Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both HR-V and Mustang are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Mustang
+11 pts
Efficiency
HR-V
+5 pts
Safety
Mustang
+2 pts
Practicality
HR-V
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Mustang
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
5/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
HR-V
Performance
9/20
Efficiency
10/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
HR-V
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Mustang
Pros
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway Driving
Who Should Buy Which?
HR-V
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Mustang
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Ground Clearance
196
134
Wheelbase
2610
2720
Length
4340
4788
Width
1790
1916
Height
1590
1381
Kerb Weight
1360
1815
Gross Vehicle Weight
1780
2245
Seating Capacity
5
4
Boot Space
437
408
Towing Capacity
1200
Not Rated
Front Track Width
-
1617
Rear Track Width
-
1607
Turning Radius
-
6.1
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Engine
1.5L i-VTEC Petrol
5.0L Coyote V8 Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
V8 DOHC Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1498
4951
Cylinders
4
8
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
119
338
Torque
145
515
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
185
250
0-100 km/h
11.5
4.6
Power @ RPM
-
7300 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
4250 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Not Available
Compression Ratio
-
12.0:1
Engine Position
-
Front Longitudinal
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Transmission
CVT Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
RWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Electronic LSD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Claimed Mileage
16.0
9.1
City Mileage
13
7
Highway Mileage
17
11
Fuel Tank Capacity
40
61
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Not Available
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard with Track Mode
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Driver Electric
Electric 6-Way
Heated Seats
Standard
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
Not Available
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Panoramic Sunroof
Convertible Soft Top
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
8
Navigation System
Built-in
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
12.4-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
-
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Standard
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy
19-inch GT Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Rear Spoiler
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Approach Angle
18
-
Departure Angle
20
-
Wading Depth
350
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
-
Locking Differential
Not Available
-
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Tyre Size
225/50 R18
255/40 R19
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Space Saver
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Independent Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R7,000
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
HR-V
Mustang
CO2 Emissions
142
261
Start Stop System
Standard
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
72
Final Verdict
🏆Ford Mustang
wins with 67 pts
vs 62 pts for HR-V
In structured scoring, Mustang emerges as the stronger overall package. However, HR-V may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.