2024 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona

The 2024 Ford Mustang underwent a subtle yet impactful style refresh, with nearly every body panel reworked. The front boasted a larger grille and narrower headlights, creating a more aggressive appearance. The nose was more upright, giving the impression of charging headfirst into the wind. The profile retained the classic long hood and shorter tail, but the rear fender flare was more angular and pronounced. The back end featured a deep-cut bevel, creating a sharply angled fascia and taillights, which became the most distinctive exterior trait. Inside, the Mustang received a significant makeover, replacing the traditional dual-cowl dashboard with a modern look. A striking glass panel enclosed the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, while the center dash appeared cleaner with climate controls moved to the screen. Materials quality improved, with fewer hard plastic surfaces and more lightly padded sections, giving the cabin an upmarket impression.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona drew inspiration from the 1970 Charger, with retro styling superimposed onto current proportions. The grille was narrower, and the headlights were hidden in an illuminated slot spanning the front fascia. The Charger was initially offered as a two-door coupe, with a four-door sedan body style expected for the 2026 model year. Based on the Stellantis STLA Large architecture, the new Charger was almost nine inches longer than the previous Challenger, with five inches added to the wheelbase. Sharply-creased fenders enhanced its muscle-car appeal, while brawny side sculpting prevented the bodywork from looking overly heavy. The rear featured a wide taillight bar and squared-off styling cues reminiscent of the 1970 Charger. Inside, the Charger favored modernity and technology, with large horizontal digital displays dominating the dashboard. The Scat Pack model added a faux suede headliner, carbon fiber accents, and ambient lighting, improving the interior's overall quality.

The 2024 Ford Mustang offered a range of engines, starting with the EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. The GT model featured a Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with an optional Active Exhaust system increasing output to 486 hp and 418 lb-ft. The top-of-the-line Dark Horse model produced 500 hp. The EcoBoost engine was expected to reach 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, while the GT was faster by at least half a second. The manual transmission with rev matching enhanced driver engagement, and the optional High Performance package improved handling. The Mustang's ride quality balanced comfort and performance, with the available MagneRide adaptive suspension offering subtle differences between settings. A new Electronic Drift Brake feature added a fun element for controlled conditions.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona was offered in all-electric Daytona form, with the R/T base model featuring two electric motors for all-wheel-drive, producing 456 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. It had an EPA-estimated range of 308 miles. The Scat Pack model increased output to 670 hp and 627 lb-ft with a PowerShot button, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Range was estimated at 241 miles, dropping to 216 miles with summer performance tires. The Scat Pack included larger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and additional modes. Despite its hefty curb weight, the Charger was athletic in handling, with adaptive dampers providing a firm ride in Sport mode. The synthesized Fratzonic "engine" noises added to the muscle car personality, though they could become tiresome. One-pedal driving was possible, but the Charger came to an abrupt halt, leading to a preference for maximum regeneration without slow-speed creep.

The 2024 Ford Mustang's front seats were accommodating for larger occupants, offering plenty of cushioning for long-distance comfort. The rear seats were cramped, better suited for cargo overflow than passengers. The convertible top was easy to operate, providing a classic open-air experience. Cargo capacity was limited to 10.3 cubic feet for the Convertible and 13.3 cubic feet for the Fastback. Personal-item storage was somewhat lacking, with average-sized cupholders and door pockets, but a rubberized tray with an available wireless charging pad was included.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona offered an abundance of space for larger drivers, with plenty of adjustment range for comfort. The back seats were roomy for the class, able to hold an average-sized adult comfortably. Accessing the rear seats was easy, thanks to the Charger's long doors, though they could be a hindrance in tight parking situations. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the sensation of space but lacked a sunshade, leading to potential discomfort. Personal-item storage was adequate, with moderately-sized cupholders and door pockets, and a center armrest bin. The rear hatch opened to reveal a large cargo area of 22.7 cubic feet, though height was limited in the section closest to the rear bumper. The Plus package added a power-operated hatch and a frunk bin under the hood.

The 2024 Ford Mustang came with a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. Base models had separate screens, while Premium models had them in a single enclosure. The Sync 4 infotainment system featured sharp graphics and a logical menu structure, though responses could be slow. Primary climate controls were placed in the touchscreen, working well with buttons remaining at the bottom. A physical volume knob and a button for performance features were included. The gauge cluster was customizable, with themes including a nod to the Fox-body Mustangs. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A native navigation system and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system were optional.

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T came with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, with the Scat Pack upgrading to a 16-inch screen. The infotainment system was easy to use for basic functions, though some features required menu navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available in the Plus package. The standard audio system had nine speakers, with the optional Sun and Sound package upgrading to an 18-speaker Alpine system. The audio clarity was good, but the bass was lacking, even at maximum settings.

Crash test results for the 2024 Ford Mustang were not yet available, but the previous generation received five stars from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the driver-side small overlap test. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control and a safe passenger exit warning were optional.

As of this writing, crash-test results for the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona were not available. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and parking proximity sensors. The Plus package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The safety features functioned well, except for the adaptive cruise control, which applied brakes heavily and delayed acceleration, diminishing confidence in the system.