18 MPG combined. You either already knew that number, or didn’t care, when considering a 2019 Ford Mustang Convertible with the 5.0L Coyote V8. This isn’t a car bought for saving money on gas. It’s an indulgence, a bold statement of personal enjoyment, and a thoroughly engaging driving experience with good old-fashioned American muscle. Buyers accept, and often embrace, the fuel consumption because it’s part of what makes a Mustang a Mustang.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for this specific model, the 5.0L V8 paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission (S10). The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving where the engine spends more time idling or accelerating. The V8 engine uses more gas, which amplifies this effect. The highway number is better. At a steady cruise, the 10-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in a more efficient part of its powerband, allowing for reasonable fuel consumption.

However, if you use the engine’s torque for passing, that highway figure will drop quickly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford Mustang Convertible 5.0L 8-cyl at $2,450. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving and the price of gasoline in your area. Someone who drives hard will exceed that $2,450 figure, while someone who uses the Mustang for relaxed weekend cruises might spend less.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy with this car depends a lot on how you drive. Gentle acceleration and consistent highway speeds will get results close to the EPA estimates. The exhaust note and available torque from the Coyote V8 are tempting. If you give in to these temptations, you will get lower MPG. Expect averages around the lower end of the EPA’s estimates, maybe even single digits during enthusiastic driving. This is the price of owning a performance car of this caliber.

How it compares

The 2019 Mustang Convertible with the 5.0L V8 is in the middle of its class for fuel economy. A Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible with the 6.2L V8 gets almost the same numbers, at 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, with its 6.4L Hemi V8, gets even lower numbers at 15 MPG city and 24 MPG highway according to EPA estimates. A four-cylinder Mustang EcoBoost convertible gets better numbers, closer to 25 MPG combined.

That car is for a different buyer, one who cares more about running costs than the V8 experience. For those interested in comparing all Ford fuel economy data, resources are available. Also, you may want to review MUSTANG MPG across all years before making a decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t accelerate hard from every stoplight. The Mustang’s acceleration is fun, but it lowers fuel economy. Gradual acceleration lets the engine operate more efficiently, which saves fuel.

Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door, can make a difference.

Avoid idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel while the car isn’t moving. Modern engines are efficient at idle, but idling still wastes fuel.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed reduces acceleration and deceleration, which improves fuel economy. Set the cruise control at a reasonable speed and let the car maintain a constant pace.

Consider using a lighter-weight synthetic oil. Switching to a high-quality synthetic oil can reduce engine friction, which can slightly improve fuel economy. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil weight and type.