14 MPG combined comes with the 760-horsepower 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang. Nobody considering this car is making fuel economy a priority. It’s not a car for commuting or grocery runs. It’s a weapon designed to dominate road courses and drag strips, and its fuel consumption is a consequence for its target demographic. The GT500 buyer wants thrills, raw power, and track-day wins, and they understand that requires premium gasoline.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Shelby GT500 at 12 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the car’s immense power and short gearing from the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The city MPG will drop further with aggressive acceleration, stop-and-go traffic, and extended idling. On the highway, achieving 18 MPG requires throttle control and avoiding the temptation to tap into the GT500’s power. Because of the supercharged 5.2L V8’s instant response, maintaining a steady speed demands attention and restraint.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $4,150 for the 2020 Shelby GT500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and average national fuel prices for premium gasoline. The GT500 is among the thirstiest vehicles on the road. The actual cost may vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices, but this figure reminds you of the financial implications of owning a high-performance machine. Most GT500 owners gladly pay for the car’s unmatched performance. Owners can compare the SHELBY MPG across all years to see its historical fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the GT500 depends on driving style. Expect lower numbers if the car is used for spirited driving or track days. Drivers often see single-digit MPG figures under those conditions. Even responsible street driving will likely yield numbers slightly below the EPA estimates. You should be prepared for higher fuel costs than the average vehicle, and understand that the Shelby GT500 prioritizes performance.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance vehicles, the GT500’s fuel economy is in line with expectations. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, with its supercharged 6.2L V8, achieves a similar 13 MPG combined. The Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, another supercharged car, manages approximately 13 MPG combined. Even the Porsche 911 Turbo S achieves just 17 MPG combined. Extracting this level of performance requires significant fuel consumption. For drivers interested in less extreme performance, you can view all Ford fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency is not the GT500’s strength, you can improve your mileage slightly. Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. Even moderate throttle inputs can trigger a surge of boost, increasing fuel consumption.

Use the GT500’s drive modes. The “Normal” mode will soften throttle response and prioritize fuel efficiency. While it won’t transform the GT500 into a Prius, it can help reduce fuel consumption during low-speed cruising.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy. Regularly check tire pressures and maintain them at the levels specified in the owner’s manual. This is important for performance and safety.

Avoid extended idling. Idling consumes fuel. If you anticipate a stop, turn off the engine. Modern engine start/stop systems illustrate the benefit of avoiding idling.