19 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s what you get with the 2020 Ford Mustang 5.0L. This isn’t a car purchased for practical reasons. It’s bought for tire-smoking fun, head-turning style, and the intense thrill that only a naturally aspirated V8 can deliver. To the Mustang 5.0L owner, fuel economy is often secondary, if not tertiary. They crave that iconic rumble and the relentless surge of power under their right foot, and they are willing to pay for it at the pump.

City and highway performance

Official EPA figures show the 2020 Ford Mustang 5.0L equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission achieving 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends much of its time idling or accelerating from a standstill, negating any chances of fuel efficiency. The highway MPG shows more promise, but is still affected by the Mustang’s eagerness to accelerate past speed limits. Drivers who consciously employ a lighter foot and avoid aggressive passing maneuvers will likely see closer to the EPA estimate, but it takes restraint.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for operating a 2020 Ford Mustang 5.0L is approximately $2,300 per year. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles annually and using the national average fuel price. Individual costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used, premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance in the 5.0L V8. While $2,300 may seem high compared to other vehicles, it’s a manageable expense for most Mustang 5.0L enthusiasts who are already prepared for the trade-off between performance and frugality.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly based on individual driving habits and conditions. Owners who frequently drive hard, attend track days, or let the engine idle a lot will see figures lower than the EPA estimates. But those who primarily use the Mustang for highway cruising and practice careful throttle control may achieve slightly better results. The Mustang 5.0L’s fuel economy is highly sensitive to driving style and is rarely as good as advertised.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance vehicles, the 2020 Mustang 5.0L’s fuel economy is typical. The Chevrolet Camaro SS, with its 6.2L V8, offers similar performance but achieves roughly the same 16 city / 24 highway MPG. The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, featuring a 6.4L Hemi, delivers a marginally lower 15 city / 24 highway MPG. When examining MUSTANG MPG across all years, the 2020 model holds steady with similar performing years. Even looking at all Ford fuel economy data, these numbers are expected given the engine. The BMW M4 Competition, while offering similar power and handling, achieves a slightly better 16 city / 23 highway rating due to its turbocharged inline-6. This comparison highlights the fuel consumption of large-displacement V8 engines compared to smaller, forced-induction alternatives. Mustang buyers are generally prioritizing the classic V8 experience, so the fuel economy differences aren’t crucial deciding factors.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Aggressive acceleration reduces fuel economy. The Mustang’s responsive throttle and powerful engine make it tempting to accelerate quickly, but doing so burns through fuel rapidly. Smooth and gradual acceleration, especially from a standstill, can significantly improve fuel efficiency in city driving.

On the highway, use cruise control whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, both of which impact fuel consumption. Also, avoid excessive speeding; the faster you go, the more aerodynamic drag is imposed on the car.

Ensure your Mustang’s tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, often found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Regular maintenance is essential for good fuel economy. Keep up with scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and consumes less fuel. Fouled spark plugs or a clogged air filter can significantly reduce fuel mileage.