By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 15, 2021) MIAMI — Back last September I had the opportunity to drive the Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s first all-electric vehicle. I gave it good marks for its range of up to 270 miles on a full charge and its overall performance. But I didn’t really consider it a Mustang.

With 266 horsepower and 313 pound-feet of torque in rear-wheel-drive configuration or 428 with all-wheel, the Mach-3 has the kind of performance one expects from a vehicle bearing the Pony car label. But other than that it is a Mustang only in the sense that Rosie O’Donnell and Sophia Loren are both women.

The Mach-E’s exterior profile and cabin scream SUV, not Mustang fastback coupe. Or convertible, the subject of this review.

The timing of the arrival of the 2022 Ford Mustang Convertible in my driveway recently couldn’t have been more perfect. Snow may be threatening in other climes, but in South Florida, December is ideal convertible weather. Temperatures aren’t so hot that you get baked when waiting at stop lights, nor is the humidity as stifling as it can be in August.

The 2022 Mustang is part of the sixth generation of the quintessential Pony Car that debuted in 2015 and is pretty much the same as the 2021 model. Most changes involve styling tweaks and a slight reduction in horsepower and torque in the 5.0-liter V8 engine (down 10 of each).

At the top of the portfolio are the GT and Mach 1 trims with their V8  power. — 450 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque in the GT, 470/420, respectively in the Mach 1. (The supercharged Shelby GT500 Fastback is in a class by itself at 760 hp.)



But for the less power hungry, Ecoboost and Ecoboost Premium models come a pretty healthy 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-banger as standard. They rate at 330 hp and 350 lb.-ft. while drinking regular fuel at a less thirsty pace. EPA figures for the Ecoboost Convertible with the optional 10-speed automatic transmission are 19 miles-per-gallon city, 26 highway,, and 22 combined. a nice jump over the 15/23/18 for the 2021 V8 Convertible.

No, you won’t get the full effect of the deep base tones of the V8 Mustang (take that, EVs!) but you can also set the Ecoboost model’s dual exhaust to whatever level suits your ears (Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Track).

The interior of the 2022 Ford Mustang Convertible is much more upscale than the spartan features of older models and overall is very impressive. Dual zone climate control is standard, and front seats are both heated and cooled. (Don’t worry too much about those in the back; those seats are so cramped you aren’t going to be taking many extra riders along).

You’ll find plenty of technological features in the Sync3 infotainment system,  and the Ford CoPilot360 suite of tech functions adds adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist, active park assist to other safety features.

Base pricing for the 2022 Mustang Convertible runs the gamut from just under $30,000 (2.3L Ecoboost with 6-speed manual) through the $30K ranges to over $40K for GT trims and over $50K for the Mach 1. The Shelby GT500 Fastback starts at just over $70,000.

My test vehicle, the 2022 Ford Mustang Convertible Premium trim started with a base price of $37,725, but then totaled out at $50,330 with options and destination charges ($1,195) added.

Biggest items among the options were $6,150 for the 2.3L High Performance package, $2,500 for Equipment Group 201A (Premium trim, adaptable cruise control, voice-activated navigation, premier floor mats), and $1,595 for the 10-speed automatic transmission (complete with paddle shifters).

Oh by the way, if this is not peak convertible season where you are, just come to South Florida and rent one. Sometimes it seems that every other car you pass while driving on U.S. 1 in the Keys is a Mustang droptop.

What I liked about the 2022 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible Premium: The ride with the soft top up is surprisingly quiet. Infotainment features are plentiful and user friendly. The cabin’s interior has been given a nice upgrade in appearance, showing that a Muscle Car doesn’t have to be cold and spartan. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 technology is now standard.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible Premium: The backseat is good for storage only, and with a trunk of 11.4 cubic feet you’re going to need it on occasion. (Still, that’s not bad trunk space for a convertible, by the way.)

Would I buy the 2022 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible Premium? Without question, yes. The turbo-4 engine doesn’t have the big punch of the GT’s V8 power, but still is a lively performer with a considerably less thirsty engine.