It’s halfway through the 2025 model year, and that means that the rumor mill for all the latest and greatest the automotive world has to offer is spinning at full tilt. Luckily, the Mustang has given us plenty to speculate on, giving us plenty to look forward to as we anticipate the latest 2026 Ford Mustang changes.
Can we expect a new performance package? Is it true that a Raptor edition is in the works? In this preview, all of those rumors and more will be addressed and expanded on as we look under the hood of the new 2026 Ford Mustang.
Key Takeaways
- The Mustang is set to debut the FX package, a new look that harkens back to the iconic Foxbody Mustang of the 80s.
- The Mustang Raptor is set to debut next year, making for an exciting off road experience that’s sure to be accompanied with that all too familiar V8.
- Beloved additions like the Dark Horse are expected to return, making for a Mustang that innovates while keeping what made its previous iterations great.
Will there be a 2026 Ford Mustang?
The Ford Mustang has long been an icon of American performance, launching the pony car segment when it debuted in 1964. That’s not set to change in 2025, as the Mustang makes its return as a cornerstone of the Blue Oval lineup, appealing to a broad range of drivers—some drawn by its aggressive styling, others by its potent V8 performance.
One constant, however, has been its focus on pavement-focused driving. That could change with the anticipated 2026 Mustang, which is set to introduce an all-new off-road-capable version. This bold reinterpretation signals a significant shift in what the Mustang can be, pushing the legendary nameplate beyond the asphalt and into uncharted terrain.
Is the 2026 Mustang Raptor real?
The upcoming 2026 Mustang Raptor marks a bold new direction for Ford’s iconic pony car, trading some traditional traits for off-road capability. While it will gain all-wheel drive, it won’t offer a two-speed transfer case or a manual transmission—sacrifices that Mustang Shelby GT500 owners may find familiar.
Even so, it's expected to be one of the quickest Mustangs ever made, despite donning mud flaps and targeting rougher terrain. Though full details are still under wraps, the Mustang Raptor represents a leap into uncharted territory for the nameplate, one long imagined by fans of both Mustangs and Raptors alike. More information is expected as the 2026 launch date approaches.
How much is the 2026 Mustang?
The best benchmark for the 2026 Mustang is the 2025 model. Though there is plenty of new on offer for next year’s Mustang, the 2026 model can be expected to follow similar pricing trends.
As of writing, the 2025 Ford Mustang has a starting sticker price of $33,515, with the range-topping Mustang Dark Horse kicking off at $65,975. The full list of 2025 trims reads as:
- EcoBoost - $33,515
- EcoBoost Premium - $39,140
- GT - $48,155
- GT Premium - $52,675
- Dark Horse - $65,975
Summary
2026 is set to be an exciting year for the Mustang, with a new trim, a new package, and the return of some fan favorite features. It seems that enthusiasts will have plenty to look forward to this year as Ford goes full throttle on the latest iteration of the beloved pony car. Jarrett of Port Charlotte will keep you updated as new information comes out!