The Ford Mustang, a classic symbol of American muscle, isn’t exactly the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of conquering winter roads. Known for its rear-wheel-drive configuration and powerful engine, the Mustang is often associated with sunny summer cruises rather than snowy winter commutes. Many assume these iconic pony cars are best tucked away in garages once the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall. After all, there’s a common perception that vehicles designed for performance aren’t suited for harsh winter conditions. So, the question arises: why would anyone willingly choose a 310 horsepower, rear-wheel-drive sports car to embark on a 1,400-mile journey from Toronto to Winnipeg in December – a city notorious for its brutal and lengthy winters? It’s a valid question, and one that deserves an answer.
As a dedicated Mustang enthusiast and someone who has owned Mustangs in the past, the anticipation of driving the highly praised 2015 model had been building ever since its initial reveal in New York City back in December 2013. Few things could deter me from jumping at the opportunity to get behind the wheel of this new generation Mustang. However, a unique situation presented itself. The exciting news was that I was offered three glorious days to experience a brand-new, Race Red 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. This particular model was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and the Performance Pack, boasting features like Recaro racing seats, stiffer front springs, a more robust rear anti-roll bar, a 3.55:1 limited-slip differential, and upgraded brakes with four-piston front calipers. The catch? This prized Mustang needed to be delivered safely to Winnipeg, Manitoba, under a tight deadline, and the weather forecast was predicting high winds, low visibility, and significant snowfall. What began as a lighthearted joke quickly transformed into a dare and a challenge – one I rarely back down from.
Stepping into the 2015 Mustang, the design immediately strikes you. While automotive styling is often subjective, the new Mustang’s aesthetics are undeniably captivating from every angle. The interior also marks a significant leap forward in quality compared to previous generations. Gone are the frustrating rattles and creaks, replaced by higher-grade materials and a more refined feel. Drawing inspiration from Mustang’s fighter jet heritage, the interior features cool touches like the “Ground Speed” labeled speedometer and toggle switches that allow you to adjust steering feel and traction control settings.
Setting off in the late afternoon with clear skies and temperatures just below freezing, the initial plan was to reach the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Sudbury for dinner. But, as often happens, Mother Nature had different plans in store. North of Barrie, heavy snowfall began. Thankfully, it wasn’t long-lasting, but it did provide an early opportunity to familiarize myself with driving the new Mustang in snowy conditions during daylight. Winter conditions act as a great equalizer, quickly highlighting any shortcomings a vehicle might have. The 2015 Mustang chassis and engine felt well-matched and stable, neither overly sensitive nor requiring excessive revving. The handling felt balanced and confidence-inspiring, although the rapidly deteriorating conditions certainly demanded focus and respect. Frankly, had this Mustang not been equipped with 245/40R19 Michelin X-Ice Xi3 winter tires, I might have reconsidered the entire adventure. Winter tires are absolutely essential in these conditions, but they aren’t a substitute for cautious driving, and overconfidence can be dangerous. Even for me, and my perhaps questionable judgment sometimes, there are limits.
The EcoBoost Performance Pack on the 2015 Ford Mustang typically includes Pirelli PZero summer tires. Fortunately, for this winter trek, the test vehicle was equipped with much more appropriate Michelin X-Ice tires.
During normal driving, I didn’t encounter situations where the ABS (anti-lock braking system) engaged, but I did take the opportunity to test it in an empty parking lot to assess its performance. Unlike traction control systems in older Mustangs, the system in the 2015 model is both effective and subtle. My older SN95 Mustang would abruptly cut power and sometimes lurch in the opposite direction when traction was regained, which could be unsettling. The steering in the 2015 Ford Mustang is also noticeably tighter and more precise than previous generations, making driving in poor weather significantly less stressful and more controlled.
The next morning presented an even greater challenge. Departing from the Hampton Inn before dawn, the temperature was well below freezing, even before factoring in the wind chill. To my surprise, the EcoBoost engine fired up instantly and effortlessly with the push-button start. Once on the empty highway heading towards Sault Ste. Marie, I could finally open up the Mustang a bit as the cabin warmed up much quicker than anticipated. However, operating the radio and climate controls required removing my gloves – a minor inconvenience. While the updated SYNC infotainment system might be an improvement over previous versions, it still felt somewhat frustrating to use. Despite being non-heated cloth Recaro racing seats, the driver’s seat proved to be remarkably comfortable and supportive, providing a secure and snug feeling, no matter how many hours I spent behind the electronically-assisted steering wheel, which offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes.
For Mustang purists, including myself initially, the idea of a four-cylinder engine under the hood might seem almost sacrilegious. In past generations, opting for anything other than the V8 in the GT model seemed almost unthinkable, as the V8 engine was often the most compelling aspect of the car. However, the 2.3L EcoBoost engine in the 2015 Ford Mustang is far from a compromise. It boasts an impressive 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, actually outperforming the 4.6L V8 found in my own 2009 Mustang GT. While the EcoBoost delivers respectable performance and improved fuel economy, it admittedly can’t match the visceral sound of a V8, even with the engine sound being artificially amplified through the speakers – a feature I found somewhat inauthentic and unnecessary.
This is the typical winter fate for many Ford Mustangs north of the Mason-Dixon Line: snow-covered and confined to the garage, waiting for warmer weather.
There’s a common misconception that rear-wheel-drive vehicles are inherently bad or dangerous in rain and snow. This is a myth I strongly disagree with, and this trip further reinforced that belief. In fact, the first accident I witnessed on this journey occurred in my rearview mirror when a woman in a front-wheel-drive Honda Civic attempted to keep pace with me through a snow-covered corner south of Pancake Bay. Apprehensive about her speed mid-corner, she abruptly slammed on her brakes, causing her Civic to spin 180 degrees across the oncoming lane before colliding with the guardrail.
Highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and points west is not a place you want to be stranded, especially in winter. It’s a desolate and unforgiving stretch of road. Gas stations, restaurants, and shops are few and far between and often have limited operating hours, if they are open at all. Cell phone service is virtually nonexistent, and safe pull-off areas are scarce. However, the highway is heavily trafficked by transport trucks. Many of these truckers, seemingly impatient and sometimes reckless, pay little attention to the poor weather and visibility, choosing instead to tailgate and overtake multiple vehicles at high speeds around blind corners with alarming disregard for safety.
The drive across the top of Lake Superior can be both visually stunning and incredibly treacherous. This particular section of the Trans-Canada Highway has been the site of numerous tragic accidents. Having traversed it many times on a motorcycle in the summer, I was familiar with its challenges even in good conditions. However, driving one of the country’s most dangerous and unpredictable stretches of road in a rear-wheel-drive sports car during the depths of winter presented a whole new level of complexity. Weather conditions can change rapidly and dramatically. Whiteouts are common, and highway closures due to dangerous conditions are frequent. Undertaking a journey of this distance with a tight timeframe in a Mustang required a blend of spontaneity, determination, and, admittedly, a healthy dose of foolishness.
Originally planning to reach Thunder Bay for a New Year’s Eve party, helping the Civic driver and subsequent highway closures meant spending the night in Wawa. The roadblock provided a photo opportunity to prove to friends the reason for missing the party.
Hoping to reach Thunder Bay for a New Year’s Eve party with friends, but delayed by assisting the Civic driver and then encountering highway closures, I ended up spending New Year’s Eve in Wawa after the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) closed Highway 17 in both directions. I decided to backtrack to photograph the roadblock to prove to my friends that my absence from their party was legitimate. An officer, assuming I was trying to drive further west, approached to tell me that there was no way I could get through, especially in “that.” I wish I had captured his expression when I replied with a grin, “I just did.” Visibility was near zero as I pulled into the parking lot of the Lakeview Hotel for the night, surrounded by jacked-up 4×4 pickup trucks sporting camouflage and gun racks. It was, to say the least, a memorable and quiet New Year’s Eve.
Setting off before dawn on New Year’s Day, I was once again greeted by sub-freezing temperatures, deep snow, gusting winds, and poor visibility. Yet, the Mustang felt warm, nimble, and stable. Traction was surprisingly good, and the windshield wipers performed admirably. I wasn’t the only one surprised by the Mustang’s winter capability. Every time I stopped, I received curious looks and questions. The bright Race Red pony stood out starkly in pickup truck country. Stopping for coffee in White River, the gas station attendant asked, “I heard the road was closed that way. How the hell did you make it through driving that sporty thing?” The answer was smooth, gentle inputs – acceleration, braking, and steering – allowing me to navigate roads that many would hesitate to attempt even in more traditional winter vehicles.
Stable, well-balanced, and aerodynamic, the 2015 Ford Mustang offers handling characteristics quite different from a typical SUV. The author expresses a preference for cars like the Mustang over SUVs due to the lower center of gravity and more engaging driving dynamics.
I’ve never been a big fan of Sport Utility Vehicles. Their increased mass, higher ground clearance, and elevated ride height result in a higher center of gravity, making them slower, heavier, and less agile. Thankfully, after passing through Marathon, the clouds parted as quickly as they had arrived, revealing breathtaking scenery and some truly enjoyable driving roads.
With clear, open roads ahead, rowing through the gears of the Getrag 6-speed transmission brought a smile that couldn’t be wiped away. This stretch of highway allowed me to truly appreciate the new independent rear suspension and experience firsthand how significantly superior it is to the previous live rear axle. Both ride quality and handling are vastly improved. Cornering is precise and smooth, even when encountering mid-corner road imperfections – something that current Mustang owners will find particularly impressive.
In the past, this much snow meant your Mustang was staying put in the garage. However, with modern ABS and ESC systems, combined with proper winter tires and responsible winter driving habits, that’s no longer necessarily the case with the 2015 Ford Mustang.
Another pleasant surprise was the significantly improved fuel economy of the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost’s dual-scroll turbocharged engine compared to my five-speed older Mustang. Despite having more power and not consciously trying to maximize fuel efficiency, I managed to average 24.7 miles per gallon while driving in predominantly poor weather conditions and maintaining a ‘spirited’ yet safe driving style whenever conditions permitted.
After nearly 40 hours of driving over just three days, I arrived in Winnipeg exhausted but satisfied. The 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, though undeniably filthy, reached its destination without a scratch. It proved to be a safe, smooth, capable, and remarkably enjoyable vehicle to drive, even when faced with consistently challenging weather conditions.
While the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost demonstrated its surprising winter prowess, I personally still wouldn’t choose to drive my own Mustang in winter if I had other options. The exposure to ice, snow, and road salt inevitably leads to corrosion, negatively impacting the car’s value and the finish of the paint and wheels. Just because something is possible, doesn’t always mean it’s the best choice. However, for those who must drive their Mustang year-round, I can confidently say that with the right winter tires and a sensible approach to winter driving, the S550 generation Mustang can now serve as a practical year-round daily driver for most of North America.
