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2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost RTR First Drive: Gittin Lit Is Nothin’ but a Good Time

The 2026 Mustang EcoBoost RTR is a factory fastback package developed with RTR Vehicles. MotorTrend’s first-drive review praises its driving character and lists its specs and example pricing.
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The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost RTR is a factory package for the rear-wheel-drive Mustang fastback, developed with Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s RTR Vehicles. MotorTrend calls it the best EcoBoost Mustang it has driven, and its first-drive verdict is that the car is a good time. That is the publication’s assessment—not a universal ranking or the result of a head-to-head instrumented comparison.

What the Mustang RTR is—and what it isn’t

This RTR is the first factory-produced Mustang EcoBoost fastback offered with the RTR Package, according to Ford. It brings together the EcoBoost Mustang and RTR’s Formula Drift background in a package built at Ford’s Flat Rock plant, as Ford describes it. The package is distinct from RTR Spec 3 and Spec 5 builds, which are separately marketed products rather than other names for this factory EcoBoost package.

Ford’s announcement presents the car as a blend of Mustang EcoBoost character, Formula Drift know-how and technology from the Mustang Dark Horse. That is the manufacturer’s positioning; it does not, by itself, establish how the RTR compares in measured performance with a Dark Horse or other Mustang variants.

What MotorTrend says it’s like to drive

MotorTrend’s central verdict is enthusiastic: it calls the RTR the best EcoBoost Mustang it has driven. The review’s title, “Gittin Lit Is Nothin’ but a Good Time,” captures that positive first-drive impression. It should be read as MotorTrend’s judgment of this drive, not as a claim that the car has been proven superior in a complete instrumented comparison.

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Ford’s October 15, 2025 announcement quoted Mustang Chief Program Engineer Laurie Transou describing the development goal as “the most exciting, fun-to-drive turbocharged Mustang ever,” followed by, “We succeeded.” RTR founder Vaughn Gittin Jr. called it “the most badass, factory-built, turbocharged Mustang ever.” Those are manufacturer and founder promotional statements, not independent test findings.

MotorTrend’s listed specifications

The figures below are from MotorTrend’s 2026 review specification table. They are not measurements made for this article. In particular, the acceleration time is explicitly an estimate.

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Item MotorTrend’s listed figure
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Power 315–350 hp
Torque 350–400 lb-ft
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Curb weight 3,800 pounds, manufacturer figure as listed by MotorTrend
Wheelbase 107.0 inches
Dimensions (length × width × height) 189.4 × 76.1 × 55.0 inches
0–60 mph 4.5 seconds, MotorTrend estimate
EPA fuel economy 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
Combined range 400 miles, as listed in MotorTrend’s specification table

The review lists power and torque as ranges rather than assigning a single output to every configuration. It does not establish a complete like-for-like performance comparison against another Mustang in this first-drive account.

Price and configuration in MotorTrend’s review

MotorTrend reported a $44,860 base price for the car. Its example adds the $1,750 MagneRide option and a dealer-installed engine tune, bringing the stated total to $47,410. These are the review’s figures, not a current quote or a guarantee of availability; pricing and ordering details can change. Check a current Ford build or participating retailer for the configuration and price available to you.

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The review describes the EcoBoost RTR as fastback-only, not convertible. Ford’s 2026 Mustang order guide, dated March 27, 2026, is the relevant source for checking option and package compatibility; it lists front and rear premium floor liners among available options. The existence of an option in the order guide does not confirm that a particular aftermarket liner fits an RTR. Confirm exact fitment for the vehicle before buying.

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How to compare it with another Mustang

Compare cars with the same equipment and be precise about what each number represents. A manufacturer specification, an EPA fuel-economy rating, a publication estimate and an instrumented test result are different kinds of evidence. The 4.5-second 0–60 figure here is MotorTrend’s estimate, not a reported instrumented result for this first-drive car.

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  • WATERPROOF ALL-WEATHER PROTECTION: This waterproof all weather full car cover helps protect your Mustang from sun, rain, snow, dust, leaves, pollen, bird droppings, and everyday outdoor exposure. Five reflective strips improve nighttime visibility when the vehicle is covered.
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  • Compare the same body style and drivetrain; the RTR covered here is a fastback.
  • Account for options and dealer-installed equipment when comparing prices. MotorTrend’s $47,410 example includes MagneRide and a dealer-installed tune.
  • Check whether power and torque figures describe a range or a specific configuration.
  • Keep the factory EcoBoost RTR package separate from the separately marketed RTR Spec 3 and Spec 5 builds.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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