Ford hasn’t ruled out offering the next Mustang with all-wheel-drive

Longstanding rumors claim the next-generation Ford Mustang could offer all-wheel drive, and they may not be false. Although the company didn’t confirm an all-wheel-drive option is coming, it refused to rule it.

“As you know, the [Dodge] Challenger has all-wheel-drive. We’re always looking at different types of performance, but we have nothing to announce right now,” affirmed Mustang brand manager Jim Owens within an interview with enthusiast website Ford Authority. What’s telling is that he highlighted your competition and didn’t shoot down the idea. He would have sung another tune if inquired about making the following Mustang front-wheel-drive – though by taking your controversial route was once seriously considered by Ford, too.

Seeing an all-wheel-drive variant from the current-generation Mustang (pictured) is extremely unlikely. Whether it receives saving money light, design would probably be offered around the next-generation model going to be out for the 2023 model year. We’re guessing it might be an extra-cost option, and rear-wheel drive continues to come standard.

It’s too early to tell how Ford would channel power to the 4 wheels. Maybe it's a full-time system, or it could send spin the front wheels only when the rear axle loses traction. In either case, it’s safe to bet it will likely be rear-biased.

Although this really is pure speculation, it’s interesting to note rumors claim the next-generation Mustang would be the first one provided with a hybrid powertrain. Could both of these reports converge into a through-the-road all-wheel drive system? It’s not absurd. Ford could keep a naturally-aspirated V8 in the engine bay and channel its output to the rear wheels, while adding electric motors to zap the leading wheels into motion. Patented by the Blue Oval in 2021, it’s a setup that will add weight, but odds are it would be marketed like a high-performance drivetrain.

Ford has never offered four- or all-wheel drive around the Mustang, though England-based Ferguson Research built two or three prototypes in the 1960s. Although some enthusiasts will in the end argue a Mustang needs to be rear-wheel-drive, we’re not worried that adding a choice of all-wheel-drive will dilute the car’s image or appeal. Dodge didn’t water on the Challenger by looking into making all-wheel-drive available; it actually widened the model’s audience. Following this path could help Ford squeeze Mustang as a year-round driver.

We’ll need to be patient for more information by what Ford has in store for that next-generation Mustang. Called S650 internally, it’s scheduled to arrive in showrooms nationwide prior to the end of 2022 like a 2023 model.