MotorWeek Awards Ford Mustang as Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year

MotorWeek announces the Ford Mustang has earned MotorWeek’s 2024 Best of the Year as part of the TV series’ annual Drivers’ Choice Awards. During a digital ceremony on Feb. 8, the Mustang wrangled the top spot against an array of vehicles.

“Part of the Mustang’s appeal has always revolved around its everyday viability, not just its muscle car performance,” says MotorWeek host and creator, John Davis. “The 2024 Mustang pays homage to the past with design cues that keep America’s favorite pony car aesthetics intact. But make no mistake, this is a 21st-century Mustang.”

This seventh-generation Mustang, in its 60th-anniversary year, remains America’s original, and last remaining “pony” car.

“The interior, including the standard 12.4-inch instrument cluster, is an improvement from the last iteration of Mustang,” says Davis. “This is an ‘everyman’s’ sports car with its long hood, short rear deck, safety features and accoutrements.”

Consumers can experience Mustang performance at all price levels, starting with the 371-hp EcoBoost Coupe for around $32,515, right up to the 500-hp Dark Horse at just over $61,000. The 480-hp GT Coupe hits right around $43,000.  

“MotorWeek’s recognition affirms customers thoughts about the Mustang’s advanced technology, driving dynamics and style. It’s more than Mustang’s 60th anniversary, it’s the kickoff for the next 60 years of Mustang,” said Matt Simpson, Ford’s general manager of enthusiast vehicles.

MotorWeek’s editorial staff evaluates more than 150 cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles each year.  Drivers’ Choice Award winners, in 12 categories, were chosen based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and value for the dollar.

“Prices start (on this award list) from around $29,000. More EVs are being introduced into the market, but those who prefer all internal combustion-powered cars will see they are staying the course,” said Davis. “With inventories now fully stocked, it is becoming the year of personalized choice for both vehicle and price. That’s great news for car buyers.”

2024 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards winners include:

Best of the Year … Ford Mustang

Drivers’ Choice Awards Individual Categories:

  • Best Family Car                       Honda Accord
  • Best Luxury Car                      BMW 5 Series
  • Best Sport Sedan                   Acura Integra*
  • Best Sport Coupe                   Ford Mustang
  • Best Performance Car           Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
  • Best Small Utility                    Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
  • Best Midsize Utility                Jeep Grand Cherokee*
  • Best Large Utility                   Toyota Grand Highlander
  • Best Luxury Utility                 Porsche Cayenne
  • Best Small Truck                    Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
  • Best Fullsize Truck                Chevrolet Silverado
  • Best EV                                   Hyundai IONIQ 6/Kia EV9/Volkswagen ID.4**                                                                  *Denotes Repeat Winner from 2023.                                                                                                                                    **Denotes Returning Winner from 2022

The 2024 Drivers’ Choice Award winners appear on a special episode of MotorWeek (#4323) airing on stations beginning Feb. 10. The episode can also be seen on the MAVTV Motorsports Network, starting Feb. 18.

The Drivers’ Choice Awards digital ceremony can be viewed at MotorWeek.org and on MotorWeek’s YouTube channel.

By Pat Curtin

Pat Curtin is the managing editor of THE SHOP magazine.