Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible

Now into its seventh generation, the 2025 Mustang EcoBoost Convertible is still a vehicle to be reckoned with. The originator of the term “Pony Car,” it is the keeper of the car flame at the Blue Oval. So saddle up and join Napleton News as we take to the highway in this week’s review.

A Pony with Horsepower

Most people associate the Mustang with V8 power. Sure, there’s a 5.0-liter V8 with an active exhaust system that pumps out 486 horsepower on demand. There’s even a 500-hp variant in the Mustang Dark Horse. But our tastes (and our gasoline spend) are a bit more frugal.

Sometimes, less is more. As in more mileage, more money in your pocket and just more in general. That’s where the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder comes in. A turbocharged four-banger, it has nothing to do with the old Pinto engine that powered Ford’s answer to the Toyota Corolla. Instead, this engine is based on Mazda’s L engine architecture, which features a boosted induction system with direct-injection. It delivers 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. That power heads to the rear wheels via a standard limited-slip differential. A ten-speed automatic transmission sends the power to the Mustang’s standard rear-wheel drive.

How does the Mustang look?

Let’s start by saying the new Ford Mustang begins as a stylized version or progression of the original pony car that debuted in 1964.5 The lines are unmistakable. This time, though, it takes on a sleeker appearance. That’s thanks to a lower beltline. The grille is more menacing than before; An accentuated long hood covers the power underneath. The LED headlights continue the aggressive theme, tucked in over a leading edge of the hood that is positively bullyish.

The 2.3 EcoBoost Mustang is available in a fastback coupe or convertible body style. Both are impressive cars but there is a downside to the drop top, at least in South Florida. It kinda goes like this: Doff the top, and all is good. The surroundings are bright, the wind blows by and more. And then you notice a smell. What’s that you ask? Oh, it’s your scalp burning. (Just kidding.) But the heat down south is a little overboard these days. It’s best to keep the roof up, the A/C blasting and save your al-fresco driving for after dark.

Inside the ‘Stang.

There is plenty to like in the Mustang EcoBoost Convertible. But that doesn’t mean you’ll like the backseat. It’s pretty tight in the second row, so you’ve been warned. From there, the interior takes a definite turn for the better. Starting with the front seats, they grab and hold you in all the right places, especially while running through the twisties.

The driver information display is part of a sweeping, curved display that features a high-resolution screen in a 12.4-inch area. It is joined by a 13.2-inch infotainment screen above the center console. This display controls audio, cellular communications, some performance settings and climate controls. Most systems within the Mustang can be operated via this screen. Still, we’d like more buttons to control the same.

That way it would be easier to control the amazing Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. But it is easy to listen to, especially with the active noise cancellation system.

Behind the wheel of the Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost

With the push of a button, the 2.3-liter turbo four fires up. Not with a roar, mind you, but with more of a growl that grows raspier, if you activate the active valve performance exhaust. That’ll do, especially since we aren’t out to set any track records today. We just want to look and sound as though we would. With the weather hovering in the mid-nineties, it’s a tough call to go topless. So, we’ll wait a few hours before dropping the top.

The engine’s 315 horsepower awaits underfoot. There is plenty of get-up and go available as needed, thanks to the dual-injection system derived by Mazda. The power arrives quickly, enabling us to pass at will on Florida’s turnpike. The 10-speed automatic transmission is a smooth operator, always seeming to find the right gear for the drive. Handling is stellar, thanks to the independent rear suspension. It lends itself to enthusiastic driving regardless of the day of the week.

Which is what a Mustang Convertible is about in the first place.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible Specifications