By: Aoun Syed
September 27, 2026
The Mustang has always been one of Ford’s most iconic and longest-running nameplates, with a bold attitude that is not to be messed with. Each generation has brought its own unique flair while still staying true to its roots. But does the current generation keep this tradition alive, or has it been toned down to be more sports car than muscle car? I was fortunate enough to be handed the keys to the 2026 Ford Mustang GT to find out.
From the moment you approach the Mustang GT, you know right away that this is not your ordinary sports car. The bold front fascia is complemented by wide rear fender arches, while the signature fastback roofline gives the car a look worthy of a modern-day muscle car. Finished in Adriatic Blue Metallic, our tester also came equipped with the available FX Package, which features very noticeable Oxford White 5.0 badging, grille inserts and large 19-inch wheels that loudly pay homage to the classic Fox-body Mustang. Ford confirms the FX Package is exclusive to the GT Premium and includes Oxford White exterior accents and wheels.
Inside, the retro theme continues with the partially power-adjustable seats finished in leather with plaid inserts. The seat recline is still controlled by a manual lever, which also makes it quicker to access the rear seats. The digital gauge cluster can be customized to mimic a selection of iconic Mustang gauge clusters that even light up like the originals at night. Overall comfort for the front occupants exceeds expectations for what one would expect from a muscle car, with the seats providing a firm amount of support without digging too much into your sides.
Having my first muscle-car experience ever be in a 480-horsepower, V8, rear-wheel-drive monster was a bit intimidating initially, but the feeling quickly faded away after a few minutes behind the wheel. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with the gas pedal feeling very linear and without much delay. One does have to constantly remind themselves that they are still driving a Mustang, and the car is quick to remind you should you get more spirited with the gas pedal in the lower gears.
The Mustang GT still has plenty of torque to get up to highway speeds without constantly working the gearbox. The higher gears also help reduce exhaust drone during long highway drives, although the trade-off is less instant response when you put your foot down. Ford rates the standard 5.0-litre V8 at 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. of torque.
The manual transmission in our tester is also surprisingly easy to operate, with the engine adding just a hint of gas around the clutch bite point, making it harder to stall. The shifter has a bit of notchiness to it, and there is a satisfying mechanical clunk when slotting the shifter through the gears, while a toggleable auto rev-matching mode allows for effortless downshifts without any guesswork.
During my week with the Mustang GT, I found myself constantly upshifting and downshifting, not because I had to, but rather for the thrill of the game and hearing the V8 roar when slowing down for a red light. The exact tester came equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.
By nature, muscle cars are usually expected to handle like literal land yachts, but the Mustang GT makes a good effort to become more manageable around the corners. The steering is firm, and there is no getting around the feeling that you are manoeuvring a relatively heavy vehicle, but it does so in a way that is not fatiguing in the corners while also remaining well planted.
The suspension does not completely soak up bumps, but rather dramatically lessens the impact felt from them. The available Brembo brakes on our tester are very responsive, with brake pedal feel that comes on with no delay and a strong, powerful initial bite. Our tester’s GT Performance Package added Brembo brakes, a 3.73 Torsen rear axle and staggered 19-inch wheels.
The Mustang GT also comes with a number of performance-oriented goodies. Inside the infotainment system, you have access to adjusting the launch-control rev limit, braking-performance tests, 0-60 tests and even a lap timer. The electronic parking brake is modulated through a physical handle that gives the feel of a hydraulic handbrake and can also function as a drift brake when properly equipped. While these features might feel like a gimmick to some, it is nice to have the option for more spirited drivers. Ford describes the drift brake as a track-use feature available with performance packages.
While the performance and retro vibe of the Mustang GT FX are the main highlights, there is also plenty of modern-day tech to make the car more in line with the times. The large infotainment screen hosts Ford’s SYNC 4 software to control many of the vehicle’s settings, multimedia and climate controls, although the latter can be a bit distracting to adjust on the fly compared with traditional buttons.
The 12-speaker B&O sound system delivers exceptionally clear audio that is perfect for long highway drives, but during my week I didn’t feel like I needed it much, as the exhaust noise coming from the 5.0-litre V8 on its own felt like music to my ears. The steering wheel hosts a copious amount of buttons to control much of this tech, but it takes a bit more than the usual amount of muscle memory to remember which button is which. The tester sheet confirms the 12.4-inch digital cluster, 13.2-inch touchscreen, SYNC 4 and optional 12-speaker B&O audio system.
The very powerful powertrain also comes at the cost of fuel economy. Natural Resources Canada lists the Ford Mustang GT at 15.7 L/100 km city, 10.6 highway and 13.4 combined. During our test, we achieved a very close average of 13.5 L/100 km, but only through a mix of very conservative accelerator application. Opening up the V8 more often will result in much higher numbers. The exact tester’s EnerGuide label confirms the official figures.
Ford currently lists the 2026 Mustang GT Fastback from $49,493, while our tester was a much more heavily equipped GT Premium. Our car carried a base price of $58,830 and added the $6,800 GT Performance Package, $2,395 FX Package, $3,000 Equipment Group 401A and $1,295 B&O sound system, along with several other options. With destination included, the total came to $75,565 before taxes.
The 2026 Ford Mustang GT carries the Mustang legacy well while also introducing many improvements fit for the current times. Its bold looks, menacing powertrain and all of the tech you would expect from a modern car make it an ideal choice for someone who wants a muscle car that is more livable without losing the aura that comes with one.
