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2016 Ford Mustang: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for the 2016 Ford Mustang is the arrival of the Shelby GT350 and harder-core GT350R. The regular V6, EcoBoost, and GT models are mostly unchanged from 2015, though Premium trims receive the newer SYNC 3 touchscreen system.
About the 2016 Ford Mustang
6th generation (S550), second model year; first Shelby GT350/GT350R year in this generation
Ford positions the Mustang as an everyday-usable American sports coupe or convertible with unmistakable style, rear-wheel-drive balance, and a wide spread of personalities from V6 cruiser to turbo four-cylinder all-rounder to V8 muscle car. What sets it apart is the mix of classic Mustang character, multiple powertrain choices, available open-air driving, and a cabin that feels more modern and livable than older Mustangs.
The 2016 lineup ranges from the straightforward V6 and turbocharged EcoBoost to the classic 5.0-liter V8 GT. EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium add leather-trimmed seats, heated and cooled front seats, and an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen. At the top, the Shelby GT350 brings a high-revving 5.2-liter V8 and serious brakes, while the two-seat GT350R adds carbon-fiber wheels and more track-focused aerodynamics.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new Shelby GT350 and GT350R introduce a 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank V8 and a six-speed manual transmission. The regular V6, EcoBoost, and GT engines carry over.
Styling
Black Accent, California Special, and Pony appearance packages join selected trims. The GT 50 Years Limited Edition leaves the lineup.
Tech
SYNC 3 replaces MyFord Touch in the EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium, pairing an 8-inch touchscreen with two USB ports.
2016 Ford Mustang specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | V6, 3.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T | V8, 5.0 Liter | V8, 5.2 Liter | V8, 5.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 19 mpg | 21 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 20–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 27–28 mpg | 32 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 29–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 435 hp | 300 hp | 310 hp | 435 hp | 310 hp | ||
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 320 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 320 lb-ft | ||
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | |||
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 30.6 in | 30.6–30.8 in | 30.6 in | 30.6–30.8 in | 30.6 in | 30.6–30.8 in | |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Ford Mustang?
The biggest change is the addition of the Shelby GT350 and GT350R. Both use a 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank V8, with the GT350R adding more specialized equipment for track driving.
Is the 2016 Ford Mustang substantially different from the 2015 model?
No, not for the regular V6, EcoBoost, and GT models. The main reasons to seek out a 2016 are the new Shelby models, SYNC 3 in the Premium trims, or one of the added appearance packages.
Did every 2016 Ford Mustang get SYNC 3?
No. SYNC 3 replaced MyFord Touch in the EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium, while the base V6, EcoBoost, and GT retained the smaller Ford SYNC system. It was not a lineup-wide upgrade.
What is the difference between the 2016 Shelby GT350 and GT350R?
The GT350R is the more track-focused version. It adds carbon-fiber wheels, adaptive suspension, a larger front splitter, a carbon-fiber rear wing, and a two-seat layout without a rear seat.
Did the regular Mustang engines change for 2016?
No. The regular Mustang kept its 3.7-liter V6, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, and 5.0-liter V8. The new powertrain was the Shelby models’ 5.2-liter V8.
2016 Ford Mustang Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Ford Mustang.
4.5
2016 Ford Mustang
(391 reviews)
“great car great handling fast comfortable all round one of the most exciting and enjoyable cars I've ever owned”
“I love my car she guzzles gas but she's so fun to drive there isn't much space for passengers but I'm single with no kids so works fine for me the stock sound system is a bit wack but there's still enough sound to sing along”