18 MPG combined comes with V8 Mustang ownership, especially if you want the open-air experience of the 2020 Ford Mustang Convertible with the 5.0L engine. Frankly, nobody buys this car for fuel efficiency. This isn’t just basic transportation, it’s a statement. It’s the rumble of American muscle, the wind in your hair, and readily available horsepower. The target audience understands this trade-off, factoring in the cost of premium fuel along with insurance, car payments, and detailing supplies. They’re buying an experience, and fuel consumption is a necessary, though not celebrated, part of that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Mustang Convertible 5.0L gets 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The difference between city and highway figures shows the Mustang’s nature. Stop-and-go traffic punishes its thirst for fuel, because of the engine’s weight and displacement. But, on the open road, with the automatic transmission (S10) in higher gears, the Mustang can achieve a respectable 24 MPG if you resist using all that power. This highway figure allows for comfortable road trips, although regular fill-ups are definitely needed. Think about how you’ll use the car. Is it mainly a weekend cruiser or a daily commuter crawling through city streets? Your answer will greatly affect your real-world fuel costs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ford Mustang Convertible 5.0L at $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a standard mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. $2,450 is a benchmark, but individual expenses will change based on local fuel prices, driving style, and the proportion of city versus highway miles driven. Aggressive acceleration and frequent short trips can easily increase this estimate. This is a important number to consider when thinking about the true cost of ownership. It’s more than many other sports cars.

Real-world expectations

Getting the EPA’s 18 MPG combined means driving efficiently. Many Mustang owners report fuel economy below the official estimates in real-world conditions. Spirited driving, which is likely in a car with this much performance, will lower MPG a lot. If you regularly enjoy the Mustang’s acceleration, expect to see figures closer to 12-14 MPG in the city. Highway numbers can be more consistent, but even then, sustained speeds above 75 MPH will hurt fuel economy. The 18 MPG rating is a best-case scenario, and your actual fuel economy will depend on your driving habits.

How it compares

The 2020 Mustang 5.0L’s fuel economy is similar its peers among performance convertibles. The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible with the 6.2L V8 gets a similar 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. A BMW Z4 M40i, with its turbocharged inline-six, offers a slightly better 25 MPG combined, but costs more and provides a different driving experience. The Mustang’s 2.3L EcoBoost engine gets a much better 25 MPG combined, but doesn’t provide the V8’s visceral thrill. The decision depends on what’s important: raw power and sound or greater efficiency. Browsing MUSTANG MPG across all years shows the consistent fuel consumption of the 5.0L engine. Buyers often compare this model with Challenger models, and all Ford fuel economy data is available to help that process.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use smooth acceleration and braking. The Mustang’s strong engine doesn’t need hard acceleration to pick up speed. Gentle acceleration minimizes fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow to avoid abrupt stops, which wastes energy and requires more fuel to regain momentum.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side door jamb.

Avoid idling unnecessarily. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This is especially important in stop-and-go city traffic.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway reduces fuel consumption compared to constantly accelerating and decelerating. However, be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, making any fuel savings negligible. Also, don’t treat the gas pedal like an on/off switch; gradual acceleration is preferable.

Consider using a lighter touch on the accelerator. The thrill of the Mustang’s V8 is undeniable, but resist the urge to constantly exploit its full potential. Restraint is essential for maximizing fuel efficiency, even if it tempers the fun, and using manual shift mode might help you stay disciplined.