2024 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Test Drive Review: The Right Sound, The Right Engine, The Right Price

It is powerful to think about a automobile that is extra culturally vital than the Ford Mustang. Launched in 1964, the Mustang is the longest-running steady sports activities automotive nameplate within the USA, and the seventh era mannequin is at present the best-selling sports activities automotive by a large margin.

Although it shares quite a bit in frequent with the outgoing S550 era, together with a platform and powertrains, the present S650 mannequin is taken into account an “all-new” era, not merely a facelift. Offered as both a fastback coupe or convertible, the Mustang has outlived each of its Detroit rivals, the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, although the latter might be changed by a two-door Charger mannequin, which won’t be supplied as a convertible.

That leaves solely the BMW 4 Sequence Cabriolet and Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet as the one shut rivals to the Mustang Convertible, although we doubt most consumers will cross store with them. DrivingOnRoad spent per week driving a 2024 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, which – barring some pricing modifications – is not any totally different from the 2025 mannequin that is been revealed. With nothing left to problem it, is the Mustang Convertible nonetheless America’s drop-top favourite pony automotive?

Exterior: Have It Your Approach

The seventh-generation Mustang is barely much less aggressive trying than its predecessor, no less than to our eyes. We do not love the rear finish styling, which now contains a horizontal “fold” throughout the trunk and taillights – however that is probably not everybody’s feeling. Ford presents an enormous degree of customization for the Mustang Convertible, however our tester arrived carrying a moderately plain shade of Iconic Silver Metallic that does not name an excessive amount of consideration. Drivers who wish to be observed can go for brighter hues, corresponding to Race Pink ($295), Grabber Blue Metallic ($295), Molten Magenta Metallic Tri-coat ($995), and Yellow Splash Metallic ($995) with 11 complete shade choices. Sadly, a few of these colours, like Yellow Splash, won’t be out there subsequent 12 months.

Patrons can add one in every of a number of particular look kits, together with the $1,095 Bronze Look Bundle, $1,395 Mustang Nite Pony Bundle, and $1,995 California Particular Bundle. 18-inch wheels come customary on the Mustang Convertible, whereas the GT rides on 19s. Patrons of the bottom convertible can improve to 19-inch wheels (six patterns complete), whereas the GT has as many as 11 wheel designs to select from, together with some which might be locked to the looks packages.

Inside: Extra Screens, Fewer Buttons

House owners of the earlier S550 Mustang will acknowledge that the S650’s bones carry over within the cabin, however with some heavy updates. The 4.2-inch base LCD display and eight-inch touchscreen have been changed by a brand new 13.2-inch touchscreen, which now runs Ford’s Sync 4 software program with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We like the brand new display, however hate that Ford removed most bodily buttons under it, together with the S550’s retro toggle switches. Ford additionally gave the Mustang barely totally different software program than different fashions, with some annoying anomalies, corresponding to not having a shortcut for Apple CarPlay when you find yourself in one other menu. Hopefully a software program replace can enhance this.

The Mustang had a digital gauge cluster earlier than, however now it is a 13.2-inch display that appears like a pill, just like a BMW 4 Sequence. Whereas the earlier setup was extra interesting visually, the brand new display presents superior graphics, infinite shade customization, and a number of layouts, together with a cool new Fox Physique mode that mimics the enduring third-generation mannequin. New gauges, together with 1968 first era ones, will be downloaded for no-cost. Sadly, this over-the-air replace was not out there on our tester.

If you would like a base Mustang Convertible with material and vinyl seats, Ford solely presents it on the EcoBoost engine with Black Onyx or House Grey. Choosing the EcoBoost Premium brings ActiveX seats or leather-based as a part of a $3,000 Premium Excessive (201A) Bundle. These seats will be completed in Black Onyx, House Grey, Emberglo (brown), and Carmine Pink. The GT Premium comes with customary leather-based seats, including a Navy Pier (blue) inside on the California Particular Bundle. General, the cabin looks like a blended bag with premium and cheaper supplies. Bear in mind, the Mustang is a rental-car-lot staple, so no quantity of luxurious options will make this automotive really feel absolutely premium. Some touchpoints – just like the heated and ventilated leather-based seats and heated steering wheel – really feel nice, whereas the sprint and middle console have an air of cheapness to them. After a long time of success, Mustang house owners needs to be used to taking the great with the unhealthy in what is basically a efficiency discount.

Practicality: Helpful-Ish

Choosing the Mustang Convertible solely marginally hurts practicality. The trunk shrinks from 13.3 to 10.3 cubic ft, and it stays at that quantity with the roof up or down. Additionally, you will lose the coupe’s skill to fold the rear seats, limiting your skill to hold longer gadgets within the trunk.

The area within the again is tight with solely 29.2 inches of legroom and 35.7 inches of headroom, although these numbers are literally barely increased than the Mustang Fastback. If you would like probably the most sensible Ford with a horse on it, the Mustang Mach-E presents 4 doorways and a spacious SUV physique type.

Efficiency: Whoosh Or Roar

Energy within the Mustang comes from one in every of two sources: an EcoBoost four-cylinder or a Coyote V8. The previous acts as the bottom powertrain, sending 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque (on 93 octane gasoline) to the rear wheels solely by means of a 10-speed computerized transmission. Ford will not provide a guide transmission with a turbocharged four-cylinder. In coupe kind, the EcoBoost hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, however you may anticipate the heavier convertible to be a bit slower. All Mustang GT variants, like our tester, get a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that delivers 480 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque. 486 hp will be acheived on all GT fashions which have the Lively Valve twin exhaust geared up.

This engine is considerably faster than the EcoBoost, hitting 60 mph in below 4 seconds (in coupe kind, the convertible is a smidge slower), although it comes with a considerable penalty in effectivity. The EcoBoost is rated at 22/33/26 MPG metropolis/freeway/mixed, whereas the GT drops to 16/24/19 with the automated (15/23/18 with a guide). For individuals who would fortunately commerce gasoline financial system for noise, that is why the V8 exists.

Driving Impressions: Rumble Machine

From the second you press the beginning button, the Mustang GT rumbles to life with its wonderful V8 engine. There are a number of exhaust modes starting from loud to deafening, although a quiet mode does mute the sound a bit if you’re attempting to not wake the neighborhood. Ford made some main enhancements to the 10-speed computerized transmission, making it shift smoother below regular circumstances whereas holding it aggressive throughout spirited driving.

Together with the exhaust modes come a number of drive modes, together with Regular, Sport, Observe, Slipper, Drag, and Customized, all of which drastically influence components such because the steering, which will also be personalized with a button on the steering wheel. Even within the heaviest mode, the steering is not tremendous exact, but it surely delivers sufficient suggestions to maintain the expertise entertaining.

The usual suspension retains the experience comfy, however we would go for the $1,750 MagneRide Dampening system, which additionally requires the GT Efficiency Bundle. That provides essential efficiency upgrades, corresponding to Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential. With out these options, the Mustang GT is a superb cruiser, however less-than-ideal as a monitor weapon. Maybe consumers on the lookout for probably the most hardcore Stang would go for the Fastback, not the heavier drop prime.

Pricing: The Final Inexpensive Convertible

The Ford Mustang is the final inexpensive four-seat convertible left on sale within the US; every little thing else it competes towards wears a luxurious badge and has a premium value. You may get an EcoBoost Convertible beginning at $40,020 (which excludes the $1,595 vacation spot charge). That is a not-insignificant $8,100 greater than the entry EcoBoost Fastback. Upgrading to the EcoBoost Premium Convertible provides extra luxurious for $42,945. If you would like the V8 engine, the GT Premium Convertible is your solely possibility, priced at $52,880.

Performed up like our tester with the GT Efficiency Bundle ($5,295), GT Premium Excessive (401A) Tools Group ($2,900), and different choices, you may anticipate to spend a little bit over $65,000. That may sound costly for a Mustang, however have in mind it could take $95,300 to get this a lot energy from a BMW M4 Convertible and $82,600 for a much less highly effective Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet.

Whereas we want Ford would have saved a couple of extra bodily buttons, different enhancements to the Mustang make it a stellar product that ought to please muscle automotive diehards. It sounds nice, goes like a bullet, and drives nicely sufficient to impress even the staunchest BMW fan. With zero competitors, the Mustang Convertible now lives in a secure of 1.