Test Drives – SRMotorCars.com – The Auto Maintenance and Repair Expert

Road Test: 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium

High-Performance Turbo Manual Transmission Fun

In April 2018 Ford announced all its sedans and coupes would be going away by 2020, except for one–the iconic Mustang. High-powered Mustang GT, Mach1 and Shelby GT500 versions are well-known, with the latter model pumping-out 760 pin-you-back-in-your-seat horsepower. Big horsepower gets the headlines and is as sexy as all get out, but what about getting into a Mustang that provides driving exhilaration while also not scaring the heck out of you? Look no further than the 2021 Mustang Coupe with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost.

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium — **High-performance four-cylinder fun**

Respectable Power and Performance

Clean Fleet Report spent a week in the rear-wheel drive 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback, powered by a high-performance turbocharged 2.3-liter I4 mated to a six-speed manual transmission with launch control and five selectable drive modes. Producing a fun 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the Mustang high-performance package and the six-speed manual is civil enough for around town driving. And yes, you can spin the tires!

The EPA has rated the EcoBoost 2.3L high-performance at 20 mpg city/27 highway/22 combined. In 240 miles driving around Southern California we averaged 23 mpg, but in a 100-mile run with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged 31.2 mpg, exceeding the EPA figure. This fuel economy is encouraging, but it will take a wide open road with little traffic and lots of patience to equal it. If fuel economy is your primary focus and you can live without high performance, the standard turbocharged 2.3L puts out 310 horsepower and delivers 21/32/25 with its 10-speed automatic.

Being realistic, no one will be buying a high-performance Mustang for making bread and milk runs. This car begs to be driven with great elan, so real world driving will use more fuel. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

Shifting Fun

Clean Fleet Report took delivery of a 2021 Ford Mustang Coupe and knew the week ahead was about to be fun. There are not many manual transmission cars anymore, and getting one with rear-wheel drive and 330 horsepower was a treat. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivered confident road feel, aided by the Pirelli PZero Corsa4 ZR rated 265/40 summer tires on 19-inch, luster nickel-painted aluminum wheels. ZR is a speed rating, which in this case means the tire can handle speeds surpassing 150 mph.

The grip was excellent, thanks in a big part to the independent rear suspension that delivered a controlled driving experience. The optional MagneRide damping system, part of the $1,995 Handling Package, kept the rear tires planted. MagneRide responds to road conditions 1,000 times per second for each damper or shock absorber. First introduced in 2002, versions of this suspension system are found on Camaro, Corvette, Cadillac, Acura, Audi, Land Rover, Ferrari, and Lamborghini models.

Stopping was by the four-wheel power disc brakes, which have a four channel anti-lock braking system with rear sway bars and electronic stability control.

The leather-trimmed gear shifter is perfectly positioned for arm angle and grip size, whether for slow or hard shifting. The clutch has a good feel and smooth engagement, but the shifts can be notchy at certain rpms and if not perfectly rev matched. This is not the smoothest manual we have driven, but it is still a blast going through the gears.

First gear is for getting off the line, but 2nd, 3rd and 4th are where things get interesting. When it is go-time, the turbocharged 2.3L came to life with a throaty note that would grumble and pop from the active valve performance exhaust system. This adaptive system, which amplifies the sound, has exhaust settings such as sport and track, making for a pleasant reminder you are driving a high-performance car. There is even a quiet setting when sneaking out at 5 a.m. to go to a car show. For even a racier sound, check-out what comes from the Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 engine, which has 100 more horsepower.

Zero-to-60 mph times were right around 5.0 seconds, with linear acceleration and unnoticeable turbo lag. Pushback in the seat comes at 3,000 rpm, and stays consistent and stout through the 6,500-rpm red line. The optional 10-speed rev-matching automatic probably would pull even faster times (it also delivers slightly better fuel economy).

Old-Modern Interior

The 2021 Ford Mustang interior has a comfy, retro feel to it. Digital gauges are large and easy-to-read, with black backgrounds and white letters, and toggle switches are a throw-back to sports cars from the 1960s. Clean Fleet Report’s Mustang came with black leather-trimmed Recaro sport seats that were manually adjustable.

Accent stitching on the seats, console and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel combine with carbon fiber on the dash for added custom detail. The Recaro seats were supportive and tight fitting, while the rear seats are best for those of a smaller stature. The trunk is surprisingly large, but when folding the split rear seat the Mustang is its most versatile, as the cargo area is exceptionally large. Two on a weekend trip will have no problem fitting all their gear.

The 12-speaker, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer, infotainment system includes navigation, Ford SYNC and SiriusXM/FM/CD/HDAM with MP3 playback capability. USB ports with iPod connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, and hands-free phone capability complete the system. All this is viewed through a 12-inch, high-resolution LCD touch screen. The Ford PassConnect includes 4G LTE WiFi.

The Classic Mustang Look

A long hood with a short trunk lid sums-up the classic Pony Car design made famous in the 1960s by the Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger (and a few others who have disappeared from the scene). The 2021 Mustang coupe has the distinctive fastback design, and is done in a retro-modern style, harkening back to the 1965 Mustang. From the LED head and fog lights to the signature sequential turn-signal taillights, the 2021 Mustang is a good-looking car. The slight hood bulges have functional air intakes. For even more fun, our Mustang came in a very bright Grabber Yellow!

Convenience and Safety

The 2021 Ford Mustang has available convenience features such as illuminated sill plates and Mustang “pony” puddle lights, ambient interior lighting, autodim rear view mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a tilt and telescoping steering column, hill start assist, power and heated exterior mirrors, power windows with one-touch up and down, keyless start and entry, passive entry system and a theft deterrent system.

Safety systems include dual front, seat-mounted side, driver knee, and full side curtain air bags. The Ford Co-Pilot360 is an advanced driver assist system (ADAS), which includes forward collision warning, lane keeping and driver alert warning, lane keep assist, blind spot with cross traffic alert, rear view camera, rear parking distance warning, pre-collision assist with emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

The 2021 Mustang has a 5-Star safety rating, the highest by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway safety, IIHS, has awarded the Mustang Good ratings for crash worthiness.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2021 Ford Mustang comes in 10 models, with the listed prices excluding options, but including the $1,195 destination and handling fee.

EcoBoost Fastback $28,400

Convenience and Safety — **The Recaros matched the car’s performance well**

EcoBoost Fastback Premium $33,420

EcoBoost Convertible $33,900

EcoBoost Convertible Premium $38,920

GT Fastback $37,480

GT Premium Fastback $41,480

GT Convertible Premium $46,980

Mach 1 $54,595

Mach 1 Premium $56,495

Shelby GT500 $74,095

Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium coupe had a base price of $32,175. With $13,150 in options and the $1,195 destination and delivery fee, the MSRP came to $46,520.

The 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance comes with these warranties:

Bumper-to-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles

Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles

Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles

Corrosion – Five years/Unlimited miles

Observations: 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium High Performance Coupe

The 2021 Mustang EcoBoost High Performance is a fine-driving, riding and handling car. The power is fun to play with, and when mated to a six-speed manual, a blast to drive. The high tech suspension system, adjustable exhaust, summer tires and multiple drive modes are what make this a driver’s car.

The performance from the turbocharged high-performance four-cylinder was more than adequate for a sporty drive, whether on mountain curves or cruising leisurely your favorite highway or road. The 2.3L High Performance offers 20 more horsepower than the base EcoBoost engine (Ford dropped the V6 as the base engine in 2021), while not making it necessary to go for the Mustang 5.0L V8 for extra performance.

When visiting your Ford dealer, tell the rep you want to drive the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance. Then, for comparison take a spin in the Mustang GT or Mach 1. This way you will know which of the iconic Mustangs could be right for you.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by Lex Adams.

More Fun Coupes:

Road Test: 2021 Chevrolet Camaro

Road Test: 2015 Dodge Challenger

Road Test: 2021 Lexus RC 350 F Sport

Flash Drive: 2021 Toyota Supra

Road Test: 2020 Toyota Supra

Road Test: 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone

Road Test: 2021 Chevrolet Corvette

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM check out Monrovia CDJR TODAY!

Red Hot at Road America: Quick Takes on 6 New Rides

2022 Genesis GV70

We’re certainly not completely out from under the shadow of COVID-19 at this point, but it at least feels like we’re on the road back to some kind of normalcy. During the 2020 calendar year, most of the manufacturer-hosted press events our editors attend to produce our First Spin test-drive reviews were put on hold, but they’ve been ramping back up again throughout 2021.

Our editors also attend regional, multi-manufacturer press events that allow us brief access to a broad variety of new vehicles from a host of manufacturers, for quick-take impressions and helpful back-to-back comparison drives. The Midwest Automotive Media Association’s annual rallies—journalist-only events that showcase many of the auto industry’s freshest new products—are among the best of these events, but the ongoing pandemic meant that the MAMA rallies were also put on hiatus for 2020.

However, we were back in the saddle for Fall 2021… the 2021 MAMA Rally was held earlier this month at the Road America race course in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, with COVID protocols in place. Road America is a fabulous facility that’s much more than just a race track—it offers plenty of opportunities for both street driving (on picturesque, winding Wisconsin roads that are particularly lovely in autumn) and off-road driving (at a top-notch off-road course on the grounds at Road America), as well as controlled track driving and an autocross course for select vehicles. Here are a few first-drive impressions of vehicles that stood out to us at the event.

Rally recap on the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Quick Takes on 6 New Rides

2022 Ford Maverick

2022 Ford Maverick Lariat

Driving the new-for-2022 Ford Maverick for the first time reminded me of a famous quote that’s frequently (and most likely erroneously) attributed to Henry Ford: “If I would have asked the people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” I don’t recall the auto-buying public (or any auto journalists) banging the drum for a compact pickup truck built on a unibody front-wheel-drive platform, with a small integrated pickup bed and a standard fuel-sipping gas/electric hybrid powertrain. Yet, Ford has made just that in the Maverick, and all signs point to it being a huge hit.

2022 Ford Maverick Lariat

The Maverick is a truly compact vehicle, but Ford’s clever design features have made the most of the tidy cabin dimensions and pickup bed. For example, the door panels use a clever, ergonomically agreeable door-pull design that opens up enough space for a large water bottle to fit in the door pocket. My 6’6” self fits in the rear seat better than I was expecting—I wouldn’t want to be back there for a long trip, but it’s tolerable for a cross-town jaunt. The interior is trimmed in lots of low-buck hard plastic, but thanks to the smart design and clever color accents, the overall ambiance is fun, funky, and functional.

I drove two Mavericks at the event—one had the 191-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain and the other had the optional 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The base engine is sufficiently powerful in everyday driving situations, with a well-integrated hybrid system—both throttle and brake-pedal response are smooth and linear. The turbo 2.0 is downright zippy—I would love it if Ford saw fit to release a street-performance-focused Maverick (Maverick ST-Line?) with a sport-tuned suspension and this engine. – Damon Bell

First Look: 2022 Ford Maverick

2022 Genesis GV70

Hyundai’s Genesis luxury division launched for 2017 with a pair of large sedans, then added the compact G70 sport sedan for the 2019 model year and the GV80 midsize SUV for 2021. The new-for-2022 GV70 compact SUV looks to be the vehicle that will truly put this fledgling premium brand on the map, both in terms of its positioning in one of the most popular vehicle segments (for luxury brands and mainstream brands alike) and its confident execution overall.

2022 Genesis GV70

The GV70’s bold, athletic exterior styling looks fabulous and wears Genesis’s signature shield-shaped grille very well, but it’s the interior that truly dazzles. In top-line models, the cabin is impeccably finished, and decked out with high-tech features such as a trick 3D digital gauge cluster and a fingerprint scanner on the dashboard (which enables you to start the vehicle without carrying a key fob—you’ll just need your smartphone).

The GV70s we drove at the event were top-line AWD 3.3T Sport Prestige models, which delivered invigorating acceleration and offered a nice balance of ride comfort and cornering prowess (that definitely leaned to the sportier side). The bottom-line sticker price of the vehicle we drove was $65,045—not cheap, but still a compelling value compared to similarly equipped European rivals. – Damon Bell

More Genesis news and reviews

2022 Infiniti QX60

2022 Infiniti QX60

Given that most of all luxury-vehicle sales in the U.S. are comprised of small or midsize crossovers, it is unconscionable that Infiniti allowed the QX60 to go for almost a decade without a significant re-do.

Treated only to minor updates since its 2013 introduction (it was launched as the JX35 before being renamed QX60 for 2014), this three-row midsize crossover eventually fell off of most premium-crossover shoppers’ lists. As, frankly, it should have. The good news is that the QX60 has been redesigned for 2022 and it is, at least at first blush, a vastly better vehicle than the one it replaces.

The new QX60’s cabin is fresh and airy, with a full suite of connectivity features accessed via voice commands or a big, easy-to-read touchscreen. Appointments in the top-of-the-line Autograph model I drove were of apparent high quality and certainly up to class standards.

The really big news for 2022 is the replacement of the QX60’s problematic CVT automatic transmission with a conventional 9-speed automatic. On the road—at least during my short drive—the new 9-speed makes the most of the standard 3.5-liter V6, providing smooth, crisp shifts in a timely fashion.

After a long hiatus, you’ll likely want to put Infiniti back on your premium midsize crossover test-drive list. – Tom Appel

First Spin: 2022 Infiniti QX60

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Given that Ford and General Motors see otherworldly profit margins on their large SUVs, it stands to reason that Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)—would eventually enter the segment. But the company’s first vehicle to truly challenge the likes of the GMC Yukon and Lincoln Navigator comes not as a Chrysler or Dodge, but as a Jeep.

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Jeep’s new big rigs revive a nameplate from the brand’s past—they come in Wagoneer and luxury Grand Wagoneer variations, and only in a single length (at least for now).

I spent the most time in a “base” Grand Wagoneer Series I; even-ritzier Series II and Series III trim levels are also offered.

Checking in at a shade under 215 inches long, Jeep’s new flagship is slightly longer overall than a standard-length GMC Yukon. To my eyes, the Grand Wagoneer appears larger than that in person.

My short drive left me most impressed by the GW’s indulgent cabin appointments and overall interior quietness. A 6.4-liter Hemi V8 is standard; it’s rated at 471 horsepower and provides plenty of smooth, seamless power. Alarmingly, the truck’s trip computer reported fuel economy hovering just over 10 mpg during my stint behind the wheel.

On the road, I found the Grand Wagoneer’s steering vague and overboosted. I also found hustling this extra-large Jeep around city corners to be something of a chore—it feels every bit as big as it is, and likes to plow forward in tight turns.

At $91,735 as-tested, even the “entry-level” Grand Wagoneer is priced against the likes of the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, and Lincoln Navigator. Will luxury-truck intenders cross-shop Jeep’s new contender against a slate of excellent competitors? It’s telling that no Jeep badges appear anywhere on the Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer. So, Jeep marketing folks seem to be asking the exact same question. – Tom Appel

First Spin: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer

2022 Lexus NX

2022 Lexus NX 450h+

This was my first chance to get behind the wheel of the redesigned-for-2022 Lexus NX compact SUV. The NX model line expands significantly for 2022 to encompass four models: the entry-level NX 250 (powered by a 203-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder), peppier NX 350 (powered by a turbocharged 270-hp 2.4-liter four), hybrid NX 350h (which gets a 2.5-liter four paired with two electric motors, for standard all-wheel drive and a total output of 239 hp), and the plug-in-hybrid NX 450h+ (which gets a plug-in-hybrid version of the 2.5 four that puts out an impressive 302 hp total).

I drove an all-wheel-drive NX 350 Luxury and an NX 450h+ F Sport. Both delivered satisfying power, and the 450h+’s hybrid system is as smooth as they come (Toyota and Lexus have been at this hybrid thing for a while now, and it shows). The cabin was nicely finished, with new features such as “Digital Latch” electric-release door handles and the much-improved Lexus Interface touchscreen infotainment system (a big improvement over the previous Lexus Remote Touch interface, though I am going to need a lot more time to fully explore the ins and outs of the new system and its capabilities).

For me, the biggest downside of the new NX is that my extra-tall frame doesn’t fit behind the driver’s seat particularly well. I felt like I was hovering over the dashboard and steering wheel instead of behind ensconced behind them, and even with the seat all the way down and back, my head was uncomfortably close to the headliner/windshield header. Shorter drivers shouldn’t have an issue, however. You can check out our First Spin test-drive report (link below) for more on the new Lexus NX. – Damon Bell

First Spin: 2022 Lexus NX

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

There was a time when an all-new version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was anticipated with the same fervor as a new pope. Sadly, the seventh generation of the German luxury automaker’s flagship sedan has been eclipsed in the news by crossovers and electric vehicles, including Mercedes’ own EQS pure-electric large sedan.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

That’s a shame, as the new S-Class is, at least at first blush, everything a car of this lineage should be. The S-Class sedan’s status as a benchmark for quietness, ride quality, and overall refinement appears secure. Cabin design and materials quality are also top notch.

The biggest change for 2021 is a new control layout. Since I’m accustomed to impressive—almost intimidating—rows of tidy bright-metal switches and knobs when I get behind the wheel of an S-Class, I was stunned by the near absence of traditional switchgear in the new big Benz. The effect is a clean and uncluttered console/dash that should be the envy of carmakers still offering physical knobs, switches, and buttons.

I need more time with the S-Class before I determine that moving almost all of the infotainment and climate controls to a touchscreen is a good thing, but from a design standpoint, the change is a huge success. For 2021, the base S500 4Matic starts at $110,850, including the destination charge. The S580 4Matic I drove checked in at $146,290 all in, including the $6730 Burmester audio system. – Tom Appel

Listen to the very entertaining Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

New Rides at Road America Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images)

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on October 27, 2021.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Ford check out Bowditch Ford TODAY!

Flash Drive: Lucid Air Dream Edition R

A Quick Drive and More Tech Announcements

The ride was short, but provided the essentials—time split between the driver’s seat and the spacious back seat, the two defining spaces in the Lucid Air, the latest luxury electric car to arrive on the market.

This was a pre-production Dream Edition Range model, the actual car used by Lucid execs and Motor Trend magazine staff to demonstrate the car’s range by driving from LA to SF on a single charge. Customer cars are now flowing off the production lines at Lucid’s Arizona factory, so real world test drives are coming soon. Consider this a quick preview.

Lucid Air Dream Edition — **Compact outside; spacious inside**

Quick is the operative word. Lucid’s two motors and 966 horsepower (in the Range model; the Performance version boasts more than 1,000 horsepower) move the Air smoothly and swiftly to the maximum speed allowed on any road. Road feel is solid and my relatively low-speed run barely teased the potential out of the car.

That’s from the front seat. The ride in back is another world. It’s designed for comfort, part of the car’s goal of making a market in China, where chauffeured high end cars (the initial Lucid models will retail for more than $160,000) are relatively common. Lucid makes a point of the Air having a full-size car’s interior packaged in a midsize car’s exterior. That design sleight of hand, made possible by an electric car’s flat floor reduced need for engine space, is evidently in the spacious leg and headroom.

An additional comment I would add is that the Lucid presents itself as a traditional luxury with full instrumentation in front of the driver and auxiliary controls and information on a hidden tablet that can be summoned with a quick touch. The trim pieces have all the right look and feel to impart to the buyer that he/she has purchased a six-figure car.

One feature struck me as particularly distinctive. While panoramic glass rooms are becoming quite common in the automotive community, the Lucid takes a slightly different approach to the idea. The sweep of the glass from the touchdown point on the hood id uninterrupted (other than by two seemingly floating sun visors) until it reaches a crossbar above and slightly behind the driver. It made for an expansive view of the exterior and enhanced the spacious feeling of the car’s interior.

More Tech

The battleground for the next round of EVs (the Lucid is only one of a dozen either just introduced or coming soon) has numerous fronts. Lucid has addressed two of those with its 1,000+ horsepower performance model and its companion 528-mile range model. The third area, another one in which Tesla has set the bar, is advanced driver assistance technology (ADAS).

The week after my brief test drive Lucid Group announced details on its DreamDrive driver assistance platform, a suite of technologies that will be standard on the high-end models like the Dream Edition I drove and optional on other models. Like Tesla’s misnamed Autopilot, it’s designed to allow hands-free driving under certain conditions. Unlike Tesla, which appears to be moving to a completely camera-based system, Lucid’s systems uses 32 on-board sensors, including the first use of lidar on a production vehicle.

Lucid Air DreamDrive — **Surrounded by sensors**

The extensive variety of sensors will allow Lucid to offer more than 30 driver-assistance features, including collision avoidance, Traffic Jam assist and Highway Assist.

The sensors feeding the system include 14 visible-light cameras, five radar units, four surround view cameras, ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle’s exterior and a solid-state lidar sensor. Lucid describes the ultimate system, which will be able to grow in capability via over-the-air software updates, as an “invisible co-pilot.”

The DreamDrive system relies on the car’s proprietary on-board Ethernet Ring to enable quick response and will use the Lucid Air’s 21-speaker audio system to deliver directional alerts while presenting information on the graphic display.

Story by Michael Coates. Photos courtesy of Lucid Group.

More Lucid News:

News: Range Milestones Hit by Lucid

Feature: Lucid’s Studio Approach to Sales

News: Lucid Finally Unveils the Whole Air Package

News: Lucid Announces 500+ Mile Range

For GREAT deals on a new or used Toyota check out Toyota of Escondido TODAY!