The 2017 Ford Mustang with the 3.7L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. While it’s not the most fuel-efficient car, it’s a reasonable option if you want the iconic Mustang’s style and readily available performance more than outstanding fuel economy. Even the base V6 Mustang of this generation provides an enjoyable driving experience. This explains why some owners are willing to trade a few MPG for its unique character.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2017 Mustang 3.7L are 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects how the engine responds and the car’s weight during frequent stops and starts. The highway figure, a more respectable 27 MPG, shows that the V6 can achieve decent fuel economy when cruising at consistent speeds. This difference in fuel economy highlights the Mustang’s character: it’s more efficient on long highway drives than in urban environments. The automatic transmission (S6) is tuned for a balance of performance and fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Mustang 3.7L at $2,100 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of testing. Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and expensive gas will all increase fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy varies. Owners of the 2017 Mustang 3.7L often report numbers that change based on their driving style and conditions. Drivers who accelerate gently and have longer commutes can often reach or slightly exceed the EPA’s highway estimate. But those who often drive the Mustang hard, accelerating quickly, will likely see their fuel economy closer to or even below the city rating. Climate (cold weather reduces MPG) and tire pressures also affect your personal MPG, so it may be quite different from the sticker.

How it compares

That year, the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost Mustang had a combined EPA rating of 25 MPG, making it a more fuel-efficient choice if you’re okay with losing some of the V6’s sound and feel. The V8-powered Mustang GT, with more horsepower, gets around 19 MPG combined. Outside of Ford, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro with its base 2.0L Turbo engine got up to 25 MPG combined, while the V6 Camaro came in around 22 MPG. These comparisons illustrate where the 3.7L Mustang sits: It balances performance and reasonable efficiency for those wanting a classic American muscle car experience. You can review MUSTANG MPG across all years to understand trends.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is important for maximizing fuel economy in the 3.7L Mustang. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking. Smooth, gradual acceleration lets the engine operate more efficiently, conserving fuel.

Keep the tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the levels the manufacturer recommends, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. This can improve your MPG noticeably.

Reduce weight. Carrying excess weight in your Mustang makes the engine work harder, using more fuel. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area to lighten the load and improve fuel economy.

Anticipate traffic. Looking ahead and anticipating traffic flow helps you avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Maintaining a consistent speed, when possible, will help optimize fuel efficiency. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady speed.

You might also want to check all Ford fuel economy data to see how the Mustang fits into the broader Ford lineup.