14 MPG combined. Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. If fuel economy is anywhere near the top of your priority list, the 2021 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, with its ravenous supercharged 5.2L V8, isn’t for you. It delivers sledgehammer performance, not Prius-sipping efficiency. This machine exists to obliterate quarter miles, dominate road courses, and generally assault the senses. Its target buyer isn’t concerned with saving money on gasoline; they’re focused on the visceral thrill of 760 horsepower.

City and highway performance

The GT500’s EPA fuel economy figures break down to 12 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban environments, where the massive engine is constantly fighting against its own power. The highway figure is marginally better, but only marginally. Even at a steady cruise, the GT500’s aerodynamic profile (or lack thereof) and prodigious power output conspire to keep fuel consumption high. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AM7) is geared for performance, not economy, and its rapid-fire shifts keep the engine in its powerband, contributing to the relatively poor consumption in both environments.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang at $4,150. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that premium fuel is recommended (if not required) for optimal performance and engine longevity in the GT500. This significantly increases the cost per gallon beyond the standard national average used in the EPA’s calculation. Plan accordingly; this car isn’t cheap to feed.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. In the real world, expect even lower fuel economy, especially if you drive the GT500 as intended. Track days, spirited weekend drives, and the occasional “demonstration” of its acceleration capabilities will plummet your average MPG into the single digits. Even gentle cruising will likely yield figures at the lower end of the EPA range.

The only scenario where you might realistically achieve the 18 MPG highway estimate is on a long, flat road with cruise control engaged, and a Herculean effort to resist the temptation of dipping into the throttle. Check all Ford fuel economy data for more context.

How it compares

The Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, another supercharged behemoth, posts similar EPA numbers, around 13 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, while slightly more efficient, still hovers only in the mid-teens, around 16 MPG combined. Even smaller, turbocharged sports cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, while significantly more agile, still manage only around 19 MPG combined. In short, any vehicle delivering this level of performance will inherently prioritize power over efficiency. The GT500 buyer understands and accepts this tradeoff.

Some may find more palatable figures across the SHELBY MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

First, resist the urge to constantly unleash the GT500’s full potential. Gentle acceleration from a standstill and avoiding unnecessary high-RPM bursts will conserve fuel. Even when attempting to drive efficiently, the GT500 will never be particularly frugal.

Second, monitor your tire pressure regularly. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. This is especially important on a performance car like the GT500, where low tire pressure can negatively impact handling and increase fuel consumption.

Third, consider using a lighter-weight wheel and tire package if you’re primarily concerned with street driving. Reducing unsprung weight can improve acceleration and handling, and also slightly improve fuel economy. Every little bit helps when trying to squeeze extra miles out of each gallon.

Fourth, ensure your GT500 is properly maintained with regular oil changes and other scheduled services. A well-tuned engine will run more efficiently and burn fuel more cleanly. This also serves to preserve the longevity of the extremely expensive supercharged V8.