2022 Ford Mustang
Is the term legend overused? Probably, but not when it’s applied to the 2022 Ford Mustang. How else can we adequately describe the iconic pony car that kicked off the fastback, big-block V8 muscle car age? Storied automotive nameplates–the kind that encouraged legions of kids to tack posters on their bedroom walls–are rare. Only a handful can indeed be considered legends, and we bet you won’t find a single enthusiast who doesn’t believe the Mustang is one of them.
The Mustang came to life thanks to one man’s vision. A legend himself, Mr. Lee Iacocca, then a Ford vice president and general manager, saw an opportunity to create a performance-oriented car targeted to younger drivers. On April 17, 1964, the world was introduced to the all-new 1965 Mustang. It turns out that Iacocca was right; Ford dealers sold an astounding 22,000 Mustangs on day one of its release. Considering the goal was 100,000 in the first year, the Mustang’s out-of-the-gate success surprised everyone.
Known mostly for its aggressive fastback body architecture, the Mustang began its performance-dominating reign with a 271 horsepower V8 power plant, which was quickly upgraded to a more powerful 289, 2-barrel. It wasn’t until 1967 that Ford moved to a big block V8, and not long after, the Mach name was born. Aside from a few redesign misses (ahem, the Mustang II), the Mustang has retained its brawny personality over six generations and over half a century.
Today’s Mustang may look a little different, but it continues to carry the pony car torch, anchoring the Ford brand and inspiring aspiration for a whole new generation of enthusiasts. The Mustang is automotive royalty, and for 2022, trims like the 760 horsepower Shelby GT500 take performance to levels that even Iacocca couldn’t imagine. If you’re seeking a track-ready upgrade to your daily driver, the 2022 Ford Mustang is calling.
MSRP: $27,205 [a]
Horsepower (hp): 310-760
Torque (lb-ft): 350-625
Infotainment (in): 4.3/8
Performance
Electrifying Pony Car Performance
No 2022 Mustang overview is complete without a deep dive into what’s hiding under the hood. For the 2022 model year, Ford infuses the Mustang lineup with five different powertrains, all outputting impressive horsepower and torque numbers. Whether you gravitate to a base model EcoBoost fastback or spring for the no holds barred ultimate, the Shelby GT500, you’ll tackle the daily commute with a little more adrenaline coursing through your veins.
The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
Ford’s base Mustang engine incorporates the automaker’s EcoBoost technology. It’s a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder that’s both lightweight and powerful. This motor delivers an impressive 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, but if you add the available High-Performance package, you’ll get a boost to 330 and 350, respectively. The High-Performance version distributes 90 percent of its available torque above 3,000 rpm and through to the redline, so get ready for brisk top-end performance.
The 5.0L V8
Step up to the iconic Mustang GT and prepare for goosebumps when you hit the throttle. A standard 5.0L V8 engine provides 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Ford’s GT Performance Package adds in a set of 19-inch summer tires, Brembo brakes, and a TORSEN differential so your GT can withstand hard cornering and stop on a dime. Heavy-duty springs contribute to track-worthy ride handling, and the ebony black wheels add extra curb appeal.
Close your eyes and picture a Mustang Mach 1. What comes to mind? For many years, the answer was a deep longing. That’s because Ford discontinued the label in 1978, brought it back briefly in the early aughts, then dropped it again until 2021. It’s back again and better than ever for 2022, featuring a 470 horsepower 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 that has 410 lb-ft of torque. It’s a big power upgrade from the GT, and Ford sets drivers up for serious track driving with the addition of two heat exchangers.
The 5.2L Supercharged V8
That leaves one final trim and powertrain configuration, and it’s a whopper. Introducing the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, by far the fastest Mustang in the lineup. The Shelby GT500 contains so many high-performance driving components, but front-and-center is the 5.2L Supercharged V8 that cranks out a blistering 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. Neither number is a typo–it’s Just. That. Fast.
Shelby GT500
The Iconic Mustang Shelby GT500
It’s fitting that the Mustang is the only (and potentially the last) passenger car in the lineup because, in the Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford has corralled the throatiest, most beastly pony of them all. Among its many attributes are the available RECARO leather bucket sport seats, specifically designed to support you against excessive G-forces. Also optional is a set of sticky Michelin Pilot summer tires to keep you glued to the road.
While we don’t recommend doing a burnout at the local grocery store parking lot, Ford includes standard Electronic Line-Lock so you can spin the rear tires without wearing down the brakes or doing it old school by manually manipulating the throttle and brake. Burnouts aren’t just for show; it’s critical to loosen any rocks or sand before you hit the track. Spinning the tires also warms them up and improves your hole shot—every nanosecond matters.
The Shelby GT500 also includes selectable drive modes. Simply toggle between Normal, Snow/Wet, Sport, Track, or Drag Strip to dial in customized gear ratios and suspension refinements for optimal situational output. Even the power steering is customizable, with Ford’s three Selectable Power-Assisted Steering settings: Comfort, for everyday driving, Normal, for a little more driver input, and Sport, for maximum driver-controlled steering. The Shelby GT500’s suspension gets a boost with MagneRide, a Damping System capable of 1,000 adjustments per second.
True enthusiasts should consider adding the available Shelby GT500 Carbon Fiber Track Pack. Doing so adds 20-inch carbon fiber wheels, upgraded tires (the rear tires are wider), and an exposed carbon-fiber GT4 track wing for improved aerodynamics. Adding this package removes the rear seat and adds adjustable strut top mounts to dial in custom camber settings. Ford also throws in splitter wickers to channel air more efficiently and improve output. Inside, the cabin receives a carbon-fiber instrument panel.
Technology
Technology and Performance Tracking
You have to see it to believe it–the available one-of-a-kind 12-inch configurable LCD digital cluster. It’s only found on the Mustang, and drivers can use it to dial in highly customized driving preferences for every drive mode and choose from a rainbow of color themes for a stylized dash appearance. It’s standard on the Mach 1 Premium and the Shelby GT500 and available on the EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium.
Every 2022 Mustang trim includes Track Apps, an onboard system that stores performance metrics that drivers can display and review after every track session. The system includes Accelerometer, which tracks g-forces (both longitudinal and lateral), acceleration, and lap times, and even displays a countdown, so you know when to hit the gas. It combines with electronic line-lock and launch control to round out the Mustang’s track-ready features.
Infotainment plays a prominent role in the 2022 Mustang, beginning with an 8-inch touchscreen (not available on the EcoBoost or GT trims) featuring Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and voice-activated navigation with real-time traffic updates is available. Combine that with the available 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and your favorite playlist will come through with concert-grade clarity.
The 2022 Mustang gets a safety boost with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist systems designed to help drivers stay alert and keep all occupants safe. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking alerts you when you’re at risk for a crash. The system can intervene with emergency braking to minimize the severity or help you avoid a collision altogether. Lane Keeping System is the highway driver’s best friend because it monitors your vehicle’s position and sends an alert when it senses drift, so you stay centered in your lane.
Experience Powerful Performance at Pearson Ford
Are you looking for a track-ready 2022 Ford Mustang, or any other Ford, for that matter? Then you need to come to Pearson Ford, the Indianapolis area’s premier Ford retailer. We’ve been the community’s go-to Ford dealer since 1960, and as a top-ranked Ford dealer, we demonstrate our commitment to excellence every day. We’re a proud President’s Award recipient, honored by Ford Motor Company for our unwavering passion and dedication to world-class customer service.
Are you ready to buy from a dealer that values your time and respects your budget? Pearson Ford is the antidote to high-pressure sales tactics and nefarious hidden fees. When you work with our highly qualified sales team, you’ll experience an uncommonly simplified car buying process. We believe buying a new or used vehicle should be fun and exciting, not stressful. We also carry a huge inventory of cars, trucks, and SUVs, so you’re sure to find the exact model you want, right down to the exterior paint color.
After you drive home happy, we welcome you back for all your vehicle’s service and maintenance needs. We staff our state-of-the-art service facility with factory-certified technicians who have years of experience working with Ford vehicles. We use genuine Ford OEM replacement parts, and we even offer affordable Ford Protect prepaid maintenance plans that save you money and help you stay on top of oil changes and other routine maintenance items.
Now’s a great time to stop by Pearson Ford or check out our massive selection online from the comfort of your home. Our entire team is standing by to help with all your driving needs. Reach out to us today–we can’t wait to help you!