19 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2021 Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8, it’s part of the deal. This isn’t a car bought for pure efficiency; it’s a car purchased for visceral thrills, a rumbling soundtrack, and tire-shredding performance. It’s a modern muscle car, and the fuel economy reflects that. The target buyer understands this perfectly well, prioritizing the iconic Mustang’s character and power over Prius-like efficiency figures.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates provide a glimpse into the Mustang GT’s behavior in different driving environments. The city MPG figure lands at 15, a number that shouldn’t surprise anyone. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent acceleration, and the temptation to dip into the V8’s power all contribute to less-than-stellar fuel consumption in urban settings.

On the open highway, things improve considerably, with a rating of 24 MPG. This demonstrates that the Mustang, when cruising at a steady speed, can achieve respectable efficiency, although it’s still far from a fuel sipper.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford Mustang GT 5.0L is $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, this number can change significantly depending on driving habits and fuel prices in your specific region.

Drive more aggressively, or live in an area with higher gas prices, and you’ll almost certainly exceed this estimate. On the other hand, if you primarily use the Mustang for long highway trips and drive conservatively, you might see a slightly lower annual fuel bill. Given the inherent nature of this vehicle, the $2,300 figure is a realistic baseline assumption.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing results, real-world fuel economy can vary widely. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and even tire pressures can all impact how many miles you get per gallon from your 5.0L Mustang. Many owners report figures slightly below the EPA estimates, particularly in combined driving. The temptation to explore the engine’s power and enjoy the exhaust note often outweighs the desire to maximize fuel efficiency.

If you’re hyper-focused on squeezing every last mile out of each gallon, this probably isn’t the car for you. Check out the MUSTANG MPG across all years to examine trends and variations across different model years.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 2021 Mustang GT’s fuel economy lands roughly in the expected range. The Chevrolet Camaro SS, with its 6.2L V8, offers similar figures, around 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Dodge Challenger R/T, also powered by a V8, yields approximately the same range.

These numbers highlight the inherent trade-off involved in owning a powerful, V8-equipped muscle car. Going outside the American brands, a BMW M4 boasts similar horsepower but achieves around 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The M4 does this with a smaller, turbocharged inline-6 engine that offers a distinctly different driving experience. The Mustang buyer is likely focused on American muscle heritage, making these efficient alternatives less relevant.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Mustang GT isn’t designed for ultimate fuel efficiency, there are still ways to improve your MPG. Gentle acceleration and avoiding hard stops can significantly reduce fuel consumption, especially in city driving. The 5.0L engine responds well to smooth inputs, and minimizing abrupt throttle changes will translate directly into fewer trips to the gas station.

Regular maintenance is also important for optimal fuel economy. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower MPG. A properly tuned engine, with clean air filters and fresh spark plugs, will also operate more efficiently.

Take advantage of the Mustang’s driving modes. Selecting a less aggressive mode, such as “Normal” or “Snow/Wet,” can limit throttle response and reduce the temptation to engage the engine’s full power. While these modes may diminish some of the driving excitement, they can help improve fuel economy in everyday situations.

Consider your driving routes. Avoiding congested areas and stop-and-go traffic can have a noticeable impact on fuel consumption. Opting for routes with fewer lights and more consistent speeds can help you achieve closer to the EPA’s highway MPG estimates. Remember to study all Ford fuel economy data to see how fuel economy trends change.