2024 Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost review: 0-100 & POV test drive

2024 Ford Mustang (S650) 2.3 EcoBoost review: 0-100 & POV test drive. For more info you can check out our full review here: drivingenthusi...
2024 Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost specifications:
232kW (315PS) / 475Nm, 2.3-litre turbo 4-cylinder
10-speed auto transmission with rear-wheel drive
Claimed 0-100km/h: N/A
Official average fuel consumption: 9.4L/100km
Kerb weight: 1746kg
Power-to-weight ratio: 132.88kW:1000kg
Boot space: 408L
Price: AU$64,990 (not including on-road costs, at time of upload)
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[@stephenpettitt5765]

It seems like every time I think of an interesting review, you deliver it. Brilliant review as always and thanks for delivering before I ask!

[@sizzlinjalapeno]

Yes v8, it is one of the most attainable and reliable v8's for the price, not getting it would be a huge regret once EVs are all that there is.

[@percy7841]

Bought one today, can't wait to start driving it next week!!

[@ramonmartin4908]

Surprisingly quick car ,with a nice growl through the rev range. Makes for a compelling choice 😊

[@biastv1234]

That looks like a beautiful road . Nice job

[@andrewd7586]

I first drove the Eco Boost back in 2018. I have to say I was surprisingly impressed! I was then waiting on the impending Bullitt to be available. When it was, I bit the bullet & bought the Bullitt!🤩👍🏼😎🤣

[@OldManMick]

The biggest problem with this is the badge. If it wasn't a Mustang then there'd be no issue. The fact that it is a Mustang means it inherits every shred of expectation that goes with it, so despite how capable it is (and it is VERY capable), it will always be hamstrung by the expectations of the badge. For me - well I bought one... but it's a V8! (and the prior gen FN 2023 model as well).

[@derser541]

What expectation?

[@paulklp8262]

Mustangs have always had other engine options.

[@peterachilles9346]

​@@derser541muscle car expectation

[@spiketwo666]

learn to adapt to the future, caveman.

[@russell3436]

There are some cars in this world that just feel very wrong if they don’t have a V8 under the bonnet, and this right here is a classic example.

[@spiketwo666]

lol noob

[@qba4455]

Correct

[@russell3436]

@@spiketwo666how does that insult even make sense to this statement, we’re not playing CoD little bro

[@spiketwo666]

@@russell3436 it wasnt an insult but statement. mustang cant keep itself from going side ways lol

[@Pia-ho9dm]

@@spiketwo666 how?

[@David-d4k9k]

The whole point of owning a Mustang is for the total experience of the Coyote V8. I just can’t see the point of driving one with a small forced induction engine, straining to achieve some semblance of performance. I guess if you’re not worried about longevity of your power plant, then go ahead and buy one.

[@rjdavis7503]

The 2.3 will last and is just as reliable.

[@PC65-c8k]

@@rjdavis7503but NEVER as fun! And that's the point of getting a Mustang!

[@rjdavis7503]

@PC65-c8k The EB Mustang is even more fun on the mountain roads. It is easier to toss around and pull out of those curves.

[@PC65-c8k]

@@rjdavis7503 obviously we have a different concept of having fun driving a car…

[@scottieray]

I wish Ford would put the 2.7L Ecoboost in a Mustang. This is what my 2-door Bronco FE has and it is no slouch for a nearly 5000lb shoebox. This in a Mustang would be very quick.

[@rjdavis7503]

The EB Mustang is a nice, reliable platform. Easy modality, too! In today's traffic, plenty of car to drive and own.

[@Den-pu6re]

Great stuff mate, growing to really like your reviews, keep it up 👍👍

[@brycem0]

I'm all positive on this. As the engine will make a great donor. For a Escort mk 1 / 2....😉😃

[@ETERNITY777]

🎉🎉 VERY GOOD FORD ENGINERRING 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Dongzzzzzz]

I wish they'd do a plug in hybrid for this. The lightweight 4 cylinder and the combination of the instant torque of an electric motor together witht the lower center of gravity the battery will do, will give great power delivery and better handling characteristics with fuel efficiency.

[@351tgv]

Bret the 10-speed has weird ratios, remember this transmission is used from Mustang to Ranger/Everest, various F-series trucks and in the North American market for Explorer, has a super short 1st and 2nd gear and then wide 3rd through 6th and 7th is 1:1 while 8, 9, 10 are all over drive gears, also I think final drive (diff ratio) is 3.45:1 so trying to go back to 2nd gear is not worth it also the transmission has built in lag (safety) and with the turbo lag and then torque curve building power in the mid range 3rd, 4th and 5th are pretty much all you need on a twisty mountain road. The Mustang Turbo would be so much better with 6-speed manual (with that mid range torque curve from 2,000 to 4,500rpm) but no one was buying them so Ford just made then all auto for the Turbo spec.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

That makes sense. Thanks

[@MH-so9oz]

No manual trans with the 4 banger? That's just dumb...

[@techmate1813]

You buy a mustang to get that raw american muscle feel and driving experience. Thats why people go for the V8 even if the 4 cylinder was faster (which it is way slower than the V8 obviously) but even if it was people would still prefer the V8 for its raw aggressiveness and sound. 4 cylinders aren't bad, but they dont mix with a mustang as it completely defeats their purpose imo

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

No doubt its quick. People who hate on it because its not the V8 are probably driving dualcab utes that couldnt get out of its own way if it tried.

[@stephenpettitt5765]

I had an E2 HSVR8 and it wasn’t that quick 0-100!

[@mitchell5064]

@@stephenpettitt5765that car is 15 years old now.

[@mitchell5064]

@@stephenpettitt5765and it done it half a second quicker than this thing

[@sandybrisbane4167]

Nah own the V8 it's break neck quick wouldn't go near the 4

[@Dongzzzzzz]

Lol, they drive a v8 pickup or land cruiser, and they flex on everybody they drive a slow v8, well, it is reliable given how understressed those engines tend to be.

[@nicholasmatthews5989]

The figures achieved for this 2024 Ecoboost are about the same as 2020 Ecoboost, so no real improvement; 0-60; 2.98 vs 2.73, 0-100; 5.56 vs 5.58, 60-110; 3.37 vs 3.63, 1/4 mile; 13.93 vs 13.78. But a real big significant difference is in the braking, 34.73 metres vs 38.29 metres. 34.73 metres by the 2024 Ecoboost is an excellent result. The 2024 Ford Mustang (S650) GT manual achieved 35.88 metres. Just for context, the 2024 Toyota GR Supra GTS manual was 36.63 metres, and Lotus Emira was 36.87 metres.

[@mighty_bunny]

I do like this engine a lot. I think i'd like it more in a smaller sports car, but anything like that Ford had has either been discontinued or is not-for-Australia. :(

[@ryantrickey5926]

Need this motor in a new Focus RS and a manual (perhaps the auto would be great too..?) either way it would be a top seller!

[@paulsimpson8990]

That’s a quick car. Faster than an xy gtho

[@rabidsminions2079]

You're comparing a 1970's car with 4 speed manual to a modern DI turbo car with 10 speed Auto.

[@paulsimpson8990]

@ am I? I didn’t realise that, which was the whole point of the comment 😂

[@YZJB]

Really interesting engine this. It has nothing in common with the old Focus RS 2.3 or the old Mustang 2.3. This is the new Ford MPC (Modular Power Cylinder) engine, which is the same family as the 1.5L 3cyl ‘Dragon’ EcoBoost in the final Fiesta ST. Considering how excellent the 1.5L is, this new MPC 2.3 should be very nice.

[@mahcooharper9577]

Wet timing belt?

[@YZJB]

@ the Dragon 1.5L in the Fiesta doesn’t have a wet timing belt. It has a timing chain and a wet belt for the oil pump drive. This 2.3 definitely has a timing chain, but not sure about the oil pump drive.

[@mahcooharper9577]

@@YZJB wet belt is a no-no even for the oil pump. That's a hard pass from me

[@YZJB]

@@mahcooharper9577 as I said though, I don’t know what the oil pump drive is on the 2.3.

[@thegripmaster666]

At least give it a V6, or a I6. Plenty of 4 cylinders out there costing much less.

[@davidflockart6627]

1.30 New for MY25 "Leave the Meet" mode!

[@isaacbarbosa7593]

Maybe no, but at least it should have a cros plane 4 cylinder, a muscle car with flat plane 4 cylinder is a crime.

[@mubirudenis809]

It lucks a spoiler???

[@Greg-k4j]

Odd displacement 2300cc, I think back in the day SAAB was big into 2300cc 4 pot engines....

[@electricdiesel1993]

2024 Ford Mustang 2.3 Ecoboost look like the 1983 Ford Mustang Turbo GT but did not had futuristic electronic dashboards like the 2024 Mustang Ecoboost with twin screens.

[@davidgriggs3967]

Did ok for a turbo 4 pot lugging 1800kg with the driver around , probably uses a different diff ratio seeing as it doesn't rev out or give the same torque as the 5.0 .

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@davidgriggs3967 Engine peak power is at 5500rpm in the 2.3. Peak torque of 475Nm, available from 3000rpm, is actually very impressive for a 4cyl. Peak power in the V8 is at 7250rpm. With 550Nm.

[@Hapkido82AUS]

As a turbo RWD coupe under $70k (The only one?), it makes sense. But for Mustang tragics who think a Mustang should be a V8, it doesn't make sense...

[@thelonewolf666]

it has to be a v8 or buy something else

[@jordsnissannx]

Yeah funny that isn't it even though how many cylinders was the mustang first offered in cause it wasn't 8 lol

[@paulklp8262]

Isn't the Nissan Z under 70k?

[@nicholasmatthews5989]

Hello @@paulklp8262 , Hapkido is probably referring to Australia. Currently the Nissan Z in Australia is AUD$75,800, about AUD$82,000 on the road. Cheers.

[@PC65-c8k]

the question should be: "Do you really need to put a 4 cyl turbo in a muscle car and ruin it?"

[@GoogleAccount-pt4zu]

Similar performance numbers to a i30 Sedan N/Sonata N Line

[@1stMemberEver]

Waiting for 3-cyl 1.2 turbo Mustang!

[@electricdiesel1993]

Perhaps a 2.0 Ecoboost turbo Mustang from Ford Bronco Sport and the late Ford Falcon Ecoboost.

[@georgecupac1202]

Do I really need a V8? Yes. Do I really need a manual? Yes. Stop asking stupid questions 😠.

[@blackcyborg009]

What is the top speed of this one? 250 km/h?

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

I can't find Australian specs but yes, it looks like overseas it is 250km/h.

[@Tricky76]

It'll pop in 5 years

[@jordsnissannx]

I sold my ecoboost powered vehicle at 10yrs old still running perfectly fine.....

[@paulsimpson8990]

@@Tricky76 it is a ford afterall

[@Tricky76]

@@paulsimpson8990Lol. american ford! Au fairmont ghia 300 thousand original kilometers. 302 windsor. dosen't miss a beat. Surley i don't need to mention my bara and sohc. all still be running when this thing dies. haha. all new cars are shit. 😁👍

[@Tricky76]

@@jordsnissannx Its all good. I just miss Aussie built!

[@paulsimpson8990]

@ yeah I am hearing you. It was all downhill from the FG though, owned two and went through 5 diffs between them. The old cars were not bulletproof but were cheap to maintain and fix

[@vasile3311]

The sound is everything, a Mustang with no V8 is not a Mustang.

[@gort3969]

Prerty good for a 4 cylinder

[@mrkring1526]

Yes.. just like you need a V8 in the Mercedes C63.

[@shanea9613]

Agree

[@vls3771]

Agree also except a c63 is a stupid idea In our holiday town we call them cars for bling brains they just go shopping in them😅

[@mahcooharper9577]

That is simply awful. Yes, if you have a Mustang you need a V8. And you really need a manual. If I wanted a 4 banger I'd buy a BRZ or MX-5. There's no such thing as a 4 cylinder muscle car. It doesn't matter if it's reasonably quick. No V8? No Mustang.

[@thatpersiandude7386]

It's a beautiful car externally but Fuck that interior is disgustingly terrible with that stretched Tablet

[@bmc8989]

So true....I want less screen time haha

[@qba4455]

Wow, dashboard is disgusting. There's no way ever getting used to it. The stupid rectangular screens with mile wide, glossy black bezels... ridiculous.

[@raylechminka8288]

I'd be very happy with the 2.3 mustang. Beats those Tesla and Chinese fire starter trash.

[@StephenDeTomasi]

Electric cars are less likely to catch fire than internal combustion engine cars? Not sure what you're talking about there bud. That said the 2.3 Mustang is honestly the one I'd pick if I was spending my money, it's still plenty of power and I'd be more likely to daily drive it knowing it's not gonna bankrupt me at the pump

[@raylechminka8288]

@StephenDeTomasi obviously your a car salesman 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jordsnissannx]

Ummmm what's up with the 6500rpm redline but shifts before 6000rpm every gear???

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@jordsnissannx That was in Drag Strip mode - I'm guessing Ford knows what revs are best? Keep in mind peak power is achieved at 5500rpm.

[@davidgriggs3967]

Both V8 and the 2.3L would use the same dash and the 5.0 revs higher.

[@jordsnissannx]

@@davidgriggs3967 I thought the V8 had a much higher redline than 6500rpm

[@UmpaX2]

Hell YES! I Need\Want The V8! Because The 8 Will Always, ALWAYS Sounds Like The 8, while the four truly does sound like only half-as much. Sad really.

[@DanH-u3f]

Give it a V6 again. The EcoBoost doesn't sound as good.

[@351tgv]

yeah nah those 3.7L V6 NA "Cyclone" Ford engines sound awful and are troublesome.

[@electricdiesel1993]

Consider 2.7 twin-turbo V6 or a 3.0 twin-turbo V6 from Bronco and Ranger Raptor respectively.

[@holdenbrougham1056]

This engine is a dud in every car it's been in , particularly wet belt issues

[@Ahtriuz]

Yes, i need the V8

[@boost331]

Because as Mustang isnt a Mustang without a manual trans. And because Ford sucks and no longer offers the exoboost with said manual trans. Yes, you need a V8..... With a 6mt

[@JB-mf5do]

Win on Sunday, sell on Monday. Who’s buying a Camaro?

[@gwapogreg5837]

Nice review but buy the V8 it's more reliable more power and HOLDS its value better.And more fun.

[@robertceroli3512]

I know the coupe goes like a rocket with the eco boost but the mustang is not the sort of car you buy with a 4cyl mustang like SS Commodore and XR8 with a 4 banger and will hurt resale value

[@351tgv]

I would say more bought the XR6 Turbo over the 2002 to 2016 period than XR8. as for Commodore, they did offer the SS V6 Supercharger option for a while.

[@nickkostakis9600]

You’ve got to be kidding for ceiling down. Are you serious? It sounds like a dead cat. Nothing like a V8 mate. VI power don’t say this rubbish.😂

[@eliorchervin]

עדיין צריך V8

[@chrisczaj7947]

What’s your boyfriend drive a golf GTI no a 2.7 economy eco boost mustang lol 😂

[@jean-marcpatissier2731]

4 cyl is not for a ford mustang.

[@valterbranisarajevo8731]

Nice Mustang...with half engine

[@MichaelGianni-j6o]

Shit Box. I have 5 litre V8💪💪💪

[@ytyndale3643]

Ecoboost isn't manly enuf

[@colonelklink9911]

Do you really need 🍒?

[@musclebone7875]

The 10 speed makes it quick 😆 the engine is some garbage 🗑

[@zero100-2s]

too heavy

[@matrox]

Muscle cars have torque, these lack it.

[@351tgv]

um, 435Nm from 2,000rpm that is 92kW at the crank) to I think 5,000rpm (227kW at the crank) is not enough for you? remember its a 2.3L 4cyl this engine generates as much as the BA XR6 Turbo does and that is a 4.0L 6cyl.

[@SuspectAccount]

Get an EV. MUCH faster. Less maintenance. Less pollution. Cheaper to run. Driving through the forest with the roof open in an EV. Magic.

[@mitchell5064]

Not really, mustang and a ev drivers are two completely different people

[@russell3436]

No thanks, don’t want a electric tampon on wheels.

[@fale892]

Do you fist yourself too?

[@SuspectAccount]

@@mitchell5064 If you want performance, the choice is clear. If you want to look old, get an engine. 😆

[@mitchell5064]

@@SuspectAccount completely missed my point. Two completely different cars and they shouldn’t be compared in the slightest. Engine or not People who like and are interested in purchasing these cars are not in the market for a ev, and vise versa.

[@matrox]

Sounds awful, no low end torque.

[@valentinorossi7771]

1746 kg for a RWD, 4 cyl turbo is a bit too heavy GTR-35 weighs 1740 - 1750 kg and it is AWD.

[@351tgv]

as a comparison - a 2002 AU Falcon XR8 S3 with Double Wishbone IRS and all iron V8 with manual transmission weights in at 1,725kg. Also has roughly the same torque (although not the same torque curve) and peak power (at around the same revs). Also a reminder that the BA XR6 Turbo is pretty much the same weight, same IRS (yes no kidding) and very similar torque curve and peak power as this Mustang Turbo, the difference? transmission.

[@valentinorossi7771]

@@351tgv Falcon is a comfortable 4 seater family car so you cannot compare it to Mustang which is a 2 seater/ Different segment. Your logic is flaw.

[@351tgv]

@@valentinorossi7771 - lol logic.