“My 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium is amazing if you're looking for speed, handling, and a sporty appearance. I enjoy taking it out on weekends and leisure trips. The miles per gallon make it less ideal for commutes and long trips. Definitely recommend for fun trips that don't include commutes.”
2018 Ford Mustang: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Ford Mustang’s biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh for the regular EcoBoost and GT models. They get updated styling, stronger engines, a new 10-speed automatic, and revised chassis tuning, while the Shelby GT350 and GT350R largely carry over.
About the 2018 Ford Mustang
6th generation Mustang (S550, 2015-2023), mid-cycle refresh year for EcoBoost and GT models; Shelby GT350/GT350R largely carry over.
Ford positions the Mustang as an everyday sports car with a long-hood, rear-drive layout, available fastback or convertible body styles, and a choice between turbo-four efficiency or V8 character. Its appeal is the mix of classic pony-car design, strong straight-line speed, and a chassis that is more polished than old-school muscle cars. In 2018, Ford also leans harder into modern tech and a more upscale cabin while keeping the Mustang’s core identity centered on driver involvement and choice.
Ford positioned the EcoBoost as the lighter, more accessible performance model and the GT as the straightforward V8 choice, now with 460 horsepower. Premium trims pair either engine with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and added cabin comforts. The 526-hp Shelby GT350 and lighter, more track-focused GT350R remain the specialized road-course models.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Ford dropped the V6, making the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost the entry engine. EcoBoost torque rose from 320 to 350 lb-ft, while the GT’s 5.0-liter V8 increased from 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft to 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. A new 10-speed automatic joined the regular Mustang lineup; Shelby powertrains carried over.
Styling
EcoBoost and GT models received revised front and rear styling plus standard LED headlights. The GT also gained a quad-tip exhaust as standard. Shelby GT350 and GT350R styling was essentially unchanged.
Chassis and suspension
Ford revised the chassis and suspension tuning on regular Mustang models to improve ride and handling. Shelby hardware remained largely the same as in 2017.
Tech and cabin equipment
Regular Mustang models received updated interior trim and materials. On the GT350R, smartphone integration and USB ports became standard. The EcoBoost’s power driver’s seat and the GT Premium’s leather seats changed from standard to optional equipment.
2018 Ford Mustang specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 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, 10-Spd SelectShft | Auto, 10-Spd SelectShft | Auto, 10-Spd SelectShft | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 10-Spd SelectShft |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 15 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 20–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 28–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 460 hp | 310 hp | 460 hp | 526 hp | 526 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29 in | 29–29.2 in | 29–29.2 in | 30.6 in | 30.6 in | 29–29.2 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2018 Ford Mustang and the 2017 model?
The biggest difference is the 2018 mid-cycle refresh for EcoBoost and GT models. It brought updated styling, stronger engines, revised chassis tuning, standard LED headlights, and a new 10-speed automatic.
Does the 2018 Ford Mustang still have a V6 engine?
No. Ford dropped the V6 for 2018, so the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder became the entry engine, with the 5.0-liter V8 remaining in GT models.
How much more powerful is the 2018 Mustang GT than the 2017 GT?
The 2018 Mustang GT makes 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, up from 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft in 2017. That is an increase of 25 horsepower and 20 lb-ft.
Were the 2018 Shelby GT350 and GT350R refreshed too?
No. The 2018 Shelby GT350 and GT350R largely carried over, retaining their 526-hp 5.2-liter V8, six-speed manual transmission, adaptive suspension, and track-focused hardware. Most of the year’s major styling and mechanical updates applied to EcoBoost and GT models.
Is the 2018 Mustang a meaningful update over the 2017 model?
Yes, especially for EcoBoost and GT models. The 2018 versions have refreshed styling, stronger engines, standard LED headlights, revised chassis tuning, and a new 10-speed automatic; the differences are much smaller for the Shelby GT350 and GT350R.
2018 Ford Mustang Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Ford Mustang.
4.5
2018 Ford Mustang
(277 reviews)
“The sleek body style is something I love about the 2018 Mustang. It has a small 4-cylinder motor with an eco-boost so it doesn't use a lot of gas but it makes it easy to pass and really fun to drive. The ONLY drawback is that because the motor is so small that the car is light and great care is needed while driving in wet weather.”
“It's great having the top down in the convertible and feeling the freedom of the drive. Also it has both seat warmers AND seat coolers.”