Best Car Reviews - 2022 Ford Mustang

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Introduction

The 2022 Ford Mustang is a classic rear-wheel-drive sports coupe aimed at drivers who want everyday usability with an unmistakably American performance-car character. This review focuses on the four-cylinder EcoBoost fastback with its SIDI direct-injection engine and six-speed manual transmission. It stands out by pairing turbocharged power, sharp fastback styling, and a traditional manual gearbox at a relatively accessible starting price.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2022 Mustang retains the long-hood, short-deck proportions that define the S550-generation car. Its low roofline, wide stance, sculpted side panels, and tri-bar lighting signature give it a muscular appearance without copying the V8 model outright. Ford did not redesign the Mustang for 2022, so this model is an evolution of the established sixth-generation shape rather than a major visual departure from 2021.

Fastback coupe body with a low, athletic roofline
Signature LED lighting and sequential-style rear lamp design
Available 18-inch or larger alloy wheels, depending on trim and package
Available Performance Package styling and aerodynamic details
Rear-wheel-drive proportions with a broad, planted stance

Interior and Comfort

The Mustang cabin is driver-focused, with a deeply hooded instrument panel, straightforward controls, and a cockpit-like seating position. The front seats offer good support for spirited driving, while higher trims improve the atmosphere with upgraded upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and available premium trim details. Rear seating is best treated as occasional space for smaller passengers, and the low roofline can make entry and exit less convenient than in a sedan.

Supportive front bucket seats with available power adjustment
Rear seats suitable mainly for occasional use
Available leather-trimmed seating and heated or ventilated front seats
Useful fastback cargo area for a sports coupe
Manual transmission adds a traditional, involving driving position

Performance and Handling

The four-cylinder Mustang uses Ford’s turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost SIDI engine, rated at 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque in standard form. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, giving the driver direct control of the engine’s broad turbocharged torque. The manual model includes launch control, while independent rear suspension helps the Mustang remain composed on rougher roads and more capable through corners than older live-axle Mustangs. The supplied fuel-consumption figure is 12.4 L/100 km; real-world consumption can vary substantially with traffic, driving style, weather, and performance options.

2.3-litre turbocharged SIDI inline-four engine
310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque
Six-speed manual transmission with rear-wheel drive
Independent rear suspension for improved ride and cornering control
Manual-transmission launch control for closed-course starts

Technology and Connectivity

Technology depends heavily on trim and options. Available equipment includes Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, voice control, navigation, and a premium audio system. The layout is not as modern as the newest digital-first sports cars, but it remains easy to understand and gives buyers access to useful connected features without overwhelming the driving experience.

Available SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Available navigation and premium audio system
Available digital instrument display on upper trims
FordPass-connected features on equipped vehicles

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, airbags, stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance features. Available or standard-by-trim assistance equipment includes automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping support, and Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this generation Good ratings in several tests, including the original moderate-overlap front, original side, roof-strength, and head-restraint evaluations; the driver-side small-overlap result was Acceptable.

Rearview camera and electronic stability control
Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking
Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
Lane-keeping system and automatic high-beam headlamps
Front, side, knee, and curtain airbag protection

Pricing and Variants

The 2022 Mustang EcoBoost Fastback started at approximately $27,470 in the United States before destination charges, options, taxes, and dealer fees. The range included EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, Mach 1, and Shelby GT500 variants, with fastback and convertible availability varying by trim. Against the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the Mustang offered a particularly broad powertrain range; compared with the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, it delivered considerably more turbocharged torque and a more usable rear cargo area, though it was larger and heavier.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong turbocharged performance from the 2.3-litre engine
Engaging six-speed manual transmission
Iconic fastback styling and extensive personalization options
Rear-wheel-drive balance with independent rear suspension
Competitive original entry price for a performance coupe

Cons

Rear seats are tight for adult passengers
Fuel consumption rises quickly with enthusiastic driving
Cabin materials on lower trims can feel less premium than the exterior suggests
Forward visibility and outward vision are restricted by the low coupe profile
Some desirable technology and comfort features require higher trims or packages

Maintenance and Common Issues

A broad Mustang repair-and-maintenance estimate is about $709 per year, although actual ownership costs depend on mileage, insurance, tyres, servicing location, modifications, and warranty coverage. Before purchase, confirm open recalls and service history by VIN. Common owner-reported areas to inspect include electrical warnings or infotainment faults, fuel-system concerns, steering noises or feel concerns, engine warning lights or misfire reports on some 2.3-litre cars, and body, glass, or weather-sealing issues. These reports do not establish that every 2022 Mustang has a defect, but they are sensible inspection points for a used-car buyer.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.1/10. Design: 9.0/10. Comfort: 7.2/10. Performance: 8.6/10. Technology: 7.8/10. Safety: 7.9/10. The EcoBoost manual Mustang succeeds because it feels like a genuine sports coupe while remaining more attainable and practical than many rivals.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the Mustang’s style, acceleration, manual-transmission involvement, and everyday drivability. The most frequent reservations concern rear-seat space, fuel use during spirited driving, and the difference in equipment between base and premium trims.

Owners often enjoy the turbo engine’s strong low- and mid-range torque
The manual gearbox is valued by drivers seeking a more connected experience
The exterior design continues to attract buyers who want a recognisable sports coupe
Rear-seat comfort is regularly viewed as a compromise
Drivers recommend checking option packages carefully before buying used

Best Cars in This Category

2022 Chevrolet Camaro
2022 Dodge Challenger
2022 Toyota GR86
2022 Subaru BRZ
2022 Nissan Z

Summary

The 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost manual is best for drivers who want a stylish, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with real driver involvement but do not need V8 power or four-door practicality. Its 310-horsepower turbocharged engine, six-speed manual, independent rear suspension, and broad option range give it lasting appeal. For buyers who accept the limited rear-seat space and verify maintenance history carefully, it remains an enjoyable and distinctive value in the modern sports-coupe market.