However, many Ford Mustang drivers will be disappointed to find that the performance package lacks one major component.

Everything in the 2020 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang returns for 2020 with a wide variety of engine choices. The standard Ecoboost comes with a turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder capable of 310 hp. The Mustang GT and Bullitt trims have a 5.0-liter V8 that can make up to 480 hp. These can be mated with either a six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission. Overall, critics found the manual to be more engaging.

The two highest trims, the GT300 and GT500, feature the most powerful engines. Both have a supercharged 5.2-liter V8, which makes 526 hp on GT300 and 760 hp on the GT500 models. These two trims also have standard Brembo brakes, an automatic adaptive suspension, and sports front seats.

Handling packages are also available for both of these models, which add a rear wing lip. The GT500 is new for this year and comes with a slew of exclusive options like high-performance tires and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel economy is predictably low on the biggest performers, but it’s a small price to pay for all the available power.

The Ford Mustang also has a lot to offer in terms of infotainment. However, most of the best features are optional, such as smartphone integration and selectable driving modes. You’ll also have to pay extra if you want any advanced safety features like forward-collision warning and lane assistance.

The High Performance package

Various packages are available for all trims of the Ford Mustang, including the EcoBoost. It costs around $5,000, but the performance enhancements are well worth the upgrade. For starters, it brings Mustang’s power output from 310 hp to 330 hp, with torque output remaining at 350 lb-ft.

The package also improves the Mustang’s steering and handling power. As Cars.com points out, this makes the already lighter EcoBoost a master at tight corners. You can also expect the HPP Mustang’s overall gas mileage to improve, achieving up to 23 mpg combined city/highway.

The HPP package also gives the car bigger brakes, an active exhaust, improved front springs, and a limited-slip rear differential. A large rear sway bar and strut tower brace are also included. For an extra $2,000, you can also add on the EcoBoost Handling package. This bundle gives you the Magneride active suspension found on the priciest Mustang trims, plus summer racing tires.

The Ecoboost’s High Performance package isn’t perfect

Both the High Performance and Handling packages can definitely make driving the Ford Mustang EcoBoost even more exciting. Still, one component is regrettably absent: that pleasing engine growl. The active exhaust simply can’t replicate the iconic sound of a tuned-up V8 engine. If this is going to be a dealbreaker, just save your money and get a higher trim.

No package can also fix the Ford Mustang’s tight quarters. While the interior is very upscale, the second row isn’t very friendly for adult riders. However, for single riders who don’t yearn for a growling engine, the EcoBoost’s High Performance package is a must-have.