10 American Sleeper Cars That Challenge The New Mustang EcoBoost

Forget about their unassuming looks; these American sleepers will leave the new Mustang Ecoboost in the dust.

The new 13.2-inch center touchscreen displays sharp graphics and runs Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system. Also on offer is an impressive range of driving aids to make you feel safer as you go faster. But despite the new Mustang EcoBoost’s outstanding road manners, some American sleeper cars can still easily beat it to 60 mph. These cars hide their true potential under unassuming exterior designs. Lacking the sporty design cues of performance cars, they resemble ordinary boulevard cruisers. That is, until you peek under the hood.

Using information from Ford, Edmunds, and zeroto60times, we bring you 10 American sleeper cars that challenge the new Mustang EcoBoost.

The 556-hp CTS-V Wagon was one of the hottest items to roll off Cadillac’s production line in 2014. Although it debuted in 2010, 2014 was the Wagon’s last outing. It has everything a fun-loving family needs in a car. The quiet, comfortable cabin has leather seats and a premium Bose sound system. Recaro performance seats were available as one of the interior options. It is luxurious, fast, and fun to drive.

0-60 MPH

3.9 seconds

Horsepower

556 hp

Torque

551 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

12.3 seconds

Layout

Rear-wheel drive

The 2014 CTS-V Wagon offers owners the utility of a wagon and the performance of a muscle car. Under the hood, it packs a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 mill that belches out a healthy 556 hp. With this, it can outrun the new Mustang EcoBoost in a straight line.

RELATED: 10 Ways The 2024 Ford Mustang Is A Worthy Alternative To The Chevy Corvette

Ford's legendary F-150 truck line is currently in the 14th generation, debuting in the 2021 model year. The 2023 Raptor is one of the dedicated offroaders in the F-150 lineup. Wearing extra-wide fenders and rolling on massive 35-inch rubbers, it has a menacing road presence. Some of the off-road goodies that come with it include heavy-duty skid plates and low-speed off-road cruise control.

0-60 MPH

5.2 seconds

Horsepower

450 hp

Torque

510 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

13.9 seconds

Layout

Rear-wheel drive

Thanks to the long-travel suspension with Fox racing shocks that absorb dips and bumps; the Raptor has a smooth ride quality. Inside a spacious cabin, it houses a 12.0-inch touchscreen display and an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Best of all is a 450-hp powertrain that gives the 2023 F-150 Raptor an edge over the new Mustang EcoBoost in a 0-60 mph dash.

The Trackhawk was the top predator on the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 2021 lineup. For a starting sticker price of $88,445, it came with a comfortable leather-upholstered cabin with heated seats for five passengers. Standard infotainment features include a straightforward 8.4-inch touchscreen and two USB ports. Available options include a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and a rear-seat entertainment system.

0-60 MPH

3.5 seconds

Horsepower

707 hp

Torque

645 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

12.0 seconds

Layout

Four-wheel drive

The 2021 Trackhawk can also tow up to 7,200 pounds. But its greatest asset is a supercharged Hellcat V8 that lies under the hood. Pumping down a whopping 707 ponies to the four wheels sends the Trackhawk from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That is more than two seconds better than the new Mustang EcoBoost’s time.

Although it had a short production run, the 2014-2017 Chevrolet SS deserves more recognition than it currently gets. The 2017 model came in one trim level. It has a roomy cabin that features heated and cooled leather front seats. But other than a comfortable family sedan, the 2017 Chevrolet SS is a 4-door muscle car. Under the hood, it packs a powerful V8 mill that feeds the rear wheels through either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Engine

6.2-liter V8

0-60 MPH

4.5 seconds

Horsepower

415 hp

Torque

415 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

13.0 seconds

With its adaptive suspension, big Brembo brakes, and responsive steering, the Chevrolet SS is a blast to drive. While it attacks corners with confidence, it is also capable of incredible straight-line performance. With a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, it can shame many sports cars, including the latest Mustang EcoBoost.

RELATED: How A New Chevrolet Chevelle SS Could Save GMs Muscle Car Dilemma

Riding Ford’s CD4 platform, the 2020 Lincoln MKZ captures the spirit of refined elegance and performance. It impresses with a long list of standard driver-assist tech. Though it disappoints with a tight rear quarter and limited outward visibility, it has high-quality cabin materials in the top trim. Some of them are genuine wood trim and leather upholstery. Standard infotainment features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen that houses Lincoln’s Sync 3 system.

0-60 MPH

5.0 seconds

Horsepower

400 hp

Torque

400 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

13.5 seconds

Layout

All-wheel drive

The top trim offers four USB ports and an optional 20-speaker Revel Ultima premium sound system. Also optional is a twin-turbocharged 30-liter V6 mill that puts down 350 hp in FWD models and 400 hp in AWD models. With this powertrain, the underrated 2020 Lincoln MKZ boasts quicker acceleration than the latest Mustang EcoBoost.

Cadillac’s most powerful and track-capable model, the CT5-V Blackwing, debuted for the 2022 model year. The 2023 model comes in two versions – the standard car and the special 120th Anniversary Edition. Packing a punch of 668 hp and 659 lb-ft, the brutish 4-door sedan is quicker off the line than the latest Mustang EcoBoost. Despite its size, the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing’s balanced handling makes it entertaining to drive.

0-60 MPH

3.6 seconds

Horsepower

668 hp

Torque

659 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

11.6 seconds

Layout

Rear-wheel drive

Besides outstanding driving dynamics, the 2023 CT5-V Blackwing also boasts an impressive range of advanced tech features. It has a 10.0-inch touchscreen, a secondary rotary controller, and a head-up display for infotainment. Also on offer is a 16-speaker AKG premium sound system. The refined interior has leather upholstery and front bucket seats with heating and ventilating functions.

Although Cadillac’s ATS line had a short production run of seven years, it made a lasting impact on driving enthusiasts. Its model lineup between 2016 and 2019 included “V Series” sedans and coupes. Underneath, it boasts a trick suspension setup that gives it exceptional control on the track. The 2019 ATS-V can give rivals a run for their money in terms of agility and driving fun. Inside, it sports leather and suede upholstery and heated front seats.

0-60 MPH

3.8 seconds

Horsepower

464 hp

Torque

445 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

12.1seconds

Layout

Rear-wheel drive

It also has a long list of advanced driver-assist features in the available Safety and Security Package. Behind the grille, a twin-turbocharged V6 mill provides enough juice for spirited driving. With its sharp handling and quick acceleration, this Caddy can hold its own against the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost.

RELATED: This Cadillac Sedan Can Outrun A C8 Chevrolet Corvette

With its plain looks and sub-par build quality, the Tesla Model X looks nothing like its $96,380 starting price. Besides having a Spartan interior with complex controls, it also lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. But beyond the Model X’s flaws is one of the most advanced SUVs on the market. There is a 17-inch primary infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics. The Model X can seat up to seven passengers in a quiet cabin.

0-60 MPH

3.8 seconds

Horsepower

670 hp

Torque

713 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

11.2 seconds

Layout

All wheel drive

Other features include a 22-speaker sound system and tri-zone climate control. Thanks to the low-mounted battery pack, the heavy SUV displays impressive composure when navigating turns. On a full charge, the 2023 Model X has an estimated range of 348 miles. With 670 hp on tap, the base trim can shave up to two seconds off the new Mustang’s 0-60 mph time.

The Dodge Durango SRT is one of the most capable SUVs on the market. Combining muscle, speed, and versatility, it debuted in the 2018 model year as the high-performance trim of the Durango lineup. The 2023 model is a family-friendly dragster that impresses with an available 7-seater layout and a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

0-60 MPH

4.2 seconds

Horsepower

475 hp

Torque

470 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

12.8 seconds

Layout

Rear-wheel drive

Features like tri-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system make the cabin a nice place. From its lair under the hood, a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 mill emits a throaty and thunderous roar that announces the SUV’s presence. With 475 hp flowing to the four wheels, the heavy SUV outguns the new Mustang EcoBoost with ease.

Although it was a coupe in its first incarnation, the Dodge Magnum arrived as a 5-door station wagon for its last iteration. Besides the standard model, there was also a fire-breathing SRT8 version. With a facelift for the 2008 model year, the Magnum SRT8 became the ultimate sleeper wagon and gained a more aggressive styling, including a hood scoop. The 2008 Magnum SRT8 offers leather/suede upholstery and a Boston Acoustic premium sound system.

0-60 MPH

5.0 seconds

Horsepower

425 hp

Torque

420 lb-ft

Quarter Mile

13.4 seconds

Layout

Rear-wheel drive

Hardware that makes it a blast to drive includes features like upgraded Brembo brakes, 4-wheel ABS, and a sport-tuned suspension. Packing a punch of 425 hp and 420 lb-ft, the giant wagon can hit 60 mph before the new Mustang. With its sporty good looks, it continues to be a hit with performance-minded families.

Jay Moren is a car enthusiast who loves everything with an engine. When he's not writing about cars, he plays the saxophone and keyboard. He also plays as a goalkeeper for a non-league side in his native Nigeria