14 MPG combined. That’s the stark reality for anyone considering a 2021 Ford GT. Let’s be clear: fuel economy is roughly the 573rd most important consideration for the GT’s target demographic. This is a rolling monument to performance engineering, a street-legal race car draped in carbon fiber, aluminum, and alcantara. The person agonizing over a few extra gallons of premium gasoline spent while unleashing 660 horsepower isn’t the person who buys a GT.

City and highway performance

The 2021 Ford GT achieves 12 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. These figures show the engine’s high-strung nature and the car’s focus on outright speed. A twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 prioritizes rapid acceleration over sipping fuel. In city driving, stop-and-go traffic and frequent bursts of power to exploit small gaps in traffic will result in the lower end of that estimate.

On the open highway, engaging cruise control and embracing a more relaxed pace can yield closer to the 18 MPG figure, but the temptation to explore the GT’s performance envelope is a strong one. See all all Ford fuel economy data to understand how the GT benchmarks against the broader lineup.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford GT is $4,150. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a blend of city and highway miles, and uses the national average fuel price for premium gasoline.

The reality is that many GT owners use their car for weekend drives, track days, and special events; their annual mileage may be far lower than 15,000, potentially reducing their yearly fuel expenses. Others may fully exploit the car’s capabilities, resulting in expenses exceeding $4,150.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the GT will vary significantly based on driving style and conditions. Frequent track days and aggressive acceleration runs will drastically reduce fuel economy, potentially dropping below 10 MPG. Gentle cruising on the highway might yield slightly better results, but it is unlikely to deviate significantly from the EPA’s 18 MPG rating. Consider 14 MPG as an optimistic norm.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars, the GT’s fuel economy is, predictably, not a strong selling point. Consider these comparisons: The Ferrari SF90 Stradale, while a plug-in hybrid, still manages a combined 18 MPG when the battery is depleted. The Lamborghini Aventador, with its naturally aspirated V12, achieves a dismal 10 MPG combined. Even the Porsche 911 Turbo S, a paragon of everyday usability, manages 17 MPG combined. The McLaren 765LT achieves the same 18 MPG highway as the GT, but its city and combined numbers may differ slightly depending on the specific configuration. The GT MPG across all years showcases its relative position within Ford’s performance car history.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2021 Ford GT isn’t designed for maximum fuel efficiency, there are still steps that can improve the economy. Minimize excessive idling and avoid sudden acceleration bursts. These actions are more important in the city where opportunities to coast are far more limited than on the open highway.

Maintain optimal tire pressure. The GT’s advanced suspension and aerodynamic systems are calibrated for specific tire pressures, and maintaining these not only improves handling but also reduces rolling resistance. Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended pressure settings.

When possible, use the paddle shifters to manually select gears, anticipating traffic flow and avoiding unnecessary downshifts. The GT’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is incredibly responsive, and manual control allows for a smoother, more fuel-efficient driving experience.

Consider the route. Avoiding congested areas and opting for routes with smoother traffic flow can significantly reduce fuel consumption. While the GT’s suspension handles bumps admirably, constantly navigating potholes and speed bumps requires more energy, ultimately impacting fuel economy.

Finally, remember that driving a supercar is an experience, not simply a mode of transportation. Focus on smooth inputs, careful anticipation, and the sheer joy of the machine itself. A relaxed driver is typically a more efficient driver, even behind the wheel of a 660-horsepower beast.