The Ford Mustang is an iconic muscle car with roots that stretch back decades. It’s become faster, quicker, and more capable over the years, but it’s still a rowdy American performance coupe. Ford plans a complete overhaul for the car in 2024, but the 2022 model year still brings notable improvements, including a new special edition package and new appearance upgrades.

Ford offers the Mustang in two main configurations. The Mustang EcoBoost features a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and the Mustang GT gets a 5.0-liter V8. Both cars come in standard and Premium configurations, and there’s a higher-end Mustang Mach 1 at the top that builds on the GT’s powertrain and capability.

The base four-cylinder engine produces 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can step up the output with the High-Performance Package, which brings horsepower to 330. The Mustang GT delivers 450 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, while the Mach 1 offers 470 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The separate Mustang Shelby GT500 is on sale for 2022, with a supercharged V8 producing 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a ten-speed automatic is available. The GT500 gets a seven-speed dual-clutch.

Cloth upholstery comes standard, and Ford offers two interior color schemes. The Mustang is a coupe and comes with four seats, but buyers can opt for a convertible in the EcoBoost and GT trims. The cockpit-like cabin orients controls and displays toward the driver, and while the front seats are spacious, back-seat passengers will find that the Mustang’s fastback body shape noticeably cuts head room.

Mustang EcoBoost models only get a 4.5-inch display without smartphone integrations, but buyers can add the technology with a Sync 3 options package. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard starting with the GT trim and runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice controls and app functionality are also standard, along with Bluetooth, USB inputs, and more. Ford’s Sync infotainment software is intuitive, responsive, and colorful, and helps reduce distraction while driving.

The last Mustang to receive full crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was the 2021 model, which missed out on a Top Safety Pick award. Even so, Ford Co-Pilot safety tech comes standard, bringing automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, lane-keep alerts, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. Ford offers adaptive cruise control and live traffic information through SiriusXM.

Pricing for the 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost starts at $28,865, which includes a $1,395 destination charge. The Mustang GT starts at $39,440 before options, and the top Mustang Mach 1 starts at $57,665.