12 MPG combined. This figure for the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD 5.2L 8-cyl isn’t a surprise; it’s a badge of honor, a clear signal that this vehicle exists at the extreme edge of performance, not practicality. The GTD isn’t designed to sip fuel; it’s engineered to devour racetracks and generate a driving experience so visceral it borders on spiritual. For the individual who commits to the GTD, fuel economy is, at best, an afterthought, and at worst, a comical metric in the face of what this machine truly represents: uncompromised power, relentless speed, and a direct lineage to endurance racing dominance. The buyer of a GTD isn’t cross-shopping it with a hybrid SUV; they’re looking at exotic European machinery and American muscle elevated to supercar status. They understand that every drop of premium fuel is contributing to a breathtaking symphony of internal combustion, a meticulously orchestrated dance between mechanical grip and aerodynamic wizardry.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD at 10 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. In city driving, the 5.2L supercharged V8, coupled with the 8-speed automatic transaxle (AM-S8), will be operating far below its potential. Stop-and-go traffic means the engine, designed for sustained high-RPM performance, constantly cycles through low gears, burning considerable fuel even at idle or low speeds. The vehicle’s immense power reserve, rigid suspension, and track-focused cooling systems contribute to this urban thirst. On the highway, the 17 MPG figure is certainly better, but still undeniably low compared to mass-market vehicles. However, it’s crucial to remember the context: the GTD is a thinly veiled race car. Its aerodynamic package, optimized for downforce at triple-digit speeds rather than slippery efficiency at cruising velocities, works against it here. The massive tires, the aggressive final drive, and the sheer mechanical friction of such a high-performance drivetrain all contribute to elevated fuel consumption, even at a steady 70 mph. It’s a compromise owners gladly make for instantaneous throttle response and mind-bending acceleration when the road opens up, or, more likely, when the track beckons.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,650 for the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD. This figure is derived by assuming an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, combined with national average fuel prices, and then applying the vehicle’s combined 12 MPG rating. For the GTD owner, this specific number is merely a footnote in their overall budget. The annual cost of consumables like track-spec tires, high-performance brake pads, and specialized fluids will likely dwarf this fuel expenditure. The $3,650 isn’t a deterrent; it’s simply a line item in the operational cost of owning a vehicle that represents the pinnacle of Ford’s engineering prowess. It’s part of the price of admission to a level of performance that transcends conventional metrics. Further information on all Ford fuel economy data can be found elsewhere on our site.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, owners of the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD can expect their actual fuel economy to hover around, and often fall below, the EPA estimates. The 12 MPG combined rating is an average; aggressive driving, spirited acceleration, and, most notably, track days will see that number plummet. Anyone who buys a GTD will inevitably explore its breathtaking performance capabilities, and that exploration comes at the cost of fuel. On a racetrack, pushing the 5.2L supercharged engine to its screaming redline, braking hard, and accelerating out of corners will see single-digit MPG figures become the norm. Even during casual enthusiastic driving on a twisty canyon road, the temptation of the power on offer will make achieving 12 MPG a challenge. The GTD is a car that encourages, even demands, engagement, and that engagement is directly correlated with higher fuel consumption. For the buyer, this is not a surprise or an inconvenience; it is an inherent part of the vehicle’s character and mission. They embrace the fuel consumption as part of the price of admission to such an exclusive and exhilarating driving experience.

How it compares

When comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD, direct rivals for fuel economy are practically non-existent because its mission is so focused. However, we can look at other high-performance vehicles owners might consider or currently own. A Porsche 911 GT3 (PDK) might achieve around 17 MPG combined, while a McLaren Artura, with its hybrid powertrain, offers a surprising 39 MPGe combined (though its gasoline-only combined is closer to 19 MPG). A Lamborghini Huracán STO might see around 13 MPG combined. Even within the Ford Mustang family, the GTD stands alone; most other MUSTANG MPG across all years, even the traditional GT, offers significantly better fuel economy. For example, a Mustang Dark Horse, with its naturally aspirated V8, typically achieves around 17 MPG combined. The comparison underscores the GTD’s extreme nature. It’s not built to compete on fuel efficiency; it’s built to compete on the racetrack, against vehicles far more expensive and often with less power. Its low MPG is a result of its singular focus on raw performance, a characteristic its target audience values above all else.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD isn’t about efficiency, there are small adjustments owners can make, if they feel so inclined, to marginally improve their fuel usage during non-spirited driving. Gentle throttle application is key. The supercharged 5.2L V8 can drink fuel profusely under boost, so keeping revs low and avoiding unnecessary surges of power will have the most significant impact on MPG.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is also important. The GTD’s enormous, specialized tires are critical for grip but will generate more rolling resistance if under-inflated. Regularly checking and adjusting pressures to the manufacturer’s recommended settings will ensure optimal contact patch and minimal drag.

Anticipating traffic flow and avoiding hard braking and rapid acceleration cycles can also make a difference. The GTD’s brakes are incredibly powerful, but using them heavily means you’ve just wasted energy accelerating. Smooth, progressive driving minimizes wasted momentum.

Cruise control on the highway can help maintain a consistent speed, preventing the constant, subtle throttle inputs that can unnecessarily consume fuel. While the GTD craves aggressive driving, selecting cruise control for long, flat stretches of road can provide a small benefit.

Finally, minimizing unnecessary weight in the vehicle can offer a very minor improvement. While the GTD is already stripped down and purpose-built, ensuring no extraneous gear is carried during daily driving can, theoretically, contribute to less fuel consumption, although the effect will be negligible compared to driving style.