Quick Take
- The 2026 Ford Mustang delivers thrilling performance with EcoBoost or V8 engines, advanced suspension, and a fully customizable digital cockpit.
- Designed for driving excitement, the Mustang blends classic muscle car style with modern technology, comfort, and everyday drivability.
- Ed Koehn Ford of Wayland offers award-winning service to help you find a used Ford Mustang or certified pre-owned Ford Mustang for sale.
- You can buy a 2026 Ford Mustang in Grand Rapids, MI at Ed Koehn Ford of Wayland serving the area of Grand Rapids, MI.
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Also Read: Why Ford Escape Oil Change is Important for Grand Rapids, MI Drivers
The 2026 Ford Mustang remains an icon in the world of American sports cars because it keeps evolving to meet the needs of modern drivers. This latest iteration focuses on a mix of raw power and advanced technology to ensure that every trip feels like a hot lap at the track. People looking at the new lineup will see a range of models from the efficient but punchy EcoBoost to the track-ready Dark Horse. The engineers at Ford have spent a lot of time refining the chassis and suspension setups to make sure the car handles as well as it accelerates.
The Heart of the Machine
When talking about Ford Mustang performance, everything starts with the engine options. The base models feature the 2.3L GTDI I-4 engine. This specific Ford Mustang EcoBoost powertrain produces 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque when using 93 octane fuel. It uses a 10 speed automatic transmission to keep the engine in the sweet spot of its power band.
If you want more cylinders, the GT models carry the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine. This engine delivers 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque in its standard form. People who opt for the available active valve performance exhaust will see those numbers rise to 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. The GT comes with a standard 6 speed manual transmission featuring rev matching, though a 10 speed automatic is an available choice.
Advanced Handling and Suspension Technology
The handling of the 2026 Ford Mustang is just as important as the speed in a straight line. All models come with an integral-link independent rear suspension that uses coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Up front, you will find a double-ball-joint MacPherson strut setup with aluminum control arms to reduce unsprung weight.
For the highest level of Ford Mustang performance, the MagneRide Damping System is a key feature. This system is standard on the Dark Horse and available as an option on the GT models. It monitors the road and driver inputs thousands of times per second to adjust the dampers instantly. This helps the car stay flat during hard cornering while still providing a comfortable ride on rougher roads.
Steering feel is another area where this car shines. The Selectable-Effort Electric Power Assisted Steering allows drivers to choose between different levels of resistance. You can set it to a lighter feel for parking lots or a heavier, more communicative feel for spirited driving on backroads. Selectable Drive Modes also allow you to change the behavior of the car on the fly, adjusting things like throttle response and stability control settings.
Braking and Track Ready Features
Stopping power is a major part of the overall Ford Mustang performance package. Base models use 320 mm front rotors with 2-piston calipers. However, people can upgrade to a Brembo brake system. The Dark Horse features Brembo six-piston front brake calipers with even larger rotors as standard equipment. You can even customize the look with different caliper colors like Red, Black, or Notorious Blue.
One of the most exciting new features is the class-first electronic drift brake. This is an electric hand-operated parking brake that functions like a mechanical drift brake. It is standard on the Dark Horse and available on other models like the Ford Mustang EcoBoost or the GT. It allows enthusiasts to learn and practice drifting in a controlled track environment more easily than ever before.
Other track features include electronic line-lock, which is intended for track use only to help heat the rear tires. Launch control is also available to help the car get off the line as quickly as possible with minimal wheel spin. For people who take their cars to the track often, the Dark Horse includes coolers for the engine oil, transmission, and differential to keep temperatures under control during long sessions.
New Visual Packages and Customization
For the 2026 model year, Ford introduced some fresh ways to make the car your own. The biggest news is the introduction of the FX Package. This package is exclusively for the GT Premium Fastback and Convertible. It includes 19-inch Oxford White-painted cast aluminum wheels and unique Oxford White badging. This gives the car a very distinct, bright look that stands out in a crowd.
There are also new color options for the exterior. You can now choose Adriatic Blue Metallic or Orange Fury Metallic Tri-coat. These join existing favorites like Race Red and Shadow Black. If you want to change the look even more, there are several appearance packages. The Nite Pony Package adds blacked-out accents, while the Bronze Appearance Package uses Sinister Bronze-painted wheels and badges.
Inside the cabin, the customization continues with new seat belt colors. In addition to Race Red, you can now get seat belts in Black with Red Stripe, International Orange, or Prime Blue. These small touches help the interior feel as sporty as the exterior.
The Digital Cockpit and Connectivity
The interior of the 2026 Ford Mustang feels like it was designed for a pilot. It features a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster that is highly customizable. This is paired with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen that uses SYNC 4 technology. On higher trims like the Premium or Dark Horse, these screens are joined under a single piece of magnesium-framed glass to create a panoramic curved display.
Connectivity is better than ever with the available Ford Connectivity Package. This package is included for a year on certain models and provides an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten devices. It also enables features like Connected Navigation and voice assistants to make your daily drive easier. The Track Apps system remains a favorite for enthusiasts, as it allows you to see performance data like g-forces and lap times right on the digital display.
For those who love music, the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen is an available upgrade. It features 12 speakers and a subwoofer to provide a very high-quality audio experience. This is especially nice in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible when you have the top down and want to hear your music over the wind.
Dimensions and Practicality
While it is a performance car, the 2026 Ford Mustang is still designed to be used in the real world. The Fastback and Convertible models both have a 107-inch wheelbase. The overall length is about 189.4 inches for most models, with the Dark Horse being slightly longer at 189.7 inches.
The interior offers 44.5 inches of legroom for the front passengers, ensuring that even tall drivers can get comfortable. Trunk space is also decent for a sports car, with the Fastback providing 13.5 cubic feet of volume. The Convertible has a slightly smaller trunk at 11.4 cubic feet because of the space needed to store the folding top.
Every car in the lineup comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. This includes safety features like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane Keeping System, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. These systems help make the car a safer choice for daily driving and long road trips.
The Mustang RTR and Owner Experiences
Ford has also teamed up with Vaughn Gittin Jr to create the first factory-produced Mustang RTR. This model uses anti-lag turbo technology to keep the Ford Mustang performance high at all times. It features unique RTR signature lighting, graphics, and 19-inch wheels. It is a car built specifically for people who want a drift-ready, aggressive machine straight from the factory.
Owning one of these cars also gives you access to special events. New owners of the EcoBoost and GT can attend the Mustang Unleashed event at the Ford Performance Racing School. Dark Horse owners have their own exclusive event called the Dark Horse Track Attack. These programs are designed to help drivers learn how to get the most out of their vehicles in a safe environment.
Conclusion
The 2026 Ford Mustang is a complete package that honors its heritage while looking toward the future. Whether you choose the efficient Ford Mustang EcoBoost, the classic GT with its V8 roar, or the track-focused Dark Horse, you are getting a car that is built for excitement. With new handling technology like the electronic drift brake and the MagneRide system, this car is more capable than ever before. It remains the best-selling sports car in America for a reason.
Driving this car is like having a professional athlete as your personal trainer. It is always ready to push the limits, but it also has the intelligence and technology to help you stay in control and improve your skills every time you get behind the wheel.
Rev up your drive with Ford Mustang lease deals or find a Ford Mustang GT for sale today at Ed Koehn Ford of Wayland, shop now and feel the power.