25 August, 2025
ford-mustang-faces-price-hike-for-2026-model-year

The price of the Ford Mustang is set to increase by $1,000 for the 2026 model year, with the entry-level Mustang EcoBoost now listed at $72,990 before on-road costs. This latest adjustment follows a previous price hike of $5,000 implemented on July 1, 2025, attributed by Ford Australia to the introduction of the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

Latest Developments and Recalls

This price increase coincides with a product safety recall affecting the Mustang, along with Ford Australia’s top-selling models, the Ranger ute and the Everest large SUV. Additionally, another recall has been announced for the locally converted F-150 full-size pickup. The production of the 2026 Mustang at the Flint assembly plant in Michigan is scheduled to commence in November, with customers in Australia expected to receive their vehicles starting in February 2026.

The Mustang EcoBoost continues to be the most affordable option at $72,990, while the price of the Mustang GT fastback with a six-speed manual gearbox will rise to $84,990 before on-road costs. The automatic variant of the Mustang GT, which is the most popular in the lineup, will also see its price set at $84,990.

New Features and Changes

For 2026, buyers will have the option to choose from two additional exterior paint colors, including Adriatic Blue and the return of Orange Fury. These premium colors will incur additional charges of $750 for EcoBoost vehicles and $910 for GT models, excluding Luxury Car Tax. The standard colors, Oxford White and Race Red, remain available at no extra cost.

Notably, the EcoBoost variant will lose some minor features, such as the monochromatic mirror and remote starting key, although starting the vehicle via the FordPass app will still be possible. Ford Australia introduced a subscription fee for its connected native satellite navigation in January 2025, providing new buyers with a 12-month free trial.

There are no significant changes to the mechanical specifications or standard equipment for V8-powered GT models, which will remain consistent with the 2025 offerings. A new black appearance package will replace the previous Bronze appearance package for 2026, featuring black 19-inch alloy wheels, black badges, and black mirror caps.

The Ford Mustang has regained its status as Australia’s most popular sports car this year, reclaiming the title after losing it to the BMW 2 Series in 2024. In May, Ford reported its best monthly sales figures since November 2018, maintaining a lead over its closest competitor, the Mazda MX-5, throughout the year.

As Ford continues to navigate the evolving automotive market, the Mustang’s enduring appeal remains evident, driven by a combination of performance, style, and brand loyalty.