For many, the Mustang has become synonymous with steadfast V8 performance, and the throaty, resonating roar that the line’s 5.0L powerplant produces at every stab of the accelerator. However, the Mustang’s engine bay has also been home to numerous four-cylinder powerplants throughout the years, many of which have been surprisingly potent in terms of rated output.
Ford has now cemented this legacy even further with the release of the 2022 Mustang 2.3L High Performance. Underneath the 2.3L High-Performance hood is an extremely-responsive turbocharged 4-cylinder Ecoboost engine capable of dishing out remarkable output, even with relatively modest displacement values.
The Current 2.3L Mustang: A Nod to the Past
As a number of consumers are quick to point out, the use of V8 powerplants was the norm during the first generation of Mustang production. However, a major shift soon began within the domestic automotive industry, leading to the near extinction of gas-guzzling, high-output engines in the 1970s. Extreme fuel shortages, along with governmental pressure toward the reduction of vehicle emissions soon brought smaller 4–cylinder engines into vogue.
The Mustang II then debuted, in absence of available V8 power. The second-generation Mustang was, however, offered with the same 2.3L I4 utilized by the Pinto. Though drastically underpowered, this powerplant drew a surprisingly strong response among consumers and kept the EPA at bay. Nonetheless, Ford recognized the inevitable need to produce heartier, high-performance four-cylinder engines in the future.
Future development within the 4-cylinder arena saw the rise of the SVT Mustang of the 1980s, which included an option turbocharged 2.3L I4. For this reason, it came as little surprise when Ford chose to rely upon the Ecoboost I4 already in their arsenal, to perform similar duties during the current era.
Why the 2022 Ford Mustang 2.3L High Performance Isn’t Your Typical Four-Cylinder
The 2022 Mustang 2.3L High Performance serves as a noteworthy stablemate to Ford’s current V8-powered Mustang offerings. The 2.3L High Performance not only proves more fuel efficient than the V8-powered Mustang but also produces more than enough output to satisfy the bulk of today’s fun-loving consumers as well.
Horsepower, Torque, & Key Performance Stats
As mentioned, the 2.3L High Performance is based upon Ford’s remarkably popular Ecoboost platform and utilizes a turbocharged I4 powerplant. This engine carries a total rated output of 330 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Also of note, is the car’s remarkably quick 0-60 MPH time of 4.8-seconds, and a respectable top speed of 168 MPH.
Transmission Options
For the current 2022 model year, the 2.3L High Performance could be purchased with either a 10-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed manual. Power is then delivered downstream through a set of 3.55 limited-slip rear axles.
New Features & Upgrades
Additional mechanical upgrades to the 2022 Mustang High Performance include the addition of a larger radiator, upsized front brake rotors/four-piston calipers, and Ford’s Active Valve Performance Exhaust. This selection of this specialty package also yielded unique chassis tuning, engineered to provide enhanced ride stability.
The 2022 2.3L Mustang High Performance has also received a number of cosmetic upgrades, sure to impress the bulk of consumers. Some of the most noteworthy of these upgrades include the addition of a custom hood accent stripe and machined-face aluminum wheels. A GT Performance Package front splitter is also included.
Interior Details
Inside, the 2022 2.3L Mustang High Performance also features a number of noteworthy upgrades, most notably including an engine-spun aluminum instrument panel, and a specialty gauge pack, detailing the turbocharged 2.3L I4’s oil pressure and boost readings.
2022 Mustang 2.3L High Performance
| Engine | 2.3L 4 Cyl engine |
| Horsepower | 330 horsepower |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft of torque |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.8 seconds |
| Quarter Mile Time | 13.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 168 mph |
| Weight | 3,492–3,752 lbs |
| Base Price | $6,150 High Performance Package + Base cost of Specific Model |
Available Exterior Colors
The 2022 Mustang 2.3L High Performance model is available in:
- Rapid Red
- Iconic Silver
- Atlas Blue
- Cyber Orange
- Eruption Green
- Oxford White
- Carbonized Gray
- Dark Matter Gray
- Grabber Blue
- Mischievous Purple
- Race Red
- Shadow Black
Available Interior Colors
The 2022 Mustang 2.3L High Performance model interior is available in:
- Ceramic
- Ebony
2022 Mustang 2.3L High Performance Videos
We found some great videos about the ’22 Mustang 2.3L High Performance Mustang:
