2020 Ford Mustang Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Mustang is back, and there are many firsts on the menu. Beyond the different looks you'll find on the many trims, there are many packages to customize the look and the driving experience.

There are four Ecoboost Fastback models including two convertibles. There are three GTs, including a convertible. The BULLITT stands alone. Then there are three Shelby models to suit those who live for speed.

Six engine choices include the first-ever High Performance Ecoboost. A TREMEC six-speed manual may be the driving enthusiast's favorite, but a 10-speed automatic transmission will tempt others. The Shelby GT500 has a special TREMEC seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. That's the first one to show up in this line of cars.

 

Compare the 2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback vs 2020 Mustang Ecoboost Convertible. What is the difference?

Let's start with the similarities. These cars have a slick 310-horsepower turbo engine. Cranking out 350 pound-feet of torque, it is controlled either by the Tremec manual or the available 10-speed automatic. If you hit the track, Electronic Line-Lock and Launch Control add capability.

Selectable-effort Electric Power-Assist Steering works well with the driver's style. An independent rear suspension is aided by cross-axis suspension joints and monotube shocks. A limited-slip rear axle can be upgraded to a bigger Torsen limited-slip axle.

MagneRide Damping can be added to adjust the suspension in milliseconds. If shoppers want Active Valve Performance, they can add a special four-tip exhaust system. Shoppers can also choose racier tuning for steering, brakes and stability controls.

The sleek car wears hood vents and LED sequential taillights. Standard dual exhaust pipes are bright with rolled polished tips. These Mustangs roll on 17-inch Sparkle silver-painted aluminum wheels. Regular Fastbacks offer a performance rear wing as an option that isn't possible for the convertible.

The convertible has active noise cancellation to counter the roar of the road. The fully-lined cloth top has an electro-mechanical motor. For your security, the center console has an electronic locking mechanism. Convertible shoppers may want the available RECARO leather-trimmed sport seats.

In addition to the Sync system with Bluetooth audio streaming, both models have track apps to show performance metrics. Push button start is part of the Intelligent Access standard system. When you choose the 10-speed automatic transmission, Ford adds a Remote Start System.

Like the regular Fastback, the convertible offers Ford CoPilot360 features. Adaptive cruise control can regulate speed when the driver wants to relax. Pedestrian detection and forward collision warnings come with automatic emergency braking and special brake support. A lane keeper adds another layer of protection.

A driver's knee airbag and a glove-box-door knee bag keep the front row occupants safer. Other standard safety gear includes AdvanceTrac for traction and stability, LATCH for carseats, and SOS Post-Crash Alert. The automatic headlights are triggered by darkness or wiper activation.

2020 Ford Ecoboost Fastback vs. 2.3L High Performance Package. What is the difference?

If you choose the high performance edition of the Ecoboost Fastback, your Mustang will wear a hood accent stripe to declare its racy nature. The improvements to the engine allow it to boost output to 330 horsepower.

Unique chassis tuning and active valve performance exhaust help it do more. This includes Quiet Start, Sport and Track settings. Heavy-duty front springs handle the extra stress of a faster ride.

2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback vs Ecoboost Premium Fastback Trims. What is the Difference?

The two Fastbacks share the 310-horsepower engine. Optional on the regular Fastback, power-adjustable front seats are standard on the Fastback Premium. In fact, these are heated and cooled bucket seats that are trimmed in leather. Dual-zone automatic temperature controls are another upgrade. The Fastback six-speaker audio system is traded for a nine-speaker sound system.

The premium models have satin chrome around the instrument cluster, vents and cupholders. The door speaker wears a bright chrome surround. Ambient lighting comes in a variety of colors. The door-sill scuff plates are also illuminated at night.

The Sync system is upgraded to Sync 3 with a full touch screen on the Premium Fastback. This adds the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition to a rear view camera, the premium trim also has a reverse sensing system. Like the regular Fastback, shoppers can get Ford CoPilot 360 features. At this level, Ford also offers blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring.

Premium Fastbacks ride on bigger wheels than the Fastback. These 18-inch alloys have high-gloss black-painted pockets. Furthermore, Ford upgrades the side mirrors with power-heat capability. Pony projection lamps are added just for fun. LED fog lamps are added to the long list of Fastback LED signature lighting.

Compare the 2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback Premium vs 2020 Mustang Ecoboost Premium Convertible. What is the Difference?

Most of the standards on the Fastback Premium are on Ecoboost Premium Convertible. This includes the Sync 3 touch screen and the 9-speaker audio system with SiriusXM radio capability. Both models can be upgraded with a 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster and a heated steering wheel.

The convertible's fully-lined cloth top replaces the regular hardtop. This model has active noise cancellation and an electronic-lock console just like the regular convertible Mustang. Plus, like the Premium Fastback, it has aluminum pedals and an angled brush aluminum applique on the instrument panel.

2020 Ford Ecoboost Fastback vs GT Fastback Trims. What is the difference?

Trading the regular Ecoboost for a speedy V8, the GT Fastback engine generates 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. It's like having a Ford F-150 engine in a sports car. Ford includes an engine cooler, and the standard manual transmission picks up Rev Matching to assist the driver.

There's an extra level of sportiness to the GT exterior. The most exciting element is a raised blade decklid spoiler.

GT Fastbacks have most of the same standards and options as the regular Fastback. However, GTs do have power-adjustable cloth bucket seats. Extra safety features include reverse sensing. Furthermore, they offer an even bigger Torsen limited-slip rear axle.

2020 Mustang GT Fastback vs GT Premium Convertible. What is the Difference?

The GT Premium Convertible trades the cloth upholstery for leather. These seats can be individually heated and cooled. Cabin elements in satin or bright chrome are similar to the Premium Fastback. Dual-zone automatic temperature controls, ambient lighting, and SiriusXM connectivity are added as standards.

GT models have a raised blade decklid spoiler. The GT Premium Convertible has the same one, but it also has the option of a special pedestal spoiler. Like the regular GT, they have a V8 engine that produces 460 horsepower.

2020 Mustang GT Fastback vs GT Premium Fastback. What is the Difference?

The GT Premium Fastback has the same 460-horsepower engine as the regular GT Fastback. It also has all of the standards found on the regular Premium Fastback. This includes leather seating that is power-adjustable, power-heated and power-cooled.

The Sync system and six-speaker audio are replaced by a Sync3 touch screen and 9-speaker audio. A B&O Olufsen sound system and the 12-inch digital instrumentation are added options.

2020 Ford Mustang GT Fastback vs BULLITT Trims. What is the Difference?

Graduating to the largest TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, the BULLITT is an even sportier version of the GT. There are 20 more horses under the hood thanks to a 97 millimeter air intake and port fuel direct injection. The 480-horsepower engine generates 420 pound-feet of torque.

Losing the Pony badge, the upper and lower grille are unique to this trim. Bright trim elements, multiple hood vents and trim-specific 19-inch wheels add to the distinctive look.

NitroPlate Black finishes off the quad-tip dual exhaust. A rear diffuser is added while the decklid spoiler is deleted. For nostalgia, there's a fake gas cap with a BULLITT logo on the rear applique. Pony projection lights and red-painted Brembo brake calipers add to the exciting design.

The interior wears a Dark Highland Green Accent stitch on its leather seats and center console. The 12-inch LCD instrumentation, heated steering wheel, and aluminum pedals are standard. A special BULLITT logo dresses up the airbag cover. Another fun element is the white cue ball shift knob.

Keeping the BULLITT out of harm's way, Ford CoPilot standards include the lane keeping system and reverse sensing.

2020 Ford Mustang BULLITT vs Shelby GT350. What is the Difference?

The Shelby GT350 has a pedestal rear spoiler as well as a rear diffuser. Shoppers can add an over-the-roof racing stripe or a black accent roof. These elements aren't available on the BULLITT.

Instead of the Highland Green accents, the GT350 has dark slate elements on its RECARO cloth sport seats with MIKO soft suede inserts. Adding a designer touch, the steering wheel is wrapped in leather and Alcantara.

Of course, the biggest difference is the car's remarkable 5.2-liter V8 with Flat Plane Crank. The 8,250 rpm redline is another Ford first. Output is 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque.

Ford adds a transmission cooler to make sure this engine stays as cool as the car looks. To make sure it can stop, six-piston Brembo brake calipers guard the front while four-piston Brembo calipers take up the rear guard.

The TREMEC six-speed manual transmission is part of the reason that this car is so fun to drive. MagneRide Damping controls the bumps and dips, making the car more responsive to driver commands.

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 vs Shelby GT350R Trims. What is the difference?

These two models both offer the Flat-Plane Crankshaft V8. This is the highest-revving production engine ever. Drivers command 526 horsepower from this track-ready engine.

Overall, the GT350R have an even racier look than the regular GT350. There's a Shelby red sightline on the steering column. RECARO seats have red accents as well as MIKO softness. Brembo brakes add a dash of red to the exterior.

Instead of the pedestal rear spoiler, the GT350R wears a carbon fiber rear wing. Ebony black-painted wheels are made of carbon fiber, reducing the unsprung weight.

 

2020 Ford Mustang GT350R vs Shelby GT500. What is the Difference?

Taking things to a new level, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has a unique 5.2-liter supercharged V8. Rather than a flat plane, it has a cross plane crank like none before it. Instead of the TREMEC manual, this car has the all-new TREMEC 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Rushing from zero to 60 miles per hour in about three seconds, it makes the most of 700-plus horsepower. Torque output is 625 pound-feet. This is as close as you can get to a racecar engine in a production Mustang.

The look includes 20-inch flow-formed high-gloss black aluminum alloys. You can personalize your choice with the black accent roof or the roof racing stripe. Shoppers can opt for 20-inch Exposed Carbon Fiber wheels and an Exposed Carbon Fiber GT4 Track Wing.

Like the other premium models, the Shelby GT500 has power-adjustable seats. These sport seats combine rich leather and Miko suede. Of course, you can opt for leather RECARO seats if you prefer.

2020 Ford Mustang. Which Trim to Choose?

 

Fortunately there isn't a dud in this bunch. The Fastback 310-horsepower engine has more capability than the 275-horsepower Chevy Camaro or 305-horsepower Dodge Challenger.

The Ecoboost Fastback Premium hits the sweet spot with advanced technology and more amenities. If you still need more speed, the GT Premium may be the right choice. This car doesn't skimp on anything. The luxuries match the performance.

For the Mustang lover, the BULLITT is an unbeatable combination of nostalgia and modern capability. The extra horsepower is always welcome. The stylish exterior is certainly matched by an equally stylish interior.

If you can venture into luxury price territory, the Shelby trio have so much power that you will need a track to really test them. That's something to keep in mind as you contemplate which one is best.