The American muscle car isn’t dead—far from it. Meet the 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a 500-horsepower beast that proves Ford isn’t backing down from the performance game. Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at what might be the most exciting Mustang you can buy right now.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 |
| Horsepower | 500 hp at 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 418 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed manual (TREMEC) or 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | Approximately 4.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | Estimated at 155 mph |
Let’s start with what matters most—the heart of this beast. Under that sculpted hood sits a specially tuned 5.0L V8, pushing out an impressive 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. And yes, for those who crave that raw driving experience, you can still get it with a proper six-speed manual transmission. But if shifting gears isn’t your style, there’s also a lightning-quick 10-speed automatic available.
Price and Value
Starting at just under $62,000, the Dark Horse isn’t exactly cheap. However, you’re getting a lot of car for your money. We’re talking about features like the MagneRide adaptive suspension, beefed-up oil coolers, and serious factory-installed braking hardware.
Plus, just look at it—those unique 19-inch wheels, special Dark Horse badges, and that menacing front end tell you this isn’t your average Mustang.
2025 Ford Mustang Dark HorseTech-Loaded Interior
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 189.7 inches |
| Overall Width | 76.1 inches |
| Overall Height | 55.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 107.0 inches |
| Curb Weight | 3,879 lbs |
Step inside, and you’re greeted by Ford’s latest tech innovations. The dashboard features two screens: a 12.4-inch digital cluster that flows seamlessly into a massive 13.2-inch touchscreen. Yes, some of the plastics feel a bit cheap, but with all the driving excitement this car delivers, you probably won’t notice.
Dashboard and Displays
Dominating the cockpit is a seamless digital interface comprising a 12.4-inch LCD digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch center touchscreen.
This expansive display offers customizable layouts, allowing drivers to tailor the information presented to their preferences. The high-resolution screens provide sharp graphics and intuitive controls, ensuring that essential data is easily accessible at a glance.
Seating and Materials
The Dark Horse features exclusive interior themes, including Black Onyx and Black/Blue Dinamica, which incorporate unique color accents and stitching throughout the cabin.
The standard seats are upholstered in a combination of cloth and vinyl, providing a balance between comfort and durability. For those seeking enhanced support during spirited driving, optional RECARO® sport seats are available, featuring micro-suede inserts and increased bolstering to keep occupants firmly in place during high-speed maneuvers.
Steering Wheel and Controls
A leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed steering wheel with performance suede inserts offers a comfortable grip and a sporty aesthetic. The steering wheel integrates controls for audio, cruise, and other functions, allowing drivers to make adjustments without taking their hands off the wheel.
Additionally, the Dark Horse includes a Titanium Anodized Blue gear shift knob, adding a distinctive touch to the interior.
Climate Control and Comfort Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard, enabling both driver and passenger to set individual temperature preferences.
Available heated and ventilated front seats ensure comfort across various weather conditions, while the optional heated steering wheel adds an extra layer of luxury during colder months.
Technology and Connectivity
The Mustang Dark Horse is equipped with Ford’s latest SYNC® 4 infotainment system, offering seamless integration with smartphones via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
A premium Bang & Olufsen® sound system with 12 speakers delivers an immersive audio experience. The system also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring connectivity on the go.
Storage and Practicality
Despite its performance-oriented design, the Dark Horse offers practical storage solutions. The trunk provides 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating luggage or gear for weekend getaways.
While the rear seats are more suitable for smaller passengers or additional storage, they can be folded down to expand cargo capacity when needed.
Driving Experience: Adaptive Suspension for All Occasions
This car is an absolute riot to drive. The adaptive suspension lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Cruising to work? Keep it in Normal mode, and it feels as comfortable as any daily driver. But when you hit your favorite back road or head to a track day, switch it to Sport mode, and the Dark Horse transforms into an entirely different animal.
For the Track Enthusiasts: The Dark Horse Handling Package
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Airbags | Dual-stage front, side, curtain, and knee airbags |
| Driver Assistance Features | Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert |
| Parking Assistance | Rear parking sensors, rearview camera |
For the hardcore track enthusiasts, Ford offers the Dark Horse Handling Package. This includes wider rubber, manual suspension adjustments, and an aggressive rear spoiler. If you’re planning on hitting the track, trust me—you’ll want this package.
2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Fuel Economy
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| City | 14 mpg |
| Highway | 22 mpg |
| Combined | 17 mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gallons |
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—fuel economy. With 500 horsepower under the hood, you probably won’t be winning any efficiency awards. The EPA rates it at 17 MPG combined, but let’s be real: if you’re shopping for a Dark Horse, fuel economy likely isn’t your top priority.
Minor Compromises
Like any car, there are a few compromises. The back seats are pretty tight, and while the optional Recaro seats are fantastic for cornering, they might be a bit much for your daily commute. The new air vent placement is a bit awkward as well, but these are minor gripes in an otherwise incredibly capable package.
The Last of the Muscle Cars
With the Challenger and Camaro now gone, the Mustang Dark Horse isn’t just carrying the torch for Ford—it’s carrying the torch for the entire American muscle car segment. And it’s doing one heck of a job. The Dark Horse bridges the gap between old-school muscle car thrills and modern sports car capability, all while keeping the price relatively reasonable—at least until you start adding options.
Competitors of 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
| Model | Engine | Horsepower (HP) | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission | 0-60 mph (seconds) | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang Dark Horse | 5.0L V8 | 500 | 418 | 6-speed manual / 10-speed automatic | 3.9 | $62,000 |
| Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | 6.2L V8 | 495 | 470 | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 2.9 | $65,000 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 717 | 656 | 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic | 3.6 | $70,000 |
| BMW M4 Competition | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 | 503 | 479 | 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic | 3.8 | $75,000 |
| Toyota GR Supra | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 | 382 | 368 | 8-speed automatic | 3.9 | $55,000 |
| Nissan Z | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | 400 | 350 | 6-speed manual / 9-speed automatic | 4.5 | $40,000 |
Here’s a look at some of its key rivals:
2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray features a mid-engine 6.2L V8 producing 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 2.9 seconds. The Stingray offers a dual-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission and a starting price around $65,000.
2025 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is powered by a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine delivering 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Hellcat’s starting price is approximately $70,000.
BMW M4 Competition
The BMW M4 Competition features a 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six engine generating 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It offers a choice between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M4 Competition accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds and has a starting price around $75,000.
2025 Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra is equipped with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. It features an 8-speed automatic transmission and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.9 seconds. The GR Supra’s starting price is around $55,000.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z comes with a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It offers a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Z accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and has a starting price around $40,000.
Is It Perfect? No. But It’s What a Muscle Car Should Be
Is it perfect? No, but it’s exactly what a modern muscle car should be: powerful, exciting, and just civilized enough to use every day. Plus, in a world rapidly shifting toward electrification, there’s something special about a naturally aspirated V8 that revs to the moon and comes with a manual gearbox.
So, what do you think of the 2025 Mustang Dark Horse? Would you take this over something like a BMW M240i or a Toyota Supra? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts.
