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The 2024 Ford Mustang is on its way, and the pony car gets a complete redesign for the seventh-generation “S650” Mustang. However, there’s a whole year between the 2022 and 2024 models, and some fans might not want the updated style of the 2024 model. So, is anything different with the 2023 Ford Mustang, the last S550 model year?

Is Ford making a 2023 Mustang?

Ford is making a 2023 Mustang to bridge the gap between the current 2022 model year and the upcoming 2024 cars. While that might seem like standard practice, 2023 and 2024 are transitional years for Ford’s time-honored pony car. 2023 will be the last year of the sixth-generation, or S550, Mustangs. Furthermore, the 2024 Ford Mustang gets a design refresh inside and out. 

The 2023 Ford Mustang is the last S550 Mustang before Ford switches to the S650 Mustang.
Ford Mustang GT | Ford

Despite the changes of the upcoming S650 Mustang, the Car and Driver says the 2023 S550 Ford Mustang likely won’t change very much. 

Is anything different between the 2022 and 2023 pony cars?

At a glance, the 2022 and 2023 cars seem like they’ll be very similar. First, the 2023 Ford Mustangs get the same lineup of engines. The 2023 Mustang EcoBoost packs a standard 2.3L four-cylinder mill with 310 horsepower. Of course, the 2023 EcoBoost, like the 2022 model year, offers a 330-horsepower High Performance package. Moreover, the 2023 Mustang GT will continue with the 450-horsepower 5.0L Coyote V8. 

Also, the track-ready 470-horsepower 2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1 returns for its final model year. The Mach 1 packs track tech from the Shelby GT350 and GT500, like the now-discontinued GT350’s optional Tremec six-speed transmission. That transmission is a noteworthy upgrade from the GT’s Getrag-sourced MT82 manual transmission. 

What does the new 2023 Ford Mustang look like?

The 2023 Ford Mustang will look a lot like the 2022 model year. The grand tourer styling of the S550 will carry over; the cars will have the same long hood, short rear, and two-door layout. Moreover, the 2018 to 2022 front fascia styling will continue into 2023 with the curved headlamps instead of the 2015 to 2017 squint. 

The interior of the last S550 Mustang remains similar to the previous model year as well. Profound design changes don’t arrive until the seventh-generation S650 Mustang hits the streets. The next Mustang incorporates revised front, side, and rear styling. Moreover, the S650 Mustang will pack an entirely redesigned interior, ditching the double-bubble dash for a duo of large, customizable displays. 

The 2023 Ford Mustang will likely carry over many of the designs of the 2022 Ford Mustang S550.
S550 Ford Mustang | Ford

Should you wait for the 2024 Mustang?

The 2024 Ford Mustang updates the pony car in several ways while retaining some of the Mustang’s original formula. The upcoming vehicle will pack rear-wheel drive (RWD), V8 trims, an optional manual transmission, and no hybrid in sight. However, the interior gets a needed refresh with lots of technology like Ford’s Sync 4 with Apple CarPlay. 

Still, the 2023 Ford Mustang keeps the less dramatic fascia and the historically-inspired dash and gauge cluster. The 2023 Ford Mustang might be the better option if you want a car with old-school charm. Be sure to check out MotorBiscuit articles for news and great automotive content!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).