28 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2019 Ford Fiesta ST, it’s a perfectly acceptable trade-off. This isn’t a car people buy for ultimate frugality; it’s a car they buy for grin-inducing performance and surprisingly practical hatchback utility. The Fiesta ST is about maximizing fun per dollar, and the respectable, if not stellar, fuel economy helps keep that fun affordable.

City and highway performance

The 2019 Fiesta ST achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the Fiesta ST’s eager turbocharger and short gearing are constantly engaged. Frequent acceleration will certainly dip into your fuel reserves more readily. The highway number is more of a pleasant surprise. While the ST’s sporting suspension can feel a bit busy on long highway stretches, the engine settles into a relatively relaxed cruise, allowing for decent fuel economy during road trips, assuming you resist the urge to pass everyone with gusto.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Ford Fiesta ST at $1,550. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual costs will vary depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and the ever-fluctuating price of gasoline. However, $1,550 provides a solid benchmark for budgeting your running expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. The Fiesta ST is particularly susceptible to variations based on driving style. Drive it like you stole it, frequent hard acceleration, late braking, and full-throttle blasts, and you can expect MPG figures to plummet below the EPA estimates. However, drive it with a bit more restraint, using smooth inputs and anticipating traffic flow, and you’ll likely achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the official figures. Owners report averaging around 30 MPG in mixed driving conditions because the 1.6L EcoBoost engine under your right foot is definitely a temptation.

How it compares

The Fiesta ST lives in a competitive segment of hot hatchbacks. The Volkswagen GTI, for example, posts a combined MPG of 27 with its 2.0L turbo engine and manual transmission, very similar to the Fiesta but with a noticeably different driving character. Other competitors like the Hyundai Veloster N (25 MPG combined) offer even more potent performance but often sacrifice some fuel efficiency in the process. Even looking at more mainstream hatchbacks like the Honda Civic Hatchback (31 MPG combined for the LX trim with manual transmission), the Fiesta ST’s mission becomes clear , it prioritizes driving enjoyment over outright fuel savings.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay attention to your tire pressures. The Fiesta ST’s tires are crucial for both performance and fuel economy. Maintaining the correct pressure, as indicated on the door jamb sticker, will reduce rolling resistance and improve MPG. Regularly check and adjust your tire pressures, especially during temperature changes.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The Fiesta ST’s engine is relatively efficient when running, but idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This simple habit can make a noticeable difference over time, especially in urban environments. Think of it as saving more gas for the fun stuff!

Use smooth acceleration and braking techniques. The Fiesta ST encourages spirited driving, but aggressive acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and gradually accelerate and decelerate. Smooth inputs not only improve fuel economy but also enhance overall driving comfort.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. It minimizes speed fluctuations and helps the engine operate more efficiently, especially on relatively flat terrain. The Fiesta ST wasn’t really made for long road trips, but if you must…

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner’s manual, including regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections. Neglecting these tasks can lead to decreased performance and reduced fuel economy. For all Ford fuel economy data, browsing the EPA’s site might also be helpful. You can also dive into specific FIESTA MPG across all years for more detail.