23 MPG combined. That figure might not sound impressive at first glance, but consider what it represents: a quick, aggressively styled, and surprisingly practical sports car that doesn’t require excessive expense to fill the tank. The 2019 Ford Mustang 2.3L High Performance Package is a machine focused on delivering sharp handling and engaging performance, and its fuel economy reflects a trade-off between thrills and efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Mustang 2.3L High Performance Package achieves 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These numbers are respectable for a car with its performance credentials. The city MPG reflects stop-and-go traffic and spirited acceleration away from stoplights, the kind of driving that appeals to many Mustang owners. The highway figure demonstrates that this Mustang, equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission specified in the EPA data, can cruise comfortably and relatively economically on longer journeys. Ford’s engineering extracted meaningful performance from this powerplant while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. Many owners find the highway range particularly useful for weekend drives down winding coastal roads.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford Mustang 2.3L High Performance Package at $1,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for regular gasoline. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (although the 2.3L is designed for regular), and current fuel prices in your area. Drivers who spend most of their time navigating congested city streets will likely spend more than $1,900 per year, while those who primarily use the Mustang for longer highway trips may see lower fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized fuel economy estimates, real-world MPG can vary significantly. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and sustained high speeds will negatively impact fuel economy. On the other hand, a conscientious driver who anticipates traffic, accelerates moderately, and maintains a steady speed on the highway can often come close to, or even exceed, the EPA estimates. This Mustang’s 10-speed automatic transmission also plays a role; its numerous gear ratios help keep the engine in its optimal power band, which can improve fuel efficiency if driven with care. The temptation to exploit the engine’s responsive character is ever-present, and indulging that urge will certainly lower your MPG.

How it compares

The 2019 Mustang 2.3L High Performance Package occupies a unique space in the market. A comparable Chevrolet Camaro with the 2.0L turbocharged engine achieves roughly similar fuel economy (around 22 MPG combined), but some buyers prefer the Mustang’s styling or interior. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 twins, renowned for their handling, offer slightly better fuel economy (around 25 MPG combined), but they lack the Mustang’s straight-line acceleration and overall power. Stepping up to the Mustang GT with its reliable 5.0L V8 results in a considerable fuel economy penalty, dropping to around 19 MPG combined. For the buyer seeking the blend of performance, style, and efficiency of the 2.3L High Performance Package, the fuel economy figure is an acceptable compromise; this demographic likely already explored MUSTANG MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid abrupt acceleration and braking. The Mustang’s responsive engine can be tempting to push hard, but smooth, controlled inputs will save fuel and improve overall driving comfort. This is particularly relevant in city driving, where stop-and-go conditions can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consumes more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended levels found on the door jamb sticker. This is a simple but effective way to improve fuel economy and extend tire life.

Avoid excessive idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re waiting for someone or stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines do not require a warm-up period, so there’s no need to idle before driving.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway can significantly improve fuel economy, especially on long trips; the 10-speed automatic will help keep the engine in its most efficient range while cruising. Just be mindful of changing traffic conditions and be prepared to disengage the cruise control when necessary.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors. Over time, deposits can build up in the fuel injectors, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency; a fuel additive can help remove these deposits and restore proper fuel atomization. For more information on the full Ford lineup, check out all Ford fuel economy data.