If you pull up to a dealership this spring, the new Mustang pickup will be the first thing that catches your eye. Its silhouette is unmistakably Mustang – a low, chiseled front end, the classic tri‑bar taillights, and a fastback roofline that flows straight into a five‑foot cargo box. Ford has kept the cab compact enough to preserve the sports‑car proportions, then widened the fenders and fitted a sturdier suspension that hints at off‑road ambition. The ground clearance feels purposeful, and the 20‑inch alloy wheels give the truck a planted stance whether it’s sitting on city pavement or a gravel trail. Color choices range from a bright Race Red with a black roof to a muted Gunmetal matte, all of which reinforce the idea that this is a performance machine that can also haul a boat, a bike rack, or a load of building supplies.
Powertrain – Muscle Meets Modern Efficiency
Under the hood lives a supercharged 5.0‑liter V8 that pushes a little over 450 horsepower and 460 lb‑ft of torque. Power is sent through a 10‑speed automatic that shifts with the confidence you expect from a sports coupe. What separates the Mustang pickup from other midsize trucks is the optional all‑wheel‑drive system, borrowed from the Raptor platform, which adds instant traction on snow, mud, or steep inclines. Ford lists a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds and a payload rating that rivals many full‑size pickups, while the truck still manages a 0‑60 mph sprint in just under five seconds. Fuel‑economy numbers haven’t been locked in yet, but early estimates put the V8 version at roughly 18 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. A hybrid variant is rumored for future model years, promising a better balance between power and fuel consumption.
Interior & Technology – The Cabin Feels Like a Living Room
Step inside and you’re greeted by a clean‑looking dash dominated by a 13.2‑inch touchscreen running the latest version of Ford’s SYNC system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the voice‑assistant learns your most‑frequent destinations, adjusting navigation routes on the fly. A 360‑degree camera suite eliminates blind spots when parking the longer bed in tight spots, and adaptive cruise control with stop‑and‑go makes highway cruising effortless.
The front seats are upholstered in premium leather with optional heating and massage functions. The rear bench folds flat, extending the cargo area for longer items. Ambient lighting can be set to several colors, allowing you to shift the mood from a work‑day commute to a night‑time cruiser vibe. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane‑keeping assist, and a newly introduced “trailer sway control” system that keeps both driver and load stable in adverse conditions. A built‑in Wi‑Fi hotspot supports up to ten devices, a handy addition for crews that need a mobile office on the road.
Trim Levels and Pricing – What Do You Get for Your Money?
The Mustang pickup arrives in three primary trims:
- Base – Starts around $55,000. It comes with the supercharged V8, rear‑wheel‑drive, the 13.2‑inch touchscreen, and the standard safety suite.
- Sport – Priced near $62,500. Adds all‑wheel‑drive, upgraded 20‑inch wheels, a sport‑tuned suspension, and a premium audio system.
- Premium – Tops out at roughly $70,000. Features leather‑trimmed interior with massage seats, adaptive lighting, a tow‑assist package, and a performance‑oriented exhaust note.
Optional packages such as the “Off‑Road Explorer” (skid plates, rock‑crawl mode) or the “Luxury Comfort” (heated rear seats and a panoramic roof) can raise the final price by a few thousand dollars. While the sticker price sits above the average midsize truck, the Mustang badge, performance credentials, and tech‑forward cabin give it a distinctive value proposition. Early resale projections suggest strong retention, thanks to the iconic branding and limited‑edition appeal.
Who Is This Truck For?
The Mustang pickup is aimed squarely at enthusiasts who grew up chasing the roar of a V8, but now need a vehicle that can also haul a trailer without sacrificing that visceral sound. Contractors, outdoor‑adventure fans, and small‑business owners who require a reliable workhorse see a compelling alternative to the typically utilitarian trucks on the market. Social‑media chatter has been overwhelmingly positive, with owners posting backyard test drives that demonstrate the truck handling sharp cornering and heavy loads with ease.
Critics note that fuel efficiency will never match a diesel or hybrid competitor, but most agree the unique blend of performance and practicality makes the Mustang pickup a worthy entrant in the segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a manual transmission option?
No. Ford has paired the supercharged V8 exclusively with a 10‑speed automatic to maximize both performance and fuel efficiency. - How does the payload compare with the Ford F‑150?
The Mustang pickup offers a payload of roughly 1,800 pounds, a bit lower than the top‑end F‑150 models, but it compensates with a lighter curb weight and sportier handling. - Will a diesel engine ever be offered?
Ford has not announced a diesel variant for the 2026 model year. The focus remains on the V8 and a future hybrid powertrain. - What warranty coverage is included?
The vehicle comes with a 3‑year/36,000‑mile basic warranty, a 5‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain warranty, and a 5‑year/60,000‑mile corrosion‑through‑perforation warranty. - Can the bed be equipped with a factory‑installed tonneau cover?
Yes. A retractable aluminum tonneau cover is available as an accessory and can be ordered directly through the dealer.
Disclaimer
The specifications, pricing, and availability mentioned in this article are based on Ford’s preliminary releases and may change before the official launch. For the most accurate and up‑to‑date information, please consult an authorized Ford dealership or the official Ford website.