The 17 MPG combined rating will likely deter some casual Mustang shoppers. This 2017 Ford Mustang GT with the Performance Package, especially with the 5.0L V8 and a manual transmission, is built for involved driving and strong performance. For the buyer, fuel economy is secondary.

City and highway performance

The EPA ratings show this Mustang’s priorities. The 14 MPG city rating reflects the engine’s thirst and the driver’s likely enjoyment of its low-end torque. It’s difficult to drive efficiently in stop-and-go traffic. On the open road, the 23 MPG highway figure shows the Mustang GT can achieve reasonable fuel economy when cruising in sixth gear. The difference is clear; efficiency is possible but not the main goal.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Mustang GT 5.0L at $2,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. This is a benchmark figure, but many Mustang GT owners drive more than 15,000 miles, and driving style can easily increase that annual cost.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures are useful for comparison but often differ from real-world driving. Aggressive acceleration, frequent downshifts, and exploring the upper range of the tachometer will hurt fuel economy. In mixed driving, expect numbers closer to the city rating, especially with heavy traffic. Consistent highway driving with a light foot can yield results near or slightly exceeding the 23 MPG rating.

How it compares

The Mustang GT’s fuel economy is generally in line with other performance cars of its time, if not slightly worse, depending on the competitor. The Chevrolet Camaro SS with its 6.2L V8, for example, is rated at 16 MPG combined but offers more horsepower. A Dodge Challenger R/T with the 5.7L V8 achieves similar numbers in the city, but slightly better on the highway. Even within the Ford family, comparing all Ford fuel economy data, the Mustang Ecoboost model is much more efficient by using fewer cylinders. The fuel economy differences amongst these muscle cars are small, and the purchasing decision is driven more by brand loyalty, styling, and performance. For more fuel economy insight, MUSTANG MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. The Mustang GT’s strong engine doesn’t require heavy throttle to get up to speed. Smooth acceleration minimizes fuel consumption and helps maintain momentum.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed reduces driver fatigue and optimizes fuel efficiency. Avoid unnecessary speed fluctuations, as they require more fuel.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

Avoid idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle.

Consider the weight you’re carrying. Remove unnecessary cargo from the trunk or backseat. Extra weight increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel efficiency. Less clutter means less fuel.