23 MPG combined. That’s the fuel economy you can expect from the 2016 Ford Mustang Convertible with the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. It won’t win any awards for being the most fuel-efficient, but it’s an acceptable compromise for buyers who want open-air thrills and iconic styling more than ultimate fuel efficiency. This isn’t really a commuter car, it’s more of a lifestyle choice, and the MPG reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is adequate, considering the engine has to overcome the Mustang’s weight and the stop-and-go of city driving. The 29 MPG highway number is better, and achievable on longer road trips where the engine can cruise. Using the automatic transmission’s six gears wisely can help maintain this efficiency. The EcoBoost engine can put out a lot of horsepower, but you need to pay attention to how you use the throttle to get the best mileage. Consistent hard acceleration will quickly drop the highway number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Mustang Convertible 2.3L EcoBoost at $1,900. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, a mix of city and highway miles, and national average fuel prices when it was calculated. Your actual costs will change depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and weather. This $1,900 figure is a useful starting point for budgeting if you’re thinking about buying this car. Premium fuel isn’t required, but it may slightly improve performance, but it will also increase your annual cost.

Real-world expectations

The real-world MPG for the 2016 Mustang Convertible EcoBoost is usually close to the EPA combined figure, but it really depends on how you drive. Owners who often enjoy the Mustang’s power will probably see numbers closer to 20 MPG, or even lower. Drivers who prioritize fuel conservation and drive conservatively can realistically get or even exceed the 29 MPG highway estimate. The EcoBoost engine is responsive and fun, which encourages drivers to use its power, and that affects fuel economy. If fuel costs are a big concern, use cruise control and drive gently.

How it compares

The Mustang’s fuel economy compares well to other sporty convertibles. The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible with its base 2.0L Turbo engine offers similar fuel economy, around 22 MPG combined. A Mazda MX-5 Miata gets much better fuel economy at 30 MPG combined, but it’s a different kind of driving experience and a smaller car. The BMW 228i Convertible achieves about 27 MPG combined. Buyers often choose the Mustang for its styling, history, and price, and are willing to accept slightly lower MPG compared to more focused sport cars. You can also view MUSTANG MPG across all years to see how this vehicle compares to other versions of the same model from years before and after 2016.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The easiest way to get better fuel economy in the 2016 Mustang Convertible EcoBoost is to drive smoothly. Avoid accelerating hard and braking hard, anticipate traffic, and maintain a steady speed.

Check your tires. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which is on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Don’t carry extra weight in the vehicle. The heavier the car, the more fuel it burns. Removing unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area can help improve fuel economy.

Maintenance is important for good fuel economy. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections can help the engine run efficiently. A well-maintained engine will consistently deliver better fuel economy. You can also view all Ford fuel economy data on this site.