16 MPG combined. That’s the official EPA rating for the 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang. Nobody buys a GT350 thinking they’re going to save money on gas. This is a track-bred machine with a screaming flat-plane crank V8. Fuel economy is an afterthought, or a sacrifice willingly made for the visceral experience this car delivers.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down that combined figure to 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the GT350’s powerful engine is constantly fighting against the need to decelerate. The highway number, while still not stellar, shows that the car can achieve reasonable efficiency when cruising at a steady speed, providing some relief for those long road trips to distant track days. Remember these figures are determined by standardized testing procedures, and aggressive driving will always result in significantly lower fuel mileage.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is $3,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices from the time of calculation. Premium fuel is required for optimal performance, so this cost represents an ongoing expense. It’s a figure that should be carefully considered, especially if the car is intended for daily driving or high-mileage use.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized estimate, but real-world fuel economy is rarely the same. GT350 owners frequently report MPG figures below the official ratings, particularly with regular track use or spirited driving. Driving style, traffic conditions, and even the specific fuel blend used can have a significant impact. Expect to see numbers closer to 10-12 MPG during aggressive driving sessions, and perhaps approaching the EPA’s 21 MPG highway figure if you are careful with throttle control on long highway cruises. The payoff is that glorious 5.2L V8 sound, which some owners joke makes them wonder if it’s burning smiles per mile instead of gallons.

How it compares

Compared to other performance cars, the GT350 sits in a specific spot. A 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS, with its 6.2L V8 and manual transmission, achieves around 19 MPG combined. The Porsche 911 Carrera of the same year, while more expensive, delivers significantly better fuel economy, closer to 22 MPG combined. A comparable Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, known for its insane horsepower, is predictably worse, hovering around 16 MPG combined. The GT350’s fuel economy reflects its raw performance focus, prioritizing track capability over everyday efficiency. For all Ford fuel economy data, check out our Ford Shelby GT350 information.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2017 Shelby GT350 isn’t designed for maximum fuel efficiency, but owners can still take steps to optimize their MPG. First, throttle control is important. The 5.2L V8 offers instant power, but gentle acceleration can greatly reduce fuel consumption, especially around town.

Proper tire inflation is critical. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and keep them at the recommended levels, especially before longer trips. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorframe for the correct pressure settings.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Letting the GT350 idle for extended periods consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re waiting for someone or are stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine to save fuel. This is especially beneficial in city driving.

Plan your routes carefully. Avoiding congested areas and choosing routes with fewer stop-and-go situations can improve fuel consumption. Use navigation apps to find the most efficient route to your destination, even if it’s slightly longer in distance.

Maintain your car properly. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections, helps ensure that the engine is running efficiently. A well-maintained car delivers better performance and fuel economy. Check out SHELBY MPG across all years for relevant historical data.