17 MPG combined is the fuel economy for the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. This figure won’t win any awards for lower fuel costs, but it’s what you pay for a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 producing 500 horsepower. More cars now have turbocharged four-cylinders and hybrid engines. Dark Horse buyers understand this trade-off; they crave the visceral experience and ferocious sound that only a high-revving V8 can deliver, and they’re willing to live with the fuel bill.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Dark Horse at 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving. The engine spends more time idling and accelerating, which hurts fuel economy. The highway number, while better, still lags behind more efficient vehicles. Even with the 10-speed automatic transmission (the only transmission offered for EPA testing, as the manual was not considered), the Dark Horse’s aerodynamic profile and substantial weight contribute to relatively high fuel consumption at sustained speeds. The engine’s thirst, even with cylinder deactivation, becomes evident on longer trips when maintaining 70-80 mph.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at $2,600. This is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes the use of fuel priced at the national average. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended), and local fuel prices. Someone who frequently uses the Dark Horse for weekend track days or spirited canyon runs will exceed this estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can change a lot based on driving style and conditions. Drivers with a heavy foot can expect to see MPG figures dip below the EPA estimates, especially in city driving. However, those who drive more conservatively on the highway might see slightly better results. The Dark Horse encourages spirited driving; the temptation to unleash its power is ever-present, which often means lower fuel efficiency. Checking out all Ford fuel economy data will show a mix of numbers.

How it compares

Compared to other performance coupes, the Dark Horse’s fuel economy falls somewhere in the middle. A Chevrolet Camaro SS with its 6.2L V8 delivers roughly similar MPG numbers. A BMW M4, with its twin-turbocharged inline-six, fares slightly better, averaging around 19 MPG combined. The Dodge Challenger Hellcat, with its supercharged V8, is significantly thirstier, often struggling to achieve even the Dark Horse’s numbers. The Dark Horse buyer isn’t cross-shopping a Toyota Prius. They’re choosing between raw performance and the associated fuel costs, and often valuing the Mustang’s iconic heritage and visceral driving experience. When considering MUSTANG MPG across all years, note that performance models have always emphasized power over efficiency, a fact enthusiasts embrace.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Dark Horse isn’t designed for hypermiling, but there are steps you can take to improve your fuel economy without sacrificing the driving experience entirely. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking; smooth, progressive inputs will reduce fuel consumption. The 5.0L engine responds well to gentle throttle applications.

Use the various driving modes available in the Dark Horse. The “Normal” mode will provide a more relaxed throttle response and prioritize fuel efficiency over outright performance. While “Track” mode is tempting, reserve it for its intended environment, as it will impact fuel consumption on public roads.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, requiring the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the recommended levels found on the doorjamb sticker.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds load to the engine, reducing fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to lighten the load.