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2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2.3 review (video)

In an ever-increasing age of SUV this and EV that, we have to express some genuine gratitude that a proper, rear-wheel drive performance car continues to be offered.

The 2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost auto represents the seventh generation of this iconic nameplate, promising a sharper, more modern take on the popular pony car. While the global shift towards electrification is evident, the Mustang remains firmly rooted in combustion-engine performance (Mach-E notwithstanding).

In the Australian market, the sports car segment priced under $80,000 contracted in 2024, yet the Mustang’s sales held steady at 1465 units – only 10 fewer than in 2023. Its market share grew significantly from 26 per cent to 34.6 per cent, reaffirming its status as the best-selling sports car on the market (VFACTS December 2024).

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost-rear

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Specifications

Engine: 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 232kW@5500rpm / 475Nm@3000rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×9.0, 255/40
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1708kg
Power-to-weight: 7.36:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 9.4L/100km
Our consumption: 9.7L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 61L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 24.68kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.98 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.56 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.37 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.93 seconds at 165.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.908g*
100-0km/h braking: 34.73m in 2.85 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.712g*
Decibel at idle: 51*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 91*
Starting price: $64,990

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: How much does it cost?

With a starting price of $64,990 before on-road costs, the 2025 Mustang EcoBoost has crept up a fair bit since its comeback 10 years ago. Buyers should expect drive-away pricing north of $70,000 depending on registration and dealer fees in your state or territory.

Because this is an American car, lower grade 91 RON petrol can be used. The 61-litre fuel tank pairs with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 9.4L/100km. With current fuel prices averaging $1.75/litre, a full tank costs approximately $106.75 and provides an estimated range of 649km in typical conditions (ADR81/02). In practise, we achieved 9.7L/100km – strong justification for choosing the four-cylinder over the V8.

Service intervals are set at 15,000km or annually, with capped-price servicing costing between $379 and $480 per visit. Ford’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance are not industry-leading by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly ample.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost-interior

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Interior & packaging

The Mustang EcoBoost’s interior is a cleaner looking affair than its clunky and ugly predecessor. Central to this is a 13.2-inch touch-screen running Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, paired with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster.

Both displays are highly customisable and support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the reliance on screen controls for climate and audio adjustments is extremely distracting and frustrating. Voice commands activated via the steering wheel offer some reprieve.

Toggling through various driving modes elicits a very cool interactive animation in the instrument panel. Numbers for speed and revs are easy to read. The handbrake is strange and unintuitive to operate, offering the appearance of a traditional, mechanical item but it is electronic.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost-rear seats

Dimensionally, the Mustang measures 4811mm in length, 2097mm in width (including mirrors), and 1407mm in height, with a 2719mm wheelbase. These proportions result in reasonable space for front occupants, while rear seating remains tight and best suited to the short and legless.

Speaking of seats, the front pews are comfortable and supportive enough, but only offer four-way electric adjustment, with manual backrests. At least they are heated and cooled.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost-boot

Boot space is 408 litres, offering sufficient practicality for everyday use or weekend road trips. Split-fold rear seats came in handy for a trip to the family Christmas, so you can feed through longer items such as a surfboard or fishing sticks.

Material quality in the cabin is a step up from pony cars of yore, though some hard plastics remain. A nice touch is the Mustang plaque in front of the passenger seat with a classic horse logo. While there is a noticeable improvement in layout and design compared to the previous generation, the Mustang’s interior still has some cheapness to it.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost-drive modes

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Powertrain & handling

The 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 232kW at 5500rpm and 475Nm at 3000rpm. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. Performance is brisk, with the turbocharged engine delivering smooth and predictable power delivery across the rev range – when it is on boost.

As we’ve found with other Ford four-cylinders with the 10R80 gearbox, it can be a tad busy at times – when the turbo is off boost – but smooth overall. Acceleration is brisk. Much quicker than you might expect. We clocked 0-100km/h in just 5.56 seconds, with the quarter mile coming up in 13.93 seconds at 165.6km/h.

However, the chassis tuning reveals some disappointments. The suspension feels overly soft, leading to slight front-end lift under acceleration. The short 2719mm wheelbase adds agility but can result in twitchy handling when pushed.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost-Vbox 0-100

Steering feedback is virtually non-existent , making it difficult to build confidence in corners. It may as well have steer-by-wire (not just EPS). Considering it wears Pirelli PZero tyres, this is all the more perplexing. Ten years ago, the Falcon offered a more confidence-inspiring steer. Thank goodness that the Brembo brakes are highly effective, washing off speed before the apex.

The EcoBoost’s character is further defined by its exhaust system, which utilises an airbox resonator and artificial sound enhancement to emulate the V8, exiting out of four generously-sized tips. While the result is laudable, it doesn’t quite stimulate the ear canals like the GT or Dark Horse. This Mustang is ultimately more comfortable as a cruiser than a dedicated sports car. A manual gearbox may have gone some way to alleviating this.

How safe is the 2025 Ford Mustang? The Mustang EcoBoost includes a range of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). These systems are complemented by a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost-grille

At the time of writing, the 2025 Mustang does not have an ANCAP safety rating. While Ford’s inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is commendable, potential buyers should be aware of this omission when comparing it to rivals.

In testing, we found these systems to be well suited to Australian conditions, suggesting Ford’s local division may have had some input here.

There’s no question the new Mustang looks the part, with a more svelte fastback shape, and cleaner interpretation of the S550’s design than before. It looks purposeful and muscular. And inside it is more refined and more civilised, and clearly much more advanced. However, compromises in handling dynamics and steering feedback represent a missed opportunity to us.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost-gauge cluster

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Key attractions/reasons to buy

  • Accessible price point: The EcoBoost offers a more affordable entry into the Mustang range, maintaining its appeal to a broader audience. Although, prices, like most things, have crept up in recent years.
  • Strong ownership package: With capped-price servicing, a five-year warranty, and reasonable fuel consumption, the Mustang EcoBoost is cost-effective to own.
  • Modern technology: The updated infotainment and instrument cluster enhance the driving experience with intuitive features and seamless connectivity.
  • EcoBoost is no slouch: It might not have the appear of the V8 sound, this 2.3 is seriously quick. It’s only about 0.5s slower across 0-100km/h.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Key considerations before you buy

  • Soft suspension: The front-end lift under acceleration and overall softness detract from its handling precision.
  • Limited steering feedback: The lack of communication through the steering wheel reduces driver confidence in dynamic situations, compared with like-minded rivals.
  • Distracting controls: Now with touch-screen-based climate and audio adjustments, it can be cumbersome to operate these functions compared with its predecessor, especially while driving.

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Video

How does it rate against its rivals?
  • Price
  • Quality look & feel
  • Interior tech
  • Powertrain performance
  • Ride & handling
  • X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
4

Final word

For those prioritising comfort and looks, and straight-line acceleration, the EcoBoost delivers, but enthusiasts may find themselves gravitating toward the GT or waiting for the upcoming Mustang RTR for a sharper driving experience. That car, said to incorporate elements of the Dark Horse, will hopefully be a sharper and more purposeful tool.

Mitchell Jones

Eccentric car nut and just as enthused by roasting an egg on the air cleaner of an old Hemi as he is hunting the horizon in a space-age electric supercar, Mitchell's passion for motoring started at a young age. He soon developed a meticulous automotive obsession for obscure facts. He joins Driving Enthusiast as a features writer and car reviewer, following a near 10-year stint at PerformanceDrive.

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