
2022 Mustang Colors
Last Updated May 1, 2024 | Meghan DrummondThere are seven new colors for the 2022 Mustang. Most years see three, maybe four new colors. So, this year represents a huge shift. Here are all of the colors that are debuting, returning, and retiring. Whether you just want to know what colors will be available, or you're looking to apply touch-up paint, We’ll keep your updated on all the information on the 2022 Mustang as it becomes available.
Please note paint samples are just that...samples. In real-life, the colors may look different.
New Colors | Returning Colors | Retiring Colors
Color | Code | Sample | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Grabber Blue | AE | ||
Atlas Blue | B3 | New Color | |
Code Orange | CN | New Color | |
Rapid Red Metallic | D4 | Called Lucid Red last year | |
Brittany Blue | EB | New Color, Exclusive to GT500 Heritage Edition & Coastal Limited Edition |
|
Eruption Green | FA | New Color | |
Shadow Black | G1 | Called Absolute Black Last Year | |
Dark Matter Gray | HY | New Color | |
Iconic Silver Metallic | JS | ||
Carbonized Gray Metallic | M7 | ||
Fighter Jet Gray | NE | Mach 1 Exclusive | |
Mischievous Purple | P2 | New Color | |
Race Red | PQ | ||
Cyber Orange Metallic | SB | New Color | |
Oxford White | YZ |
New Colors for 2022
Atlas Blue
The new dark blue for the Mustang has already been available for the Explorer. Since the Explorer has this color available without needing a special trim, we can assume this probably isn’t a GT500 exclusive.
Atlas blue is a little darker, while still being obviously blue. Much more muted than the also-available Grabber Blue, this is a great option for someone who needs a professional looking car, but wants something a little more exciting than the expected gray-scale.
Code Orange
Code Orange is another color that’s “new for Mustang” but not “new for Ford.” Code Orange was a Raptor exclusive for 2021. Does that mean it’s going to be a GT500 exclusive? We’re not sure yet, but it is a bold choice.
Code Orange is a bright orange-red. When available for the Raptor, its colorway was mostly black. Orange and black can be hard to pull off well, but when it’s right, it looks amazing. Just check out the 2012 Boss 302.
Brittany Blue
Fans of the Mustang's first generation should be happy with Ford's decision to bring back Brittany Blue. Brittany Blue was last offered on a Mustang in 1968, but you'll have a chance to get it again if you opt for the Coastal Limited Package or the GT500 Heritage Edition.
The Coastal Limited Package is only an option on EcoBoost Premiums, while the Heritage Edition is a $2140 add-on to the GT500. For an extra $10,000, you can even add hand-painted Wimbledon White stripes to your Heritage Edition GT500.
Cyber Orange Metallic
Cyber Orange Metallic is a bright yellow-hued orange. A goldenrod shade that pairs well with darker colors. Already available for the Ranger and several other Ford vehicles, including the new Bronco, this color is definitely a hit.
While the lack of a true “yellow” is certainly a disappointment for die-hard yellow Mustang fans, this orange captures the brightness and energy of previous yellows. This is a fun option, and will definitely be a unique one for this year.
Dark Matter Gray
Dark Matter is dark. Very, very dark. In some lights, it basically looks black. This color is also available for the Mach-E. Some critics have pointed out that it seems redundant with Carbonized Gray, but that’s where color swatches can be deceiving. On the Mustang, Dark Matter Gray is much, much darker than Carbonized Gray. Check out the slides below to see Dark Matter from a few angles and we're sure you'll see the difference.
Dark Matter Gray is a GT-only color for the Mach-E. There currently aren’t any indications as to whether this color will be limited on the Mustang. Given how many special colors are available this year, it’s tough to imagine putting a velvet rope around this one though.
Eruption Green
Eruption Green is a brand new color, and it’s interesting. Since the S550 debuted, the green options have been Guard (barely green), Dark Highland Green (Bullitt exclusive), Need for Green (bright green), and Grabber Lime (very bright green). But the swatches we’ve seen for Eruption Green make it look obviously green, dark, and generally very unique. This looks like a color that will pair beautifully with black to create a very classic look.
The name seems a little confusing at first, but there are actually green gemstones in volcanos. And they do actually capture this color very well.
Mischievous Purple
This might be the most promising of all the new colors. The Blue-Purple immediately pulls to mind the Mystichrome Terminator Cobras. It is most likely the last year for the S550 Mustang. Did Ford decide to go big with another rare and amazing color option?
In the slides below, you can see that this color is very rich, with deep purples and blues present in the metallic fleck. It looks very different in each of the angles as it catches the light. This deep purple color is very unique in Mustang history.
Purple is one of the rarest Mustang colors. Since the Mustang’s launch, the color has been offered only six times. And three of those were very limited editions. In ‘67 you could get a Lavender High Country Mustang and an Evening Orchid She-Country Mustang. 1996 offered Mystic Cobras and 2004 had Mystichrome Cobras. The only readily available purple Mustangs have been Iris in 1994 and Deep Violet which was offered between 1996 and 1997.
Returning Colors for 2022
Grabber Blue
Grabber Blue has been a Mustang favorite for decades. But as you can tell from the following pictures, this Grabber Blue is a little different (which is why it has a different paint code than in years past). The Grabber Blue you can see on the 2017 Mustang isn't nearly as metallic as the new Grabber Blue. Click through the slideshow to see what Grabber Blue looked like in 2017, what the new one looks like on the Mach-E, and what the paint samples look like in several different lights.
Though it's different from the Grabber Blue that's been well-loved, this Grabber Blue is still a fun, light color of blue, that will really pop with a few black accents.
Carbonized Gray Metallic
Carbonized Gray Metallic was introduced in 2021 as a replacement for the outgoing Magnetic. And honestly, it’s a fine color. It’s fine. It’s a nice, neutral gray that doesn’t show dirt as much as either black or white. With the right accents, Carbonized Gray Metallic can be stunning, but on its own, it’s a pretty okay neutral.
A lot of the trim pieces for packages, like the Pony Package, will come in Carbonized Gray, and that’s a great use for this color.
Fighter Jet Gray
This color has been a Mach 1 exclusive, and we expect it to remain as such. If you’re getting a Mach 1, this is definitely a great color to consider. It’s gray, but it’s a reminder that gray can be pretty exciting. Especially when paired with the orange accents that come with the Mach 1’s appearance package.
Iconic Silver
It’s silver. If you want to get the least offensive, most commuter-toaster color out there, then get an Iconic Silver Mustang. But truly, if you have a vision for modifications, this color can be stunning. Even with the right packages it can gain a little interest. With the California Special package in particular, the silver looks more “right” and less like the absence of an actual choice.
Oxford White
If you can keep a white Mustang clean, it’s a great choice for paint. You can go any direction you want with customization and personalization. Blackout accessories on a white body create a stark contrast that will definitely make you stand out.
Race Red
This bright, fun red has had one of the longest color runs to date. And it’s really no wonder. This color looks gorgeous and iconic.
Rapid Red Metallic
This color changed its name last year to “Lucid Red Pearl” but now we’re back to “Rapid Red.” It’s a questionable naming choice given that the other available red is Race Red, but the color itself is lovely. A dark red that looks great. A kind of grown-up Race Red that looks unique.
Shadow Black
Shadow Black. Absolute Black. No matter what you call this color, it’s almost always the most popular option. There’s something about a black Mustang that appeals to just about everyone.
Colors Retiring for 2022
Antimatter Blue
Antimatter Blue had a lot of promise, but in person it basically looked black. No hint at all of the purple undertones that were promised. Is that why we’re getting Oil Slick Blue-Purple now? Maybe! Hopefully the purple shines through a little more.
Ford Performance Blue
This muted blue has been a nice option for the Shelbys the past few years, but it was time to retire. Without the GT350s, it feels a little unnecessary.
Grabber Yellow
We went from Grabber Lime, to Grabber Yellow, and now we’re back to Grabber Blue. In some ways, limiting the number of years these colors are available does make them a little more special. Still, it’s sad to see such a fun color go. Hopefully people looking for this one can be satisfied with Cyber Orange instead.
Twister Orange
Alright. Let’s not get greedy. Code Orange and Cyber Orange are new this year. If we had three orange options? That would maybe be a little excessive. So Twister Orange got the axe. But we’ve got two great oranges left to pick from!
Velocity Blue
This bright blue was immensely popular. But not as popular as Grabber Blue. And with the new Atlas Blue option, we don’t anticipate too many blue Mustang fans feeling left out.
2022 Mustang Lineup
The 2022 Mustang color lineup looks like a great blend of fun shades, more mature options, old favorites, and new colors. While there's still one more year of the S550, who knows which colors will carry over into the S650 generation?
Sources: 2020 Ford Explorer Gets New Atlas Blue Color: First Look, Ford Authority | 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Gains New Code Orange Color: First Look, Ford Authority | 2021 Ford Ranger Gets New Cyber Orange Tri-Coat Color: First Look, Ford Authority | Dark Matter Gray Mach-E, Mach-E Club | Why People are Finding Green Crystals at Hawaii Vacation Site, CTV | 2022 Ford Bronco Color Leak Suggests Three New Hues on the Way, AutoBlog | Your Favorite Ford Bronco Color Might Disappear for 2022, CarBuzz | 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition, Ford
Image Credits: Our thanks to SSR Collision for letting us use these awesome pictures.
This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about CJ's editorial standards and guidelines.