17 MPG combined, observed in the 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0L 8-cylinder, isn’t a statistic to be whispered. It’s part of the Dark Horse’s unapologetic character, a clear declaration of intent from a vehicle designed to dominate the street and track, not to sip fuel. This machine is all about raw power delivery, intoxicating V8 rumble, and driver engagement. Its fuel consumption reflects this singular focus, a characteristic worn proudly by a segment of buyers who prioritize performance above all else. For the individual who chooses a Dark Horse, the MPG figure is less of a concern and more of an expected cost of entry into an exclusive club defined by visceral thrills and track-day ambitions. They understand that a 5.0L naturally aspirated Coyote engine, screaming towards its redline, isn’t built for hypermiling. It’s built for adrenaline. Those who purchase this car are buying into a legacy, a purebred American muscle experience, and they accept that the price of admission extends beyond the showroom floor.

City and highway performance

The 2025 Mustang Dark Horse delivers 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure, 14 MPG, is precisely what one would expect from a 5.0L V8 mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission (S10) and tasked with propelling a substantial performance coupe. Stop-and-go traffic, the bane of any large-displacement engine, naturally impacts efficiency most severely here. The Coyote engine’s immense torque makes it effortless to accelerate, but constant motion and braking cycles mean it spends more time in less efficient operating bands. Highway cruising paints a somewhat different picture. 22 MPG on the open road demonstrates the efficiency gains of modern transmissions and engine management when the vehicle is held at a consistent speed. That 10-speed automatic, in particular, allows the engine to loaf at surprisingly low RPMs in its top gears, making the Dark Horse a more tolerable long-distance cruiser than its city numbers might suggest. It’s still a performance car at heart, but it won’t punish you excessively on straight, unobstructed stretches of pavement.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost for the 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0L 8-cylinder at precisely $2,600 per year. This figure, critical for prospective owners, is derived from a standardized calculation: 15,000 miles driven annually at national average fuel prices, with a split of 45% highway and 55% city driving. This isn’t an arbitrary number, it’s a consistent benchmark used across all vehicles, providing a relatable framework for fuel budget planning. For the Dark Horse enthusiast, $2,600 a year for fuel represents a tangible cost that integrates into the performance vehicle ownership experience. It’s often viewed as a fractional component of a larger investment that includes insurance, premium tires, maintenance, and potential track day expenses. When the primary objective is the visceral thrill of a 500+ horsepower V8, this annual fuel outlay is simply factored into the cost of admission, not seen as a hindrance to enjoyment.

Real-world expectations

Owners of the 2025 Mustang Dark Horse typically find that the EPA numbers serve as a reasonable baseline, but real-world driving habits significantly influence actual fuel consumption. If your daily commute involves heavy traffic and spontaneous bursts of acceleration, expect city MPG to dip closer to single digits. Conversely, drivers who primarily use the Dark Horse for long weekend cruises or limit their spirited driving to the occasional on-ramp blast might see highway figures approaching or even slightly exceeding the 22 MPG rating. The target demographic for this vehicle prioritizes performance feel over achieving peak efficiency. They’re buying into the responsiveness, the deep rumble, and the sheer power on tap. The joy derived from revving the Coyote engine through its gears often outweighs the marginal increase in fuel expenditure. Daily driving a Dark Horse often means accepting that its impressive power output comes with a corresponding thirst for premium fuel, a trade-off readily embraced by its dedicated owners.

How it compares

When placed against its direct competitors and even within the Mustang lineup, the Dark Horse’s fuel economy figures clearly stake their claim. Consider the standard Mustang GT, equipped with the same 5.0L V8 and 10-speed automatic, which typically achieves 18 MPG combined (15 city/24 highway). The Dark Horse, with its enhanced performance tuning, unique exhaust, and often more aggressive driving style, naturally sees a slight dip in efficiency compared to its GT sibling. This is an expected consequence of its higher output and track-focused setup. Moving to direct rivals, the Chevrolet Camaro SS, with its 6.2L V8 and 10-speed automatic, often shows similar numbers, frequently hovering around 19 MPG combined (16 city/26 highway). The larger displacement of the Camaro’s LT1 engine can sometimes deliver slightly better highway numbers due to its torque characteristics, but city driving remains a challenge for both. For specific data on Ford models, our Ford fuel economy data provides insights. Even something like the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack, frequently seen with a 6.4L HEMI V8, routinely posts combined figures in the 18-19 MPG range. What these comparisons underline is that the Dark Horse’s 17 MPG combined doesn’t make it an outlier. It positions it squarely within the expected performance envelope for a high-output, naturally aspirated V8 American muscle car. Buyers of any of these vehicles are making a conscious choice to prioritize horsepower and sound over ultimate efficiency, understanding that the intoxicating experience comes with a fuel bill that reflects its capabilities. For a broad look at MUSTANG MPG across all years, our detailed model breakdown provides context.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2025 Mustang Dark Horse isn’t designed for hypermiling, judicious driving can still eke out a few extra miles per gallon, particularly on longer journeys. Smooth throttle application is key, avoid abrupt acceleration and braking, letting the immense torque of the 5.0L V8 do the work without excessive revving. The 10-speed automatic is designed to shift efficiently, so allow it to select the appropriate gear rather than forcing downshifts unnecessarily.

Use the selectable drive modes. While Track and Sport + modes are exhilarating, they also sharpen throttle response and hold gears longer, consuming more fuel. For daily driving or highway cruising, Normal or even Slippery mode can soften throttle inputs and encourage earlier upshifts, optimizing for efficiency.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure they match the manufacturer’s recommended settings for optimal grip and fuel efficiency, especially crucial for a performance vehicle like the Dark Horse.

Reduce unnecessary weight. While not always practical, consider removing any non-essential items from the trunk or cabin when you’re not planning to use them. Every bit of excess weight requires more energy to move, impacting fuel economy over time, albeit marginally for a car of this caliber.

Minimize high-speed driving. Above 60-65 MPH, aerodynamic drag becomes a significant factor, and fuel economy drops off rapidly. While the Dark Horse is more than capable of triple-digit speeds, maintaining a consistent, moderate pace on the highway will yield noticeable improvements in your MPG figures.