Ford's big play for the Mustang in the new year is a retro-inspired appearance package that pulls from the car's design history without messing with the engines we already know and love. But there's a lot more happening for 2026 than just a throwback look. Let's take a look back at its two most recent model years.
Key Takeaways:
- The GT Premium trim now adds the FX package for some serious Fox-body vibes.
- We're still waiting on the Mustang Raptor to drop, as of March 2026; expect it to show up this spring or summer.
- 2025 models gave us the 60th-anniversary special and cool 1967-style digital gauges that you can create with over-the-air updates
- For the fastest lap times, the Dark Horse trim still reigns supreme, especially when paired with those Pirelli Trofeo RS tires.
What Changes Have Been Made to the 2026 Ford Mustang Trims?
The FX package is available for 2026, but you can only get it on the GT Premium. It's a total nod to the Fox-body era that ruled the latter part of the 20th century. If you opt for the Performance Package, the car comes with Oxford White fan-style wheels that look like they came straight off a classic Cobra. Other FX versions use a white split five-spoke design instead. To really drive home the retro feel, Ford added white accents to the grille nostrils, white-out taillights, and old-school badges.
Inside, there are leather seats with plaid inserts and stitching in blue and silver, along with some carbon-fiber trim borrowed from the Dark Horse. Ford also updated the paint options for 2026, adding Adriatic Blue Metallic and bringing back Orange Fury.
The 2025 model year was really about celebrating 60 years of the pony car. That anniversary edition was limited to GT coupes and convertibles and featured 20-inch wheels with red center caps. It also introduced a digital gauge cluster that mimics the 1967 Mustang's dash, and thanks to over-the-air updates, any seventh-generation Mustang (2024 or newer) can actually run that retro layout.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Mustang |
2025 Ford Mustang |
| GT Premium adds FX Package/white fan-style or split five-spoke wheels; white grille nostrils, available white-out taillights, and retro badging |
GT coupes and convertibles 60th Anniversary Edition |
| Leather seating with plaid inserts and stitching in blue and silver, carbon-fiber trim |
20-inch wheels with red aluminum center caps |
| Adriatic Blue Metallic and Orange Fury colors added |
1967 Mustang's instrument panel via an over-the-air update |
What is the Standard Engine Found in the 2026 Ford Mustang?
The powertrain lineup starts with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost, delivering 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic. If you want the V8, the 5.0-liter is back with 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. If you check the box for the performance exhaust, those numbers climb to 486 hp and 418 lb-ft. Plus, V8 fans can still row their own gears with a six-speed manual.
The Dark Horse is still the king of the mountain, pushing that 5.0-liter to an even 500 horsepower and adding better dampers for corners. If you're a serious track rat, the Handling Package swaps the standard tires for Pirelli Trofeo RS rubber to get every bit of grip possible.
What Technology Features Are Found in the 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 'Stang's cockpit centers on a dual-screen layout: a 12.4-inch instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch center touchscreen. Both run on Sync 4 and include wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment. The system also supports Alexa voice commands, Ford Streaming, and over-the-air software updates.
Are You Ready for a 2026 Ford Mustang of Your Own?
2026 Mustangs are in our showroom right now. Give us a call at Karl Flammer to book a test drive. We'll help you get behind the wheel of your next Mustang today!