We test drive the 2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium (with Performance Package)

It was a crisp Saturday morning when I first laid eyes on her, the carbon‑gray metallic paint catching the sun unassumingly but confidently. A low‑slung athlete was waiting for its moment. The Ford Mustang EcoBoost may not seem like a pony car to some because there is no V8 under the hood but to me, it was exactly what a pony car should be, affordable and fun.

The Encounter

My day began with a simple errand, a trip to the store but this time I am taking the long way. The last thing I want today is to sit in traffic. In the driveway stood the Mustang with the 2.3‑liter turbocharged EcoBoost four‑cylinder humming quietly, waiting.

Under the hood, Ford says the engine is good for 315 hp and 350 lb‑ft of torque which can get the car to 60 mph from standstill in 4.9 seconds.  This car was special though. It had the all-important Performance Package, which includes some important bits such as a 3.55 rear differential ratio with Torsen limited slip, 19×9 inch wheels, big Brembo brakes and 255/40ZR19 summer performance tires.

Slide into the plush leather‑trimmed seats, and you realize that the Mustang, like many recent cars, has become much more luxurious. Gone is the cheap plastic look and feel of the old car. Now the Mustang feels much more expensive. There is a 12.4‑inch digital gauge cluster ahead, a 13.2‑inch center touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and much more that you would not expect in a Mustang.

I flipped through the drive‑mode selector: Normal, Sport+, Track, Drag Strip, Snow/Wet. These modes are part of the selectable drive‐modes setup that come standard with the Premium trim. On this morning, the mode would remain in Sport+, but if I get brave, I may go for Track.

The Drive

With the wail of the turbocharger and a crisp stab of the throttle, the Mustang leapt forward. Unfortunately, the manual transmission is now only available with the GT model and the V8 engine. The standard 10‑speed automatic transmission clicked through gears quickly and is undoubtedly quicker.

One thing that was annoying is that the car is not smooth to drive slowly. It just seems like it is much happier at speed. The electrically boosted brakes are too touchy and make stopping gently a challenge. The transmission in normal mode is slow to respond and can  also be annoying. But hey, we are in Sport+ mode, so forget about fuel economy and let’s have some fun.

The Performance Package’s upgrades make their presence known. The 19″×9″ wheels wrapped in 255/40 ZR19 summer tires, the good looking Brembo brake system with black calipers, the heavy‑duty front springs, strut‑tower brace, enlarged sway bar, and the 3.55 Torsen limited‑slip rear axle all help make the car extremely responsive. The dash showed 1.07g of grip in steady state cornering on a rough surface.

The only issue is that the car understeers, a lot. To get rid of the understeer, you can try giving it some throttle but it doesn’t work, most of the time. For it to work, you must be in the right mode and have the correct settings turned on. Otherwise, the delay of the transmission and the delay of the boost really kill the party.

This is not a problem for the average driver on the road since the grip level is so high, Ford probably did this deliberately to make the car safer to drive for the less talented drivers.

As the coastline stretched out ahead, the wind mixed with the melody of the exhaust and really gets the mood going. This is a very fun car that can tackle any road or track yet one that still felt usable and totally comfortable day‑to‑day. In fact, more impressive than the handling was the ride quality on the poor quality roads of the state.

What struck me most was how the Mustang managed to balance duality: aggressive yet civilized, modern yet nodding to its muscle‑car DNA. The EcoBoost Premium trim offered niceties such as ambient interior lighting, quality materials, infotainment excellence. But with the Performance Package, you don’t get just cosmetics, you got real mechanical upgrades.

What is really impressive about the car is the small features that are everywhere such as the number of details in the gauge cluster. Not only do you get water temperature and oil pressure, but you can also see voltage, oil temperature, transmission temperature, differential temperature, air fuel ratio, and so much more. Ford engineers really know their Mustang customers.

Oh yeah, there is also a drift mode hand brake (which really works), line locks for warming up the rear tires, and the Track mode. A lot of thought has gone into this build.

The Sense of Ownership

Driving back home as dusk settled, I felt a certain satisfaction. The Mustang had done everything I asked. It carried me from everyday drive to spirited back‑road sprint without complaint. It looked good doing it. It felt special, not just because of the upgrades, but because of how those upgrades transformed the everyday into something memorable.

And later, parking under streetlights, the Mustang’s silhouette bold and familiar, I realized this wasn’t just about speed. It was about connection. The EcoBoost engine might not have the V8 thunder but in this setup, it wasn’t missed. The chassis response, the brakes, the wheels, they all added up to an experience and subtracted about $14,000 by relinquishing the V8.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a car that blends image and substance, the Mustang  EcoBoost  Premium with the Performance Package is a strong proposition. You get a modern, refined interior, tech features galore, and then you add mechanical upgrades that mean this isn’t just style, it’s performance.

For those who don’t need the V8 but want real engagement, this car delivers. What is even more impressive is that the base price of the Mustang is only $36,445. Our car with a boat load of options came out to just over $50,000. Consider that you can get a base EcoBoost for $32,320 and the V8 equivalent will cost you $14,000 more, and you get to understand the reason to rush to your Ford dealers.

Technical Specifications

Engine and Performance

Transmission

Fuel Economy (EPA-estimated, coupe with 10-speed automatic)

Chassis and Suspension

Brakes

Wheels and Tires (Performance Package)

Dimensions (Fastback Coupe; Convertible slightly taller/wider in some areas)