2020 Ford Mustang review

Modern Mustangs offer a broad range of appealing characteristics. Of course, muscular performance tops the list, but easy-to-use controls, a comfortable ride quality and high-tech driver aids are all still on the menu too. The Ford Mustang is currently in its sixth generation that debuted for the 2015 model year. It's sold as either a two-door coupe or two-door convertible with a fabric top. Both have seating for four.

Ford has made some updates since 2015. The most notable year to be aware of is 2018 when the Mustang received refreshed styling, revised suspension tuning and powertrain enhancements. Ford also made a few updates to standard and available equipment for 2020, but in general the 2018-2020 models are pretty similar.

The Mustang is quick in a straight line and enjoyable to drive with either the four-cylinder or the V8 engine. With the V8, everything is just dialed up more intensely.

The six-speed manual is easy to shift, and the 10-speed automatic has quick and smooth shifts, even when driven aggressively.

Steering and handling are impressive. The steering wheel feels appropriately light around town and gains a bit of additional weight at speed. On base models, the Mustang's handling is capable and relatively flat through corners. Add any of the high-performance options that increase cornering performance and you've got a thoroughly entertaining car on your hands.

The Mustang's front seats are firmly padded but well-bolstered and comfortable enough to be used in daily driving. Ride comfort is generally impressive. Small road imperfections are easily soaked up, and the available adaptive suspension is well-suited to high-performance driving.

The Mustang's interior is optimized for the driver. A good range of adjustment from both the steering wheel and the driver's seat make for optimal driving position on long road trips, short commutes, or during more enthusiastic driving. The front of the cabin is spacious and forward visibility is better in the Mustang than in most rivals.

Getting in and out of the Mustang is easy if you're in a wide-open parking lot, but the doors are long, and opening them completely when you're parked next to other cars is difficult. Also, the Mustang's focus on performance and style does compromise rear seat space. Even small children will have a hard time getting into and then getting situated in back.

Thankfully, the interior is well-built. There are a few hard and hollow plastics used in the interior construction, especially on lower trim levels, but they're mostly out of the way. What does that mean? Well, essentially it means that the cheap stuff isn't located on surfaces you touch a lot like the window switches or the dashboard controls -- it's relegated to aesthetic-only trim pieces. The interior layout is relatively simple too, and most of the buttons and knobs are easy to reach and use.

There are two main infotainment systems for the 2020 Ford Mustang. Standard on EcoBoost and GT trim levels is a 4.2-inch center screen. Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity are standard.

But to get the more helpful Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems you have to upgrade to the EcoBoost Premium or GT Premium trim levels. That upgrade also comes with a larger 8-inch center touchscreen and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment software. Voice controls on the Sync system are quick to respond to commands and they understand natural language well.

Advanced driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and forward collision warning are all optional for the Mustang. In general, they operate smoothly and keep false alarms to a minimum.

The Ford Mustang's cargo space is average compared to its main rivals. The Mustang coupe has 13.5 cubic feet of cargo storage in the trunk, which is good enough to fit a few carry-on-style suitcases plus a bit more. The Camaro has a paltry 9.1 cubes and the Challenger offers 16.2 cubes. In the convertible, it's a similar story. The Mustang convertible offers 11.4 cubes, with the Camaro only measuring 7.3 cubes. There is no convertible version of the Challenger.

It's best to think of the Mustang as a two-seater that can carry a friend or a small child on short journeys only. Regular use of the back seat will reveal just how cramped it is. Treat the back seat like extra storage, however, and it's a bit more appealing.

Up front, there's similarly limited space when it comes to cupholders and small cubbies. The Mustang's center console is merely OK and the door pockets are slim and have compromised openings. The cupholders will hold regular soda cans or small water bottles, but you'll have to hold onto larger drinks yourself.