2019 Ford Mustang Trim Comparison
Ford made waves when it announced that it was dropping the V6 engine from its Mustang lineup with the last model year, but the new model has shown us that there was nothing to worry about, after all. The 2019 Ford Mustang is just as powerful and adept as always, and it looks like a sleeker version of the muscle car that we all know and love.
The basic Mustang comes with a lot of great features, but you can control what you get by the trim level and options packages you choose. Here’s a look at the different trim levels to help you decide which might be the bestFord Mustang for you:
EcoBoost
The EcoBoost is the base model for the 2019 Mustang, replacing the outgoing V6 engine. You can choose this trim level as a fastback, convertible, or premium version of either. The base model starts at $25,585, and the price increases with the convertible or premium options.
The base model comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine that puts out an impressive 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. You won’t miss that V6, but you will notice the 31 mpg you get on the highway! A 3.31 limited-slip rear axle enhances the performance, and a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive gives you more control.
A black decklid spoiler and LED fog lamps update the exterior, and you’ll find many of the same features you loved from previous year models on the interior. With the base model, you’ll get cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, six-speaker sound system, and more. You’ll have even more features with optional extras.
The all-new Ford Mustang looks just as stylish as ever, and it handles like a dream. You’ll get a host of features and a comfortable ride, and you will enjoy it all at an affordable price.
GT
The GT is the next step up in the available trim levels, and it gives you a comparable boost in performance and pricing. The GT – also available as a fastback or convertible – comes with a 5.0-liter TiVCT V8 engine that puts out 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. That bump not only lowers the fuel economy a bit, but it also raises the price a bit – to $35,095.
Larger front and rear brake rotors, electronic line-lock, and a larger limited-slip rear axle improve performance and handling. The wheels also get an extra inch, which gives performance a slight edge.
Inside, you’ll find largely the same features. A few extras include driver lumbar support and parking assistance. You aren’t going to get a lot more bells and whistles in terms of convenience features on the GT trim, but you will get a noticeable improvement in performance, and that will make all the difference for this price bump.
GT350 - Performance Model
The Shelby is a classic Mustang model, and one of the most popular. As you might expect, if you upgrade to the Shelby Mustang GT350, you will get noticeable improvements in performance and luxury.
The most important thing that most Mustang buyers will want to know is what’s under the hood, and the GT350 does not disappoint. It comes with a 5.2-liter V8 engine that puts out 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. The engine will roar to life under the hood, and you’ll feel like you’re steering a beast every time you drive this car. But you won’t be! You’ll be driving a finely honed machine that gives you more power than is possible in most cars on the market.
The Shelby comes with other upgrades like an integrated driver control system, four-piston Brembo rear brake calipers, six-piston Brembo front brake calipers, a differential cooler, and a transmission cooler. It also comes with a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission and larger, sport tires with black wheels.
Inside, the Shelby comes with an exclusive aluminum instrument panel applique and aluminum foot pedals. The gauge cluster and air vents also come with sleeker gray accents. Premium trim materials make the interior look more luxurious. The upholstery includes Recaro cloth and Miko suede, and the sport seats hug your body to make you feel like you’re in the cockpit of a race car. You can upgrade to a nine-speaker sound system or stick with the standard six-speaker system.
You get most of the best of what the Mustang has to offer in the GT350; plus, you get to drive the classic Shelby name.
GT350R - Race-Ready Performance Model
You might think that there’s not much more the Shelby could offer you, but the GT350R would prove you wrong. The GT350R is designed to be race ready, and it comes with all kinds of upgrades. The engine is the same as the GT350, but the GT350R also comes with 19-inch carbon fiber wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and refined chassis tuning. The body gets a large front splitter and a carbon fiber rear wing.
The focus on performance is so strong that the GT350R drops just about everything else in favor of it. Inside, you won’t find the floor mats, back seat, rearview camera, audio system, USB port, or gauges. The car is as lean and mean as it can be so you get streamlined performance. If you were on the race track, you’d shave seconds off your time. When you’re on the highway, you’ll just feel like the coolest and most powerful driveway out there.
Which is Right for You?
Only you can say what Mustang is going to be right for you. Do you just want a muscle car that’s going to look good and be fun to drive? You’ll probably be fine with the base model. But are you a gear head who’s obsessed with power and speed? Maybe you need to go big and get the GT350R.