19 MPG combined is the price for American muscle. The 2016 Ford Mustang GT, with its 5.0L V8, isn’t bought for saving money. It’s bought for its rumble, its heritage, and the joy of pressing the accelerator. Buyers know they’re sacrificing fuel economy for performance, and that’s a trade-off they’re willing to make. This isn’t a car for commuters; it’s for enthusiasts who want a great driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Mustang GT are 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures show what happens when you drive a strong V8. The city number is low because the engine consumes a lot of fuel in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number is better. At a steady speed, the Mustang GT can conserve fuel, but its shape isn’t designed for maximum efficiency. The S6 automatic transmission does a decent job of using fuel efficiently for the engine and vehicle class. The city number will probably discourage some drivers from using it every day.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Mustang GT at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel cost will depend on your driving and the price of gasoline in your area. If you drive aggressively or live in an area with higher fuel costs, expect to pay more. For more information, you can see MUSTANG MPG across all years and see if other engines are a better fit.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2016 Mustang GT often varies. Drivers who like the car’s performance will probably see numbers below the EPA estimates, especially in mixed driving. Consistent highway driving at legal speeds could meet or exceed the 25 MPG highway figure. However, using the car’s power will decrease fuel economy. It’s fun to drive, but the fuel bill will be higher.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 2016 Mustang GT’s fuel economy is as expected. The Chevrolet Camaro SS with its 6.2L V8 offers similar performance but delivers roughly equivalent fuel economy, around 16 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack with its 6.4L V8 offers more power but it sacrifices fuel economy, typically achieving slightly lower numbers in both city and highway driving. Comparing against smaller engines in competing trims gives perspective. The EcoBoost version of the Mustang offers fuel economy in the 22-26 MPG combined range, but the raw power is less. These comparisons show the trade-off in owning a high-performance V8 muscle car. If saving gas is important, there are better choices among all Ford fuel economy data. However, for those seeking V8 thrills, the fuel economy penalty is part of the experience.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2016 Mustang GT isn’t designed for saving fuel, there are ways to improve its fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration will use more fuel. Drive smoothly and avoid rapid acceleration from a stop. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace. Coasting when possible also allows the engine to relax and conserve fuel.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. These considerations become more critical as you’re trying to optimize your miles per gallon.

Minimize idling. Modern engines consume fuel even when stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This can save a surprising amount of fuel over time. Especially in a city with many stop lights and frequent gridlock, you can save some fuel by turning off the engine between movements.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed is more fuel-efficient than constantly accelerating and decelerating. Cruise control helps regulate your speed and optimizes fuel consumption on long highway drives. Be careful not to accelerate rapidly to maintain speed.

Keep your car well-maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures that your engine operates efficiently. A poorly maintained engine consumes more fuel. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule can help maximize fuel economy.