The Mustang turns 60 this year, and Ford marks the occasion with plenty of nods to its past, but the 2025 Dark Horse is all about what’s next. It’s powerful, purpose-built, and doesn’t need retro styling to make its point, but if you’re in it for performance, this is the one to watch. Let’s take a closer look at this 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse performance review.
Key Takeaways
- As of August 1, 2025, the 2025 Mustang Dark Horse starts at $66,375
- The Dark Horse (and Dark Horse Premium) are top dogs when it comes to performance, tech, and track-ready upgrades.
- The Mustang celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025.
60 Years of Mustang, One Wild Dark Horse
Ford celebrates six decades of Mustang with some nice throwback touches across the lineup—think retro-style digital gauges that mimic the 1967 and 1987 dashboards, available via over-the-air updates (even if you’ve got a 2024 model).
There’s also a limited-run 60th Anniversary Package, but it’s only offered on GT Premium coupes and convertibles—unfortunately, not the Dark Horse. Still, the Dark Horse is the one making all the noise—and for good reason.
The Dark Horse Runs and Roars Thanks to Its Powerful Engine
Under the hood, the Dark Horse gets its own version of Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8. It puts down 500 horses and 418 lb-ft of torque, and it sounds just as mean as it looks. You can stick with the standard six-speed TREMEC manual (because yes, manuals still exist), or go for the 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Either way, you're getting a car that’s tuned for performance right out of the box, complete with MagneRide adaptive dampers, upgraded brakes, and 19-inch Pirelli summer tires that actually grip. This isn’t a badge-and-stripe package. It’s the real deal.
A Comfortable Interior That Feels Just as Fast
The Dark Horse dials up the drama without turning into a luxury car. You’ve got RECARO micro/suede sport seats if you want them, a flat-bottom suede-accented steering wheel, and a titanium anodized blue shift knob that reminds you exactly what you’re driving. The digital layout is slick, with a 12.4-inch gauge cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen front and center.
Everything’s customizable (from ambient lighting to what kind of data you see on your dash) and the cabin’s packed with performance-focused details. You get premium floor mats, aluminum or black pedals (depending on trim), and a 12-speaker B&O sound system that lets your playlist compete with the engine.
Ford didn’t skip the safety and comfort stuff either. Dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, lane keeping, pre-collision assist—it’s all here. Even if you’re not taking it to the track, it still handles like a dream on the daily drive.
So, Is the 2025 Mustang Dark Horse the One for You?
If you’re all about performance, the Dark Horse is the one to get. It doesn’t need a retro badge or a limited-edition plaque to prove it belongs in the spotlight. It just delivers with big power, sharp handling, and a cabin that keeps up with all of it.
Ford might be honoring the past this year, but the Dark Horse is all about what’s next. Want to experience its growl in person? Let’s get you behind the wheel today—see you in the Banner Ford showroom!