The 2019 Ford Shelby GT350 returns 16 MPG combined. The GT350 isn’t about sipping fuel, it’s about delivering a visceral, high-revving, track-focused experience. Buyers of this car understand this compromise and accept it willingly, trading fuel efficiency for the unparalleled joy of piloting a naturally aspirated, flat-plane crank V8.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Shelby GT350 break down to 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go traffic is the enemy. The GT350’s 5.2L V8 begs to be unleashed, and short city jaunts prevent it from ever reaching its stride. Highway miles offer the best fuel economy, allowing the engine to settle into a more efficient cruising RPM. Even on the open road, the temptation to dip into the throttle and hear that glorious engine note will inevitably impact your mileage.

Annual fuel cost

Plan on spending approximately $3,600 per year on gasoline if you drive the national average of 15,000 miles. This EPA estimate is based on a combination of city and highway driving, using then-current national average fuel prices. Of course, the actual amount you spend will fluctuate based on your driving habits and local fuel costs. Aggressive driving, frequent track days, and premium fuel prices will all increase that number. Remember that the GT350 demands premium fuel to deliver its advertised performance and maintain its health, so your actual annual fuel cost will likely exceed this EPA number.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized way to measure fuel economy, real-world fuel economy for the GT350 often falls short of those figures. Drivers who frequently indulge in spirited driving, track days, or even just the occasional blast of acceleration can expect to see average MPG figures closer to the 12-15 MPG range. The car’s design, with its aggressive aero and sticky tires, inherently places a premium on performance over efficiency. The driving experience, sound, and unparalleled feel of the engine are why people buy this car, and those qualities all come at a cost at the pump.

How it compares

The GT350’s fuel economy is predictably poor when compared to its competitors. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, with its supercharged V8, manages around 16 MPG combined, similar to the GT350. A Dodge Challenger Hellcat, known for its monstrous power, also trends low, hovering in the mid-teens, like the Shelby. These vehicles are bought for power and aggressive performance, meaning buyers tend to overlook their poor fuel economy. The GT350’s sister car, the GT, gets 19 MPG. GT buyers may sacrifice the Shelby enhanced performance for better fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The GT350 isn’t designed for fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to get slightly better mileage. The most effective approach is to anticipate traffic and maintain a smooth, steady pace. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, as these actions waste fuel.

Proper tire inflation is critical for handling and safety, and for fuel economy. Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Check your tire pressure regularly, underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel efficiency.

Don’t constantly rev the engine to redline. The GT350’s flat-plane crank V8 sounds great at high RPMs, but it consumes fuel quickly. Shift smoothly and deliberately, keeping the engine in its optimal powerband without needlessly exceeding 4,000 RPM.

Avoid unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Excess cargo increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the trunk and passenger compartment to lighten the load.

See SHELBY MPG across all years for other examples. For all Ford fuel economy data across the lineup, check the main site.