Why is the Mustang still so popular? The 2020 Ford Mustang was called the “best all-around muscle car of the 21st century” by Car and Driver. It ranks highly in the U.S. News sports car ranking. And now this Mustang has made another top list for its engine. How did the 2020 Ford Mustang make a list for its four-cylinder engine? 

The strongest engine

It likely surprised many when the 2020 Ford Mustang made the U.S. New list for Best Four-Cylinder Cars in 2020. When called the strongest engine on the same list, it had to raise some eyebrows. 

U.S. News called the Mustang’s base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine the strongest engine on the list. It gets 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a 10-speed automatic option. The 2020 Ford Mustang can hit 60 mph in five seconds, which is impressive for a four-cylinder.

But Mustang’s powertrain can do more than that. It handles very well, confident in corners while smooth and comfy on the highway. On top of all that, it gets decent gas mileage for a sports car. 

Best all-around muscle car

Most people recognize a Ford Mustang when they see one. It would be easy for the automaker to try and coast on that fact alone. Ford, however, produces one of the best muscle cars in today’s market. It looks sharp, and you get what’s considered the strongest four-cylinder engine according to U.S. News standard. Not a bad deal, right?

But the 2020 Ford Mustang has a lot more to offer. It has a good range of vigorous engines with lots of options for personalization and performance enhancement. There’s a High-Performance package new for 2020 that gives you the Ecoboost four-cylinder with 330 horsepower and some track-ready equipment usually only available with the V8 models. You can only get the High-Performance package with coupe models.

 If you want more power, you can have it with the V8-powered GT models. More than a match for its Chevy and Dodge peers, the Ford Mustang offers a winning balance of athleticism and practicality. There’s not much room in its back seat, and some of the cabin materials are cheap. But it’s got a generous amount of trunk space and that impressive performance.  

Value and fun

The base 2020 Ford Mustang starts at $26,670, and you can get the EcoBoost models for $27,765. The EcoBoost performance package impressed the team at Car and Drive with the more robust engine, MagneRide adaptive suspension, summer tires, and bigger brakes. You also get keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a voice-controlled infotainment system.

For $36,725, you can get the GT model. The Mustang GT offers a 5.0-liter V8 that has pretty much the same list of features as the EcoBoost but is only available as a fastback. Aside from the bigger engine, you get a manual transmission a limited-slip differential. 

If you want to spend more, there are other variants available. The Mustang Bullitt starts at $47,810 and has a more powerful V8, distinct exterior and interior designs, and an upgraded suspension. 

There’s also the famous 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, GT350R, and GT500 models. They all give you a 5.2-liter V8 engine and truly have dynamic standard features like Brembo brake, MagneRide automatic adaptive suspension, Recaro front sport seats, and a wealth of aerodynamic body styling cues. With the GT350R, you get a bigger front air splitter, red brake calipers, carbon fiber rear wheels, and a spoiler.

The top-shelf Shelby GT500 models got a supercharged V8 engine in 2020 and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It also gives you a chassis and suspension that would be home on the race track, high-performance tires, and more.

Industry experts agree that the 2020 Ford Mustang is one of the best muscle cars available. Whether you want it for its striking appearance or its athletic handling, you can’t go wrong.