Well, it’s a new year, and I’ve been reflecting on some of my journalism firsts. I just reviewed the latest Kia Sorento, which was my first press loan review many years ago. Now, I’m driving this 10-speed automatic Mustang, which is quite similar to my first Hooniverse review. Of course, that one had a V8, while this one features the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Even though I’m a V8 purist, I was eager to try something different. Let’s see how the 2024 EcoBoost Premium coupe performed during a week of daily driving duties.

2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Overview

As we all know, the 2024 Mustang was the first of the 7th generation of Ford’s iconic pony car. The lineup is similar to the outgoing 6th-generation car, with a choice of EcoBoost or V8 models. Pricing for the 2024 Mustang started at just under $32,000 up to over $64,000 for the top-spec (and new for 2024) Dark Horse trim.

The EcoBoost is the cheapest way to start your Mustang journey. Prices start to ramp up to around $37,000 for the Premium trim. You’ll get a solid list of standard stuff though including:

• 18-inch wheels
• Dual-zone climate control
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Heated steering wheel
• Combined instrument and infotainment displays
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
• Nine-speaker audio system
• Remote start
• Wireless smartphone charging pad

Our tester also has a bunch of extras, including the High Performance Package, active exhaust, Recaro seats, and the MagneRide system.

All in, you’re looking at $49,340, which is a pretty wild number considering you could get a GT Premium for less. Let’s find out if this trim combo is worth the price of admission.

2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe Premium Inside & Out

This is my first experience with the updated seventh-generation Mustang. I’ve both admired and critiqued it from a design standpoint. From most angles, it looks great. The side profile resembles the sixth generation’s, which is a plus because it’s one of the best-looking modern Mustangs. While I do not like the squinty headlights, the front is aggressive and well-executed. The rear… well, that’s where I have concerns. It looks like someone backed the new Mustang into a horizontal barrier, leaving a permanent dent in the back end. I’m unsure if it’s a dealbreaker; as a six-time Mustang owner, I’ve already considered buying a new one.

The interior of the new Stang has been nicely updated. It conforms to the trend of featuring one large screen that dominates the dashboard, but Ford has done a good job overall. The middle section of the dash is angled slightly toward the driver, and the overall ergonomics are solid. I really like the wheel; it has a great shape and feels good in my hand.

Most of the materials are high-quality. The only downside is the buttons beneath the two center vents. When you press one, the whole section of six buttons moves along with it. They almost seem like an afterthought, as if saying, “Oh, right, people will want some real buttons instead of relying on the infotainment system.” Regarding infotainment, the 13.2-inch main screen operates on the Sync 4 system. Everything is organized logically and quite user-friendly.

This tester has a nice-looking set of Recaro seats, but you might want to experience them in person before pulling the trigger. More on that below.

2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe Premium On The Road

A Mustang has two main jobs: look great and be fun to drive. We’ve already established that it’s pleasing to the eye, but how does it perform on the road? One sunny Sunday morning during my time with the Ecoboost, I needed to reach my destination quickly. The traffic was light, and it was excellent. I was concerned about the bright red paint drawing attention, but it handled the drive effortlessly. It sounds okay. If the V8 didn’t exist, I’d have a much more favorable impression. The turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine makes an impressive 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Looking back at my previous V8 Mustangs, that’s a more impressive number than many of them could muster. Sixty miles per hour comes in just 4.5 seconds, which is quick to say the least.

The performance upgrades, particularly the active exhaust, improve the overall experience. It’s neat that the Ecoboost can add elements like that, plus the Brembo brakes and the MagneRide system. As you would imagine, the ride is quite good. That particular system is used on cars that cost several times more than this Mustang. The 10-speed automatic, sadly the only transmission offered, does a fine job in daily driver duties.

Unfortunately, the Recaro seats are nearly unusable for someone of my size. At six feet and 200 pounds, I’m doubtful I could endure a long drive crammed into them. The side bolsters are extremely tight, making them extremely uncomfortable. Furthermore, the bottom bolster is so high that getting in without hitting my head was challenging. Additionally, they eliminate the option for heated or cooled seats. I can’t understand why anyone would choose these seats over standard premium-trim leather seats.

Summary

This 2024 EcoBoost Mustang reminds me of my second car, a red 1993 two-door Mustang LX coupe. Like this one, it wasn’t the fastest in the lineup. Though my 2.3L four-cylinder only had 105 hp, this one has over 300. It was the car I could afford back then, and even if it wasn’t very quick, I still enjoyed it. The EcoBoost is a fantastic choice for those looking to join the Mustang club. I don’t advise spending nearly $50,000 on one when you could get a V8 option for the same price (or less). And make sure to take a close in-person look at those Recaro seats before checking that option box.