Reviews
2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Price
Second hand at 110,000 to 120,000 AUD
3 Things We Love
* Redesigned Exterior for Aero * Track-Ready Performance Upgrades * Steering Wheel That Feels Special
3 Things We Hate
*The 10-Speed Automatic * The “Hands on the Wheel” Safety Obsession * Awkward Cupholders Are Back
Intro
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse represents the sharpest, most track-focused evolution of the modern Mustang formula. Built on the familiar foundations of the Mustang GT, the Dark Horse pushes further into performance territory with revised chassis tuning, upgraded cooling, and a more aggressive visual identity. Positioned as a serious driver’s machine rather than a styling exercise, the Dark Horse targets enthusiasts who still value naturally aspirated character in an era increasingly dominated by turbocharging and electrification. The question is no longer whether the Mustang remains relevant — but whether this iteration genuinely elevates the experience beyond the already capable GT.
Exterior
Visually, the Dark Horse leaves little ambiguity about its intent. While the underlying Mustang silhouette remains unmistakable, the Dark Horse layers on a more purposeful, motorsport-inspired edge. The front end adopts a sharper, more assertive look, with darker trim elements and revised aerodynamic detailing giving the car a noticeably more aggressive presence. Unique Dark Horse badging and darker accents reinforce its position above the standard GT without drifting into visual excess. Along the sides, the proportions remain classic Mustang — long bonnet, short rear deck — but subtle tweaks and wheel designs help sharpen the stance. The overall effect is less about reinvention and more about amplification. This is recognisably a Mustang, simply dialled further toward performance. At the rear, the familiar tri-bar lighting signature remains, complemented by darker finishes and performance-oriented detailing. Nothing feels ornamental; the design language stays cohesive and deliberate. The Dark Horse doesn’t chase drama — it projects intent.
Salvatore Gerace
MotorMarvel Journalist
Interior
Step inside, and the Dark Horse continues the performance narrative without abandoning the Mustang’s core identity. The cabin blends familiar Mustang architecture with sport-focused enhancements that subtly elevate the atmosphere. Materials and trim selections lean toward a darker, more purposeful aesthetic, aligning with the car’s track-oriented character. The seating position remains low and driver-centric, with supportive seats designed to balance comfort with lateral stability during spirited driving. Technology remains a central feature of the experience, with the digital displays delivering clear, configurable information. Controls are largely intuitive, avoiding the over-digitisation seen in some modern performance cars. While not radically different from lower Mustang variants, the Dark Horse interior succeeds by refining rather than reinventing. It feels focused, cohesive, and appropriately aligned with the car’s mission.
Specifications
Engine
5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8
Power
350 kW
Torque
550 Nm
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Drive Type
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (Claimed)
12.7 L / 100 km
Fuel Economy (As Tested)
12 to 15 L / 100 km
CO2 Emissions (Claimed)
289 g / km (official ADR figure)
Fuel Tank
61 litres
Weight
1,830 kg approximate
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
4,810 mm
Width
1,916 mm
Height
1,397 mm
Wheelbase
2,720 mm
On the Road
On the road, the Dark Horse immediately distinguishes itself through character rather than outright numbers. The naturally aspirated V8 remains the defining element of the experience, delivering linear, immediate response and a soundtrack that feels increasingly rare in modern performance cars. The chassis tuning leans toward firmness, prioritising control and composure over outright comfort. Body movements are tightly managed, reinforcing the car’s track-focused calibration, though this comes with the expected trade-off in ride compliance over uneven surfaces. Through corners, the Dark Horse feels planted and deliberate. Steering response is direct, encouraging confident placement, while the rear-wheel-drive layout preserves the classic balance enthusiasts expect from the Mustang platform. In everyday driving, however, the car remains surprisingly manageable. The automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts during relaxed cruising, allowing the Dark Horse to function as both performance tool and daily companion — provided drivers accept the firmer ride.
Safety Tech
The Mustang Dark Horse is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, parking sensors, and a reversing camera. While performance remains the headline, the inclusion of modern safety technology ensures the Dark Horse remains practical for daily use.
Our Verdict
The Mustang Dark Horse succeeds by sharpening an already proven formula rather than attempting to reinvent it. The naturally aspirated V8 delivers the emotional core of the experience, while revised chassis tuning and performance upgrades reinforce its credibility as a serious driver’s car. It is not without compromise. The firmer ride and focused calibration prioritise engagement over comfort, making it less forgiving as a long-distance cruiser. Yet those trade-offs feel intentional rather than incidental. On the MotorMarvel scale, the Dark Horse earns its place as a genuinely engaging performance machine.
Overall Rating
