2026 Ford Mustang: Trims, Engines, and What's New
The 2026 Ford Mustang lineup tops out with the supercharged 5.2L V8 Dark Horse SC, the most powerful Mustang offered in the current generation. That engine pairs with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, while every other trim receives a revised, tech-forward SYNC 4 dual-screen cockpit. This page covers every 2026 trim, engine, and feature so you can find the right Mustang at Marshal Mize Ford.
What's New for 2026
The clearest headline for the 2026 model year is the Dark Horse SC. It brings a supercharged 5.2L V8 mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, sitting above the standard Dark Horse in the lineup and representing the highest-performance Mustang currently offered at retail.
Across the full 2026 lineup, every trim now ships with a 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen running SYNC 4 alongside a 12.4-inch LCD digital instrument cluster. That dual-screen arrangement is the new cockpit baseline, not an upgrade. The available Magnesium-Framed Panoramic Curved Display takes the two screens and merges them into a single sweeping unit on EcoBoost® Premium and GT Premium trims with appropriate equipment groups, or as standard on higher packages.
New exterior color additions to the 2026 palette include Molten Magenta Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Adriatic Blue Metallic alongside returning favorites like Race Red, Shadow Black, Oxford White, and Carbonized Gray Metallic. Blue Ember Metallic is exclusive to the Dark Horse and Dark Horse SC.
The Electronic Line-Lock feature, standard across the lineup, is calibrated for track use. Selectable Drive Modes carry forward as a standard item on every trim.
Trim Lineup
The 2026 Ford Mustang® is built on two body styles: the fastback and the convertible. The fastback is a fixed-roof coupe and is the only body style available on the GT, Dark Horse®, Dark Horse® Premium, and Dark Horse® SC. The convertible adds a power-retractable soft top and is available on the EcoBoost®, EcoBoost® Premium, and GT Premium. Across both body styles, the lineup spans seven trims.
2026 Ford Mustang® EcoBoost®
Available as: Fastback and Convertible
This is the entry point to the 2026 Mustang® lineup. Both body styles carry the 2.3L EcoBoost® turbocharged inline-4, a 10-speed automatic transmission, painted 18-inch alloy wheels, the 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone front climate control, and the full standard safety suite. Cloth seating with vinyl trim and a vinyl flat-bottom steering wheel are standard. The convertible body style offers a reduced cargo area relative to the fastback due to the top mechanism.
2026 Ford Mustang® EcoBoost® Premium
Available as: Fastback and Convertible
This trim steps up with ActiveX seating material in expanded color choices, a 9-speaker audio system (up from 6 on the base EcoBoost®), eligibility for the Magnesium-Framed Panoramic Curved Display option, remote start via the Ford App, memory driver seat and mirrors, and a lockable glove box. Active Noise Cancellation is also added at this level.
2026 Ford Mustang® GT
Available as: Fastback only
The GT introduces the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 with a standard 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching. The 10-speed SelectShift® automatic is available. The GT rides on 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels in base configuration. The optional GT Performance Package unlocks Brembo brake upgrades, 19-inch wheel options, and additional chassis tuning. A 6-way manual driver seat and cloth front bucket seats with vinyl trim are standard at this level.
2026 Ford Mustang® GT Premium
Available as: Fastback and Convertible
This trim adds premium leather seating, a 19-inch shadow silver-painted aluminum wheel as standard, a 9-speaker audio system, the Magnesium-Framed Panoramic Curved Display as an available option, MagneRide® Damping System availability, and a 6-way power driver seat with memory. The Mustang® FX Package and Nite Pony Package are both available on the GT Premium. The convertible version omits the rear seat in the folding-top configuration but adds 0.2 inches of rear leg room when the top is up.
2026 Ford Mustang® Dark Horse®
Available as: Fastback only
This trim uses a modified 5.0L Coyote V8 tuned specifically for the Dark Horse®. It comes standard with the 10-speed SelectShift® automatic, with the TREMEC® 6-speed manual available as an option. Standard features include Brembo six-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors, MagneRide® Damping System, unique chassis tuning, unique stability control and ABS calibration, a performance rear spoiler painted Tarnish Dark, 19-inch Tarnished Dark-painted low gloss aluminum wheels, unique lower and outboard grilles, a unique painted front upper grille with pony badge, a silver painted strut-tower brace with Dark Horse badge, a Leather-Wrapped Flat-Bottomed Steering Wheel with Performance Suede Insert, a Dark Horse instrument panel badge with unique chassis number, and the B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio. Cloth front bucket seats with vinyl trim and a 4-way manual passenger seat are standard. Blue Ember Metallic paint is exclusive to this tier and above.
2026 Ford Mustang® Dark Horse® Premium
Available as: Fastback only
This trim builds on the standard Dark Horse® with premium upgrades across the interior and exterior. Standard additions include leather-trimmed seating material, a 6-way power driver seat with power lumbar, a 4-way power passenger seat, memory driver seat and mirrors, an auto-dimming frameless rearview mirror, heated front seats, a Magnesium-Framed Panoramic Curved Display as standard, premium door trim, a Dark Horse Appearance Package, and Tarnished Dark anodized mirror caps with heated glass, turn signal indicators, and manual fold. The Dark Horse® Handling Package and additional exterior stripe packages are available as options.
2026 Ford Mustang® Dark Horse® SC
Available as: Fastback only
This is the highest-performance 2026 Mustang® offered at retail. Its supercharged 5.2L cross-plane crank V8 connects to a TREMEC® 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as the sole transmission. Standard features include 20-inch Tarnished Dark anodized cast aluminum wheels, 305/30R20 and 315/30R20 performance tires, Brembo brake calipers with six-piston front and four-piston rear in Notorious Blue with white logo, a composite carbon fiber drive shaft, magnesium tower-to-tower brace, adjustable top mounts, lowered shock absorber mountings, variable traction control, a carbon fiber hood vent, unique hood with hood pins, a rear spoiler painted black, a rear diffuser, aluminum front bumper beam, a Lux Package as standard, and a Ford Connectivity Package (1-year). A 12-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen is standard. Interior materials include premium leather and micro suede. The Classic Package, Track Pack, Track Pack Special Edition, and Teal Accent Pack are all available as options. Ford has not published EPA fuel economy figures for this configuration; buyers should confirm availability with the dealership.
Performance & Powertrain
The 2026 Mustang spans four distinct engines across the lineup.
The 2.3L EcoBoost® turbocharged inline-4 produces 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic and returns 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Premium fuel is recommended. This engine covers every EcoBoost® trim.
The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 powers the GT and GT Premium. Its standard transmission is a 6-speed manual with rev matching, a configuration that remains a defining trait of the GT experience. A 10-speed automatic is available at no charge. Fuel economy on the V8 trims rates at 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
The modified 5.0L Coyote V8 in the Dark Horse® is tuned differently from the GT unit, with the TREMEC® 6-speed manual available as an option alongside the standard 10-speed automatic.
The supercharged 5.2L V8 in the Dark Horse® SC pairs exclusively with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Ford has not published EPA fuel economy figures for this configuration; availability may be limited and buyers should confirm at the dealership.
All 2026 Mustang trims are rear-wheel drive. The rear limited-slip differential is standard across the lineup.
EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Ford Mustang
Interior, Comfort & Cargo
The 2026 Mustang seats four. Front passengers have 44.5 inches of leg room and 37.6 inches of head room. Rear passengers have 29.0 inches of leg room in the fastback (29.2 in the convertible) and 34.8 inches of head room (35.7 in the convertible).
Fastback cargo capacity measures 13.3 cubic feet. Convertible models carry less cargo by nature of the top mechanism.
Interior material quality steps up meaningfully through the trim ladder. The base EcoBoost® uses cloth seating. The EcoBoost® Premium introduces ActiveX seating material with expanded color options. GT Premium adds full leather in multiple color pairings, including Black Onyx with Space Gray premium leather. The Dark Horse® SC uses premium leather and sueded microfiber as standard.
Standard comfort features across all trims include dual-zone front climate control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, keyless ignition, an electrochromatic inside rearview mirror, and dual illuminating vanity mirrors.
Technology & Infotainment
Every 2026 Mustang runs the SYNC® 4 infotainment system on a 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with swipe capability. A separate 12.4-inch LCD digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims.
The Ford Connectivity Package, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, audio streaming, and voice assistant access, is included for the first year on all trims. A 4G modem is standard. SiriusXM® with 360L and HD Radio are also standard.
USB smart-charging ports (two) and a high-mounted mirror USB charging port round out the connectivity layout. Remote start via the Ford App is available on EcoBoost® Premium and above.
The available Magnesium-Framed Panoramic Curved Display merges the instrument cluster and center touchscreen into one continuous unit. It is available on EcoBoost® Premium and GT Premium with appropriate equipment groups, and is standard within higher packages.
The Dark Horse® SC includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. GT Premium and EcoBoost® Premium trims step to a 9-speaker system. Base EcoBoost® trims are equipped with a 6-speaker setup.
Selectable Drive Modes and Electronic Line-Lock (track use only) are standard across the lineup.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2026 Mustang carries a thorough standard safety package on every trim. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection with Auto Brake, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Lane Keeping System (combining Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist) are all standard.
Additional standard features include a rear view camera, rear parking sensors, AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, Driver Attention Assist Monitor, and the SOS Post-Crash Alert System. Airbag coverage includes dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, knee airbags, and front-seat side-impact airbags.
Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring, LATCH child seat anchors, and a perimeter alarm are also standard.
The safety systems are designed to assist the driver. None of these features replace attentive driving or guarantee the prevention of a collision.
Who It's For and How It Compares to the Prior Year
The 2026 Mustang continues the formula of the seventh-generation body introduced in 2024, so the fundamental profile has not changed. What 2026 adds on top of that foundation is the Dark Horse® SC at the peak of the range and a cockpit that now leads with the dual-screen SYNC® 4 setup on every single trim rather than reserving it for upper configurations.
Shoppers who purchased a 2024 or 2025 EcoBoost® or GT will find that the chassis, proportions, and powertrain options are closely related. The practical differences in 2026 center on the available display technology, the expanded color palette, and the new Dark Horse® SC for buyers who want the highest-output Mustang without moving to a specialty vehicle.
Buyers choosing between the EcoBoost® and GT should start with the transmission question. The GT's standard 6-speed manual with rev matching is a meaningful real-world difference from the EcoBoost®'s automatic-only standard setup, and the V8 soundtrack is a material part of the ownership experience. If the EcoBoost®'s 26 mpg combined matters to your daily routine, the four-cylinder does its job without compromising the Mustang's rear-wheel-drive character.
The Dark Horse® makes sense for the driver who wants a track-oriented Mustang with available TREMEC® gearing. The Dark Horse® SC occupies a different category entirely and is best evaluated with a conversation about current inventory at the dealership.
See the 2026 Mustang at Marshal Mize Ford in Chattanooga
The 2026 Ford Mustang® is in stock now at Marshal Mize Ford, serving Chattanooga and the surrounding area. If you are deciding between an EcoBoost® fastback and a GT convertible, or you want to get eyes on a Dark Horse® in person, the team at Marshal Mize Ford can walk you through what is on the lot today. Availability changes, so browse current inventory or reach out to confirm which trims and colors are on hand before you make the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines does the 2026 Ford Mustang offer?
The 2026 Mustang® offers four engines: a 315 hp 2.3L EcoBoost® turbocharged inline-4 (EcoBoost® trims), a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (GT and GT Premium), a modified 5.0L Coyote V8 (Dark Horse® and Dark Horse® Premium), and a supercharged 5.2L V8 (Dark Horse® SC). All trims are rear-wheel drive.
What is the Dark Horse SC?
The Dark Horse® SC is the top-of-the-line 2026 Mustang®. It uses a supercharged 5.2L V8 paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, 20-inch wheels, a Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio system, and premium leather and sueded microfiber interior trim. It is offered in fastback body style only.
Does every 2026 Mustang have the SYNC 4 system?
Yes. SYNC® 4 with a 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen and a 12.4-inch LCD digital instrument cluster are standard on all 2026 Mustang® trims, including the base EcoBoost® Fastback.
Is the 6-speed manual transmission available on the EcoBoost?
No. The 6-speed manual with rev matching is standard on the GT Fastback. The TREMEC® 6-speed manual is also available as an option on the Dark Horse® and Dark Horse® Premium. The EcoBoost® trims come standard with the 10-speed automatic only.
What is the fuel economy for the 2026 Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2.3L EcoBoost® is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Premium fuel is recommended.
What safety features are standard on the 2026 Mustang?
Every 2026 Mustang® includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection with Auto Brake, BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, Driver Attention Assist Monitor, and AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, among others.
Can I get the 2026 Mustang as a convertible?
Yes. Convertible body styles are available on the EcoBoost®, EcoBoost® Premium, and GT Premium trims. The GT, Dark Horse®, Dark Horse® Premium, and Dark Horse® SC are offered in fastback body style only.
Where can I see the 2026 Mustang in person near Chattanooga?
Marshal Mize Ford carries 2026 Mustang® inventory in Chattanooga. Browse current availability online or contact the dealership directly to confirm which trims and colors are on the lot.
Incentives offered by the manufacturer are subject to change and may fluctuate or differ based on region and other considerations. Incentives, credit restrictions, qualifying programs, residency, and fees may raise, lower, or otherwise augment pricing and/or monthly payments. Unless otherwise noted or specified, pricing shown does not include title, registration, or tax fees, additional dealer installed accessories or add-ons, or dealer doc fee ($799). See dealer for details.