In the world of sports and muscle cars, the most symbolic and iconic is arguably the Ford Mustang. While the Ford Mustang remains one of the most popular sports cars year after year, there is plenty of competition in the power and performance department. But for the 2020 model year, the Ford Mustang means business and might just be the best supercharged car you could possibly buy.

The Ford Mustang is the best supercharged car you can buy this year

The experts at U.S. News recently compiled a list of the “15 Best Supercharged Cars in 2020” and it’s loaded to the brim with a variety of high-performance, luxury, and consumer-brand sports cars and crossovers. Based on thorough review and ranking, however, there’s only one car that earns the crown as best.

The 2020 Ford Mustang comes out on top as U.S. News’ No. 1 pick for supercharged cars of the year – by a landslide. Its overall score by experts of 8.8/10 is impressive on its own but also towers over the scores of any other competitor on the list. When it comes to powerful, supercharged cars, the Ford Mustang is the blowout winner and the clear choice among experts.

How the 2020 Ford Mustang blows other supercharged cars out of the water

As the symbol of American muscle cars, it’s no surprise that the 2020 Ford Mustang earns a spot on U.S. News’ list. Its base engine is competitive and sufficient for the value, but it’s in the Mustang’s upper trims that its best qualities shine. Even though the Mustang is always “bound to be special,” when the Shelby moniker is attached to it, the Mustang becomes the “performance pinnacle” of the sports car segment. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 sits at the top of the Mustang trim line, offering “outrageous levels of speed” and power. 

The Mustang Shelby GT500 can scream from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph. This is powered by an insanely potent, 5.2-liter supercharged V8, making 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque.

According to U.S. News, the 2020 Ford Mustang’s performance capabilities match with an overall great driving experience, earning it the highest rating not only on its supercharged-cars-list but also in sports car and convertible segments. Its 8.8/10 overall score consists of an impressive Critics’ Rating of 9.4, a performance score of 9.1, and an above-average rating in reliability.

Compared to other supercharged cars on the market, the Ford Mustang has “better handling and more engaging experience,” “a higher range of horsepower,” and even “a more elegant interior.”

Features, specs, and pricing

According to Ford, there are 11 different 2020 Mustang models to choose from, starting at around $26,000. Base model Mustang EcoBoosts come standard with a turbocharged V4 and a six-speed manual transmission, making 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Above this engine are a variety of V8s, making between 460 and 526 hp. In order to achieve the shocking power of 760 hp, however, you’ll need to get the top-of-the-line Shelby GT500.

The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has a starting price of nearly $73,000 and is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT500 also includes a variety of drag-strip-ready features, like magnetorheological dampers, Brembo brakes, race seats, automatic adaptive suspension, high-performance tires, and race-inspired chassis and suspension. Carbon-fiber wheels, track tires, and aerodynamic exterior features are also available. The Shelby GT500 also features a launch control system, which ensures quick starts in any condition, as well as a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and selectable drive modes.