The 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Gets Focus RS Engine, but Enjoyable Drive

First of all, let me explains what Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Coupe is. The EcoBoost Premium is one of the Ford Mustang's trims offered on the 2015-2020 models, featuring a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine at 310 hp and a 6-speed manual transmission. This Performance Package is also offered in the 2018 EcoBoost Premium, which includes features such as larger 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires and upgraded brakes.

The 2020 Ford Mustang comes in six trims. Those are the EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium and the Bullitt. Except the Bullit and GT, the rest of the trims have each two subtrims. For example, the EcoBoost trim has the EcoBoost 2dr Fastback and EcoBoost 2dr Convertible subtrims. The same is true for the GT Premium trim and the EcoBoost Premium.

Their average combined MPG ranges between 23-24 miles per gallon. The only exception is the GT trim, which has a lower combined MPG of 18 miles per gallon.

The 2020 EcoBoost Premium trim starts at $31,685, is a rear-wheel drive vehicle and comes with a 310-hp, 2.3L engine and 6-speed manual transmission. If you add all the options it will go up to $43,165 total MSRP. For example, the Equipment Group 201A is priced at $2.200. The 2.3L high Performance Package is $4,995 and the EcoBoost Handling Package is anoher $1,995. Thus, with Destination & Delivery (another $1,095) it comes to $43,165 total MSRP.

This trim is available in 10 exterior colors and the vehicle we test-droe had the Velocity Blue with a nice interior of Midnight Blue Recaro Leather.

The changes in the 2020 Mustang EcoBoost include a new performance cylinder head, a larger twin-scroll turbocharger, an adapted cooler and a coordinated engine management system. In addition, there is now an active exhaust system with four tailpipes and a (hopefully) improved sound. The performance is not quite on the level of the Focus RS (350 hp), but the torque is a few Nm higher with 475 Nm. In addition, 90 percent of the torque should now be between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.

There are also some great improvements to the 2020 Mustang and they don't stop with the Powerplus. Proponents of the Mustang four-cylinder again and again emphasize its advantages in terms of weight distribution and handling. A point where Ford is dragging even further. Chassis upgrades and the larger brakes come from the eight-cylinder Mustang GT. This also includes a rear axle lock. Thanks to a stiffening strut bar at the front, the blue oval promises more steering precision.

The Interior

The 2020 probably has Mustang's best interior. The design is evolutionary, but it reminds Mustang's old traditions and manages to be fully functional and pleasant. Heated and cooled front seats add to its premium features, but the back seats could be more comfortable. The cargo space is impressive. I did a grocery shopping for a 5-member family and they all fit in the spacious trunk. Some reviewers say the Ford wins with the biggest center-console bin among competitors in their tests.

Words from EcoBoost Mustang Owners

In preparing this review, I asked some EcoBoost Mustang owners if there are things they have noticed or the new owners must be wary of. "Not much to be wary of. The EcoBoost Mustangs are well equipped, well built cars. Just don't expect to hear it up at the strip without spending some dollars, but if cruising is your thing you'll be very pleased! I'd recommend the active exhaust and higher gear ratio with the 6spd," wrote Timothy Balch in Ford Mustang EcoBoost Owners Group on Facebook. He also added, "Depending on where you live, you'll need some tires for cold weather but otherwise they are great cars, styling and interior appointments. Premium has upgraded audio, leather, etc. so you'll be comfortable!"

Someone suggested getting the Digital Dash and MagneRide, saying, the are worth the upgrade.

Dusting Tingler, who is a 2017 and 2020 EcoBoost Mustang owner, write me saying, "The base radio is very tiny, but I have the touch screen in mine. Haven't had any issues with it. I know people were having issues with the front bumper clips breaking, but so far I have been good with my 2017 and 2020. The 6 speed can be a little notice in first and second. But other then that I like the black out package that gives you black wheels black painted roof and spoiler and the black has blue flak in it. The seats are not bad. They are better the the Camaro SS seats. I went with the cloth seats. I have owned 13 Mustangs and the leather on the older ones always cracked, so I didn't go with them in the new cars. But if you don't go premium on the EcoBoost the 101a package gets you the nicer interior and its 301a on the GT cars. I get about the same gas mileage in the EcoBoost as the GT 27 interstate and 19 city. The 101a and 301a also get you the letter on the doors inside over the plastic on the base."

If you are an owner of the 2020 Mustang EcoBoost, please share with us in the comments your thoughts and your experience to further enrich this review.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

Reference: Motor1.