UPDATE: Ford has replied to our request for statement and confirmed that the Dark Horse Premium's price increase is due to the gas-guzzler tax. However, the automaker also shared that all Mustangs with the 5.0-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual would be subject to the charge, rather than just the Dark Horse Premium. We've added Ford's statement, adjusted the headline, and updated the story to reflect the new information.
The 2024 Ford Mustang won't arrive until later this year, but when it does, it'll cost just a hair more than originally announced. That's because every version of the new Mustang with a six-speed gearbox and the 5.0-liter V8 engine – from GT to GT Premium to the two versions of the Dark Horse – will include a gas-guzzler tax.
Ford spokesman Mike Levine confirmed the news in an emailed statement, saying "The all-new Mustang family provides engine and transmission choices for every customer and is the most aerodynamic Mustang ever. While we strive for efficiency, Mustangs equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 with manual transmission will be subject to the Gas Guzzler Tax."
Here's the complete breakdown of the old and new pricing for the affected vehicles. These prices include the $1,595 destination charge. GT models see a $1,000 increase, while the two Dark Horse trims jump by $1,300 and $1,700, respectively, as reported by the Mustang7g forum.
| Originally Announced Price: | Price As Of May 4, 2023. | |
| 2024 Ford Mustang GT V8 6MT | $43,090 | $44,090 |
| 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium V8 6MT | $47,610 | $48,610 |
| 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 6MT | $59,565 | $60,865 |
| 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Premium 6MT | $63,160 | $64,860 |
Customers that opt for the 10-speed automatic will get around the gas-guzzler tax, but they can't escape the premium Ford charges for the two-pedal arrangement. At $1,595 for the automatic gearbox, the price difference between DIY shifting with a gas-guzzler charge and the 10AT is effectively a wash.
This news comes at an odd time for Ford, as neither it nor the EPA have shared fuel economy estimates for the 2024 Mustang yet. They're surely known somewhere, though, as gas-guzzler taxing only comes into play when a car – trucks, minivans, and SUVs aren't subject to the tax – doesn't meet required fuel economy levels. Output ranges from 315 horsepower in the EcoBoost, to 480 to 486 with the V8-powered GT. The Dark Horse sits at an even 500 ponies.
