“The tech is surprisingly good. It handles very well for its size and weight. Range is not an issue. Fast charging is pretty quick. It's larger on the inside than it looks. Ride quality is very good.”
2021 Ford Mustang: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Ford Mustang is the return of the limited-edition Mach 1, a track-focused V8 fastback positioned between the GT and Shelby GT500. The core lineup also gets more standard driver-assistance equipment, while the BULLITT, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350R leave the range.
About the 2021 Ford Mustang
6th generation Mustang (2015-2023), fourth model year after the 2018 refresh and the year the Mach 1 returned.
Ford positions the Mustang as its everyday sports-car icon: rear-wheel drive, available as a coupe or convertible, and offered with either a turbo four-cylinder or a V8 depending on how much performance the buyer wants. What separates it from many rivals is the broad range of personalities inside one model line, from a usable daily-driver EcoBoost to V8 GT models and serious track-focused versions, all wrapped in classic long-hood Mustang styling and a strong heritage story.
The EcoBoost models are the everyday-friendly turbo four-cylinder Mustangs, while the GT and GT Premium bring a 460-hp 5.0-liter V8, with the Premium adding a richer cabin and heated and cooled front seats. The returning 480-hp Mach 1 focuses on track use with added cooling, adaptive suspension, stronger Brembo brakes, and functional aerodynamic parts. The 760-hp supercharged Shelby GT500 remains at the top with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The Mach 1 joins the lineup with a specially calibrated 480-hp 5.0-liter V8, added engine, transmission, and differential cooling, and a TORSEN limited-slip differential. The BULLITT, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350R are dropped.
Styling
The returning Mach 1 gets its own front-end treatment, front splitter, and performance rear spoiler. These parts are designed to manage airflow as well as distinguish it from the GT.
Safety
Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite becomes standard across the non-Shelby lineup. It includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.
Tech
Rain-sensing windshield wipers become standard across the non-Shelby lineup. EcoBoost Premium models with the 200A equipment group also gain standard ActiveX seat trim.
Structural
The Mach 1 adds track-focused hardware beyond its stronger engine, including adaptive suspension, six-piston Brembo front brakes with larger rotors, and extra cooling for sustained hard driving.
2021 Ford Mustang specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | V8, 5.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, EcoBoost, 2.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, High Performance, EcoBoost, 2.3 Liter | V8, 5.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 5.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, EcoBoost, 2.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, High Performance, EcoBoost, 2.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Manual, 6-Spd TREMEC w/Rev-Matching | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift / Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 7-Spd Dual Clutch TREMEC | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift / Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 19–21 mpg | 15 mpg | 12 mpg | 19–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 26–32 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | 26–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 460 hp | 480 hp | 310–330 hp | 460 hp | 760 hp | 310–330 hp |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft | 625 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 11.4–13.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29 in | 29 in | 29–29.2 in | 29–29.2 in | 29 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 High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| 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 change to the 2021 Ford Mustang?
The biggest change is the return of the limited-edition Mach 1. It is a 480-hp, track-focused V8 fastback positioned above the GT and below the Shelby GT500.
How is the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 different from the GT?
The Mach 1 is more track-focused than the GT. Its 5.0-liter V8 makes 480 hp rather than 460 hp, and it adds adaptive suspension, six-piston Brembo front brakes, a TORSEN limited-slip differential, extra powertrain cooling, and functional aerodynamic parts.
Does the 2021 Ford Mustang have more standard safety equipment than the 2020 model?
Yes. Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance features and rain-sensing wipers become standard across the non-Shelby Mustang lineup for 2021. The safety suite includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.
Which Mustang trims were dropped for 2021?
The BULLITT, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350R were dropped for 2021. The Mach 1 joined the range as the track-focused 5.0-liter model between the GT and Shelby GT500.
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang worth considering over the 2020 model?
Yes, especially if you want the Mach 1 or the broader set of standard driver-assistance features. Otherwise, the familiar EcoBoost, GT, GT Premium, and Shelby GT500 models change only modestly, so condition, mileage, and equipment matter more when comparing individual cars.
2021 Ford Mustang Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Ford Mustang.
4.5
2021 Ford Mustang
(824 reviews)
“We enjoy driving it. It looks good and people comment on it. There are not many people our age that buy this type of car.”
“Very quick with exceptional fuel mileage, interior is very basic and stock stereo was below average.”
Sources
- media.ford.com — 2021 / Mustang / 2021 Mustang Whats New
- media.ford.com — 2021 / Mustang / 2021 Mustang Order Guide
- media.ford.com — 2021 / Mustang / 2021 Mustang Tech Specs
- media.ford.com — 06 / 16 / Limited Edition Mach 1 Is Pinnacle Of Mustang 5 0 Liter V8 Style
- media.ford.com — 2021 / Mustang / 2021 Shelby GT500 Order Guide