Most of us have considered buying a Ford Mustang at one point or another. It’s an American classic, but it’s not the most practical vehicle in the world. When it comes to the Mustang’s safety, you’d have to wonder what your mother would say. However, Ford just made a giant stride with the 2021 Ford Mustang, making the pony car a more valuable and ‘smarter’ buy than ever before.

The automotive world is undergoing more innovation than ever before, especially regarding driver-assistance technologies. And sports cars aren’t being lost in the shuffle. Ford Authority reported that the Mustang’s previously optional active safety features are now standard for the 2021 model year.

Is it finally time to get behind the wheel of a Mustang now that the entry-level model is safer than ever before? That’d be tough to argue.

These active safety systems change the way you drive – for the better

Ford introduced its suite of driver-assistance technologies as standard equipment to most of its lineup over the past couple of years. Unfortunately, some models, such as the Mustang, only offered it as an option. This way of thinking almost seems backward due to the sporty nature of these vehicles. 

Thankfully, the 2021 Ford Mustang sets a precedent with its new standard safety package. Its features include lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, pre-collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and dynamic brake support. Meanwhile, automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers are nice added touches that improve visibility.

Some of these features are self-explanatory. However, no one should underestimate how crucial these technologies are to modern driving. Many of these systems work in tandem to protect the vehicle’s occupants and others on the road. For instance, forward-collision warning continually monitors your vehicle’s speed and distance as well as the car driving in front of you. When the pre-collision alert system detects an impending crash, the automatic emergency braking system helps avoid impact or mitigate the damage.

Why buy the 2021 Ford Mustang?

The Mustang is more than a throwback to classic Americana. It’s still a ferocious rear-wheel-drive pony car that delivers thrills at every corner.

Many car enthusiasts will drool over the all-new Mustang Mach 1, featuring a muscular 5.0-liter V8. However, most consumers will opt for a more reasonably priced trim level with a less robust engine.

The 2021 Ford Mustang comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and several V8 engines are available. There are enough trims with varying levels of performance to tailor it to what you want. 

Are you looking to add a little ‘sport’ to your morning commute? The low-end models are a perfect, affordable choice. Want to take your dream car to the track on weekends? The performance-enhanced GT, Mach 1, or Shelby models would be your best bet.

The 2021 Ford Mustang is a cut above the rest

The standard safety systems upgrade gives the 2021 Ford Mustang an advantage over its main competitors, the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro. Both muscle cars offer similar safety systems. However, the vast majority of features, such as blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning, don’t come standard.

The Mustang has always been a popular car amongst youthful drivers. The added benefit of driver-assistance technologies on the reasonably powered base trim makes the 2021 Ford Mustang a safer choice for this demographic. Plus, mom won’t have any more sleepless nights.