18 MPG combined is the fuel economy of the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt. It’s a figure that would surprise a Prius owner, but for the person buying this modern muscle car, it’s the price. These aren’t buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency; they’re after the rumble of a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, the six-speed manual transmission, and the presence of a legendary name. They want to feel connected to the car and the open road, even if it means frequent stops at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Bullitt at 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the V8 drinks deeply with each acceleration. The highway figure trails many modern performance cars. This isn’t due to inefficiency in the engine, but the nature of its power delivery and the driving style it encourages. It’s a car that wants to be revved and that costs fuel. The long gearing of the six-speed transmission can help on the open road, but downshifts and heavy throttle use will quickly reduce fuel savings. These numbers also reflect that this car is likely to see a lot of hard driving.

Few Bullitt owners buy this car to drive slowly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt at $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s estimated combined fuel economy rating of 18 MPG. The EPA calculates this cost using the national average fuel price. Fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. Premium fuel is recommended for optimal Bullitt performance, so you could exceed $2,450.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world fuel economy can deviate. Bullitt drivers who frequently engage in spirited driving, track days, or spend time in traffic should see MPG figures below the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who primarily use the car for highway cruises and adopt a relaxed driving style might achieve figures closer to, or slightly above, the 24 MPG highway rating. If fuel economy is a major concern, there are better vehicle choices available, even within the Mustang lineup itself. If you’re looking at all Ford fuel economy data and comparing it to the Bullitt, consider what kind of driving you’ll be doing.

How it compares

Compared to other performance cars, the 2019 Mustang Bullitt’s fuel economy is similar. A 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS with the 6.2L V8 and manual transmission posts similar EPA numbers: 16 city, 24 highway, and 19 combined. A 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack with the 6.4L V8 also hovers around the 15 city/25 highway range. The earlier 2015-2017 Mustang GT with the same 5.0L will achieve a combined 19 MPG, due to its lower weight. These comparisons highlight that buyers are accepting fuel consumption for performance and a driving experience. If you are trying to find MUSTANG MPG across all years, consider this information. The fact that a turbocharged four-cylinder Mustang EcoBoost can achieve upwards of 30 MPG combined is almost irrelevant to the Bullitt buyer because they’re after something different.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Bullitt isn’t designed for saving fuel, avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, especially in city driving. Smooth inputs will improve fuel economy for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Take advantage of the Bullitt’s long sixth gear on the highway. Cruising at lower RPMs will reduce fuel consumption. Maintain a steady speed and traffic flow.

Ensure your tires are inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which leads to decreased fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Keep your car maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance improve fuel efficiency. A maintained engine runs smoothly, reducing fuel consumption.

Minimize weight. Remove cargo from the trunk. The less weight the car has to carry, the less fuel it will consume.