23 MPG combined isn’t great, but it’s what you get with the 2023 Ford Mustang HO Coupe with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and automatic transmission. To be clear: nobody buys this Mustang expecting Prius-like fuel efficiency. They buy it for the iconic style, the accessible performance, and the raw experience of driving a legend. The 23 MPG figure is what you pay for that experience, a compromise that most Mustang buyers accept. This isn’t your daily commuter; it’s a statement, a weekend escape, and a reminder that driving can still be enjoyable.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway give a more detailed idea of the Mustang’s fuel consumption. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine idles and accelerates more. The 27 MPG highway rating is attainable during steady cruising, showing the EcoBoost engine’s potential when not driven hard. Consider your typical driving. If your days involve short, busy city commutes, expect mileage closer to 20 MPG. If you frequently take longer highway trips, you’ll likely see numbers near or even above the 27 MPG estimate, especially if you avoid fully using the Mustang’s power.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says that owning a 2023 Ford Mustang HO Coupe 2.3L 4-cyl will cost about $1,900 in fuel each year. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving annually, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving, the fuel you use, and gasoline prices. Aggressive driving, long idling periods, and different fuel grades can all change your fuel costs. You can see all Ford fuel economy data on our site.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world results usually aren’t exact. Many things can change your actual fuel economy, including driving style, traffic, tire pressure, and the weather.

Owners who care about fuel efficiency and drive conservatively will likely see numbers close to the EPA estimates, or maybe even better. People who frequently use the Mustang’s performance should expect lower fuel economy. Online forums and owner reports suggest a range of 21-25 MPG in combined driving, depending on habits and conditions.

How it compares

The 2023 Mustang EcoBoost’s fuel economy compares differently to its competitors, depending on what you value. A comparable Chevrolet Camaro with its base 2.0L turbocharged engine gets around 25 MPG combined. The Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ twins, which focus more on being lightweight, get around 25 MPG combined. The Nissan Z, with its more powerful V6 engine, uses more fuel, generally around 22 MPG combined. Buyers of these vehicles are often willing to trade some fuel efficiency for a specific driving experience. The Mustang EcoBoost isn’t the most fuel-efficient, but its mix of performance and efficiency is good enough for many in this class. Also be sure to check our overview of MUSTANG MPG across all years.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the Mustang’s selectable drive modes. The “Normal” or “Eco” modes will configure the car for fuel efficiency, changing throttle response and shift patterns to use less fuel. Avoid accelerating hard. Smooth acceleration will greatly improve your fuel economy. Anticipate traffic and keep a steady speed.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. This can noticeably change your fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance is important for the best fuel efficiency. Keep your engine tuned, change the oil and air filter as recommended, and fix any mechanical problems quickly. A well-maintained engine runs better and uses less fuel.

Keep idling time short. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling wastes fuel, especially in modern vehicles with efficient starting systems. This is important in city driving, where you might stop often at traffic lights or in traffic.