22 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2022 Ford Mustang HO Convertible 2.3L 4-cylinder, it’s an acceptable trade-off. This isn’t a vehicle valued for its frugality. It’s a lifestyle choice, a statement of open-air freedom, and the fuel economy figures are a reality for those who want wind-in-the-hair thrills more than saving money at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for this Mustang. The city figure reflects urban driving, where the 2.3L EcoBoost engine’s turbocharger constantly spools up and down as you navigate traffic lights and congested streets. The highway number shows what’s possible when the engine cruises, with the 10-speed automatic transmission (S10) choosing the best gear for efficiency. The difference between city and highway MPG shows the benefits of smooth, consistent driving, which might be hard for some Mustang drivers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Ford Mustang HO Convertible 2.3L 4-cylinder is about $2,000. This assumes driving 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may change based on your driving, the fuel type, and where you live. Driving hard and using premium fuel will increase your yearly expenses.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can be different based on how you drive, traffic, and even weather. Drivers who often drive fast and cruise with the top down will likely see lower MPG than the EPA estimates. However, those who drive conservatively and mainly use the car for highway commuting may get slightly better MPG. How you drive directly affects the Mustang’s fuel economy.

How it compares

The Mustang HO 2.3L’s fuel economy is generally similar to other sporty convertibles. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i, with its 2.0L turbocharged engine, gets about 25 MPG combined ,a slightly better figure than the Mustang. The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible with the 3.6L V6 gets about 22 MPG combined, the same as the Mustang. Choosing the Mustang GT Convertible with the 5.0L V8 drops the combined MPG much lower. Buyers in this class want to know how their car compares to others, even if fuel economy isn’t their main concern. See all Ford fuel economy data to compare other models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating hard. The Mustang’s turbocharged engine responds quickly, but accelerating uses more fuel. Accelerate slowly and maintain a steady speed to maximize efficiency, especially when driving in the city. This is a fun car, but driving calmly will help your MPGs.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed makes driving easier and helps optimize fuel consumption. The 10-speed automatic transmission will choose the best gear for cruising, saving fuel. You can also enjoy the view.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which you can find on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Small adjustments can help.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Extra weight in your trunk or rear seats will hurt fuel economy. Remove anything you don’t need to reduce the load on the engine and get better MPG. It is like spring cleaning for your Mustang.

Maintain your engine. Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, keeps your engine running well. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions. See your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules. Following these basics will help your Mustang cost less. Check out MUSTANG MPG across all years.