2018 Ford Mustang
Sixth generation · S550 2015–2023
The S550, the first Mustang with independent rear suspension as standard, built 2015–2023.
The 2018 model year
Overview
The mid-cycle facelift, and the most consequential update of the generation. Ford dropped the V6 entirely, making the 2.3 L EcoBoost the base engine; revised the 5.0 L V8 with a dual port-and-direct fuel injection system and larger valves, lifting it to 460 horsepower; and introduced a new 10-speed automatic (10R80) in place of the old 6-speed auto. Styling was sharpened front and rear, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster became available.
Specifications
- Engines
-
- 2.3 L EcoBoost turbo I4 (base; torque up to 350 lb-ft) 310 hp
- 5.0 L "Coyote" V8 (GT; revised, dual injection) 460 hp
- 5.2 L "Voodoo" flat-plane V8 (Shelby GT350 / GT350R) 526 hp
- Transmissions
- 6-speed manual (Getrag MT82), 10-speed automatic (10R80, new), Shelby GT350: 6-speed manual (Tremec TR-3160) only
- Body styles
- Fastback coupe, Convertible
- Base price
- $25,680 (EcoBoost fastback) ≈$32,100 today (inflation-adjusted) Original MSRP adjusted for inflation (CPI, 2024); not the car's current market/collector value. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U (U.S. city average, all items), annual average.
- Production
- 75,842 (US)
Year over year
What changed
- The 3.7 L V6 was dropped; the 2.3 L EcoBoost became the base engine (torque up to 350 lb-ft).
- The 5.0 L V8 gained dual port-and-direct injection and larger valves — output rose from 435 to 460 hp.
- A new 10-speed automatic (10R80) replaced the 6-speed automatic.
- Facelift styling: lower hood, revised front fascia, new tri-bar LED taillights.
- Available 12-inch all-digital instrument cluster; MagneRide adaptive dampers offered.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- The revised 5.0's dual-injection system improves cold-start and emissions behavior versus the earlier port-only Coyote.
- Early 10R80 10-speed automatics drew some shift-quality complaints; a sorted, serviced example is the safer buy.
Worth knowing
Notable
- Most significant single-year update of the generation (engines, transmission, and styling all changed).
- GT350 / GT350R continued.
Famous variants this year
Sources
Other Sixth generation years
Explore the S550 generation → All Sixth generation · S550 years →