The Ford Mustang has a reasonably low starting price on its entry-level model. It’s no wonder why you see so many of these pony cars on the street every day. It’s always been a selling point that drivers are able to get behind the wheel of an American icon for just a little more than the cost of a Toyota Camry. However, those looking to get into a 2021 Ford Mustang will have to pay a bit extra than previous years.

When the base 2021 Mustang’s pricing was revealed a couple of weeks ago, we saw a minor price bump. However, this increase in cost came with some welcome additions that make the entry-level Mustang more competitive in its class.

According to Ford Authority, the rest of the Mustang’s trims will follow suit with higher price tags than last year’s iterations.

Will the pricing increase deter buyers from upgrading to a 2021 Ford Mustang, or is the car still an excellent option for drivers seeking an adrenaline rush? Let’s take an in-depth look at the cost differences and the vehicle’s latest offerings.

The 2021 Ford Mustang is still affordable

You won’t break any track records in a base-level 2021 Ford Mustang, but it’s still a sporty ride. The entry-level EcoBoost trim has a starting MSRP of $27,155, which is $485 more expensive than last year’s model.

The EcoBoost Premium experienced the largest jump in price, with an extra $490 added to the bill. Meanwhile, other models like the Bullit, GT350, and GT350R. However, the new Mach1, priced at $51,720, is the spiritual successor to these lost trims, as it delivers track-inspired performance.

Ford also gave the Mustang’s convertible models a similar price hike, but the numbers aren’t exactly the same as the coupe body style.

What are buyers getting for the extra money?

Drivers of the base 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost have the most to gain. This trim now comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance technologies that help prevent an accident or mitigate damage. 

These features include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, high-beam assist, pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, rain-sensing wipers, dynamic brake support. All other trims will also come with these additions. 

Gaining all of these systems for under $500 extra is quite a bargain. That makes it a much better buy over a 2020 Mustang, which lacks standard safety systems.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 adds a whole lot of fun to the model lineup. Its 5.0-liter V8 engine delivers 480 hp, and buyers have the choice of a standard six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Mach 1 is also outfitted with other performance-enhancing features, such as two side heat exchangers, a brake booster, 19-inch wheels, and an available handling package.

The verdict: Safety comes at a cost 

While no one is overjoyed at the thought of a price jump, sometimes it’s worth it to shell out a little extra cash. When considering driver safety, there really can’t be too high a price to pay. Ford has done well to take their clientele’s well-being into consideration for the 2021 model year, and buyers would do well not to count the 2021 Mustang out just because of an increase in cost.