A combined fuel economy of 22 MPG is what you can expect for open-air driving in the 2021 Ford Mustang HO Convertible with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Some economy car shoppers might be surprised by this figure, but Mustang enthusiasts often accept the compromise to enjoy its design, performance, and convertible experience. The Mustang HO Convertible prioritizes fun over maximizing miles per gallon.

City and highway performance

The 2021 Mustang HO Convertible with the 2.3L EcoBoost and automatic transmission gets 19 MPG in the city. Expect that number to drop with stop-and-go traffic and quick acceleration. The Mustang’s responsive throttle encourages fast driving, especially with the top down, so resisting the urge to accelerate can be difficult. On the highway, the Mustang does better, achieving an EPA-estimated 26 MPG. This makes it good for long scenic drives, where you can fully enjoy the open air. Remember that driving the Mustang hard, even on the highway, will lower fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford Mustang HO Convertible 2.3L is $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average gas prices. Your actual fuel costs may differ. If you live in a city with higher gas prices, drive more than 15,000 miles a year, or drive aggressively, you’ll probably spend more than $2,000. However, those who only drive their Mustang on weekends and shorter trips may spend less. Consider how your driving habits will affect the total cost to own.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard way to measure fuel economy, but real-world results vary depending on driving style, traffic, and weather. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and idling too long can all lower fuel efficiency in the Mustang. To get closer to the EPA estimates, maintain a steady speed, anticipate traffic, and avoid idling. Regular maintenance, like keeping tires inflated and changing the oil on time, is also important for good fuel economy. Check MUSTANG MPG across all years and configurations to see if a different model year might be a better fit.

How it compares

The 2021 Mustang HO Convertible’s fuel economy is average for sporty convertibles. The Mazda MX-5 Miata gets a much better 29 MPG combined, making it a leader in fuel efficiency in this class. However, the Miata has much less power and is smaller than the Mustang. The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible with the base 2.0L Turbo engine gets a similar 22 MPG combined but focuses on sporty handling. Other muscle cars, like the Dodge Challenger, value horsepower over fuel economy, so their MPG is often lower than the Mustang’s. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i gets around 25 MPG combined, but it costs more. People consider more than just MPG when choosing these vehicles, performance and appearance are also important factors.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.3L EcoBoost engine in the Mustang HO Convertible responds well to gentle acceleration. Avoid quick starts and stops. Smooth driving improves fuel economy and reduces wear on tires and brakes. The car’s display shows fuel consumption, so watch it to monitor your driving.

Use the Mustang’s selectable drive modes. The “Normal” or “Eco” mode changes the engine and transmission settings for better fuel efficiency. While it might make the Mustang less responsive, it can help on longer drives.

Keep your tires inflated. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended PSI, which is on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Don’t idle too much. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are made to restart easily. Idling wastes fuel and increases emissions.

Careful trip planning can reduce overall fuel cost. Combine errands into one trip to avoid many cold starts, which use more fuel. Choose routes that avoid traffic and prioritize steady speeds. all Ford fuel economy data is updated regularly with the latest EPA information.