How Many MPG Does a Mustang GT Get?
Ford Mustang GT Fuel Economy
How Many MPG Does a Mustang GT Get?
Most current 2026 Ford Mustang GT Fastbacks with the 10-speed automatic are listed at about 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Manual-transmission GTs are commonly listed around 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Quick Answer: About 14–15 City and 23–24 Highway MPG
For the 2026 Mustang GT, fuel economy varies by transmission and equipment. Current Ford inventory listings show many 10-speed automatic GTs at 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while many six-speed manual GTs are listed at 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
MPG at a Glance
2026 Mustang GT Fuel Economy
The GT's fuel economy depends on transmission, wheels, tires and performance equipment, so not every Mustang GT carries the exact same EPA estimate.
15 MPGCity estimate on many automatic GTs
24 MPGHighway estimate on many automatic GTs
14 MPGCity estimate on many manual GTs
23 MPGHighway estimate on many manual GTs
Automatic GT
How Many MPG Does an Automatic Mustang GT Get?
Current 2026 Ford inventory examples equipped with the 10-speed automatic commonly show EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
That makes the automatic slightly more efficient than many manual GT configurations in EPA testing, even though the automatic is also the transmission that tends to deliver the quickest straight-line acceleration.
Actual mileage can vary widely depending on traffic, throttle use, speed, climate, tire pressure and how often you use the V8's performance.
Manual vs Automatic
Mustang GT MPG by Transmission
| 2026 Mustang GT Configuration | City MPG | Highway MPG | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Speed Automatic | About 15 mpg | About 24 mpg | Common estimate shown on current Ford GT Fastback inventory listings |
| 6-Speed Manual | About 14 mpg | About 23 mpg | Common estimate shown on current manual GT and GT Premium inventory listings |
The 5.0L V8
Why Doesn't the Mustang GT Get EcoBoost-Level MPG?
The GT uses a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 that produces 480 horsepower standard, or up to 486 horsepower with the available Active Valve Performance Exhaust.
That engine is designed around power, throttle response and V8 character rather than maximum fuel efficiency. The result is substantially higher fuel consumption than the turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost Mustang.
If the 5.0L V8 is the reason you want the GT, the fuel economy is part of the ownership tradeoff.
Real-World Mileage
Will You Actually Get 24 MPG on the Highway?
EPA estimates are useful for comparing vehicles, but they are not a promise of the exact mileage every owner will see.
Steady highway cruising gives the GT its best chance of approaching its rated highway fuel economy. Stop-and-go traffic, short trips, cold weather and aggressive throttle use can lower mileage quickly.
A Mustang GT driven gently on a long highway trip may return very different mileage from the same car used mostly for short city trips or spirited weekend driving.
What Changes MPG?
Six Things That Affect Mustang GT Fuel Economy
Transmission
The 10-speed automatic generally carries slightly better EPA estimates than the six-speed manual.
Driving Style
Frequent hard acceleration can make a major difference in real-world V8 fuel consumption.
City vs Highway
Long steady-speed trips are far more favorable to MPG than repeated acceleration in city traffic.
Wheels and Tires
Performance-oriented wheel and tire combinations can affect rolling resistance and overall efficiency.
Weather
Cold temperatures and winter fuel blends can reduce real-world mileage.
Traffic and Trip Length
Short trips and heavy traffic usually produce lower mileage than longer uninterrupted drives.
GT vs EcoBoost
How Much Better Is the EcoBoost on Gas?
Current 2026 Ford inventory examples show EcoBoost Fastbacks at about 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Compared with a 15-city/24-highway automatic GT, that is a sizable difference for someone who drives a lot of miles every year.
The GT makes the opposite argument: you accept the extra fuel consumption in exchange for the 5.0L V8's power, sound and character.
Fuel Grade
Does Premium Fuel Improve Mustang GT MPG?
Ford allows the 2026 Mustang GT's 5.0L engine to run on regular 87-octane fuel and recommends 91-octane or higher for best overall performance.
Ford's published horsepower numbers are based on 93-octane fuel, but premium gasoline should not be viewed as a guaranteed way to increase fuel economy enough to offset its higher price.
The main reason to use premium is performance, not an expectation of dramatically better MPG.
Daily Driver
Is Mustang GT Fuel Economy Reasonable for Everyday Use?
That depends heavily on how many miles you drive. For someone with a short commute, the difference between a GT and a more efficient vehicle may be easy to accept.
For a high-mileage commuter, 14 to 15 mpg city can become a meaningful operating cost. That is where the EcoBoost Mustang makes a much stronger practical case.
The GT is not the Mustang to buy because you want exceptional fuel economy. It is the Mustang to buy when the V8 experience matters enough that you are willing to accept the fuel consumption that comes with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mustang GT MPG FAQ
How many MPG does a 2026 Mustang GT get?
Many current 2026 automatic Mustang GT Fastbacks are listed by Ford at 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Many manual GTs are listed around 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Does an automatic Mustang GT get better MPG than a manual?
In current 2026 Ford inventory listings, the 10-speed automatic commonly shows 15 city and 24 highway mpg, compared with about 14 city and 23 highway mpg for many six-speed manual configurations.
Can a Mustang GT get 24 MPG?
Many 2026 automatic Mustang GTs carry an EPA-estimated highway rating of 24 mpg. Actual mileage depends on speed, traffic, weather, equipment and driving style.
What MPG does a Mustang GT get in the city?
Current 2026 Ford listings commonly show 15 mpg city for 10-speed automatic GTs and about 14 mpg city for manual GTs.
Does a Mustang EcoBoost get much better gas mileage than a GT?
Yes. Current Ford inventory examples show EcoBoost Fastbacks at about 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, substantially higher than the GT.
Does premium gas improve Mustang GT fuel economy?
Premium fuel is recommended for best performance, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed way to meaningfully improve MPG. Ford's maximum horsepower ratings are based on 93-octane fuel.
Chuck Anderson Ford
Compare Mustang GT and EcoBoost Ownership Costs
If you're deciding whether the GT's V8 performance is worth the additional fuel use, visit Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs. We can help you compare available Mustang GT and EcoBoost models and choose the powertrain that fits your driving habits.
Shop New Ford InventoryContact Chuck Anderson Ford EPA-estimated fuel economy varies by vehicle configuration, transmission, equipment and options. Figures on this page are based on current 2026 Ford Mustang inventory listings and may differ for individual vehicles. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions, vehicle condition, weather, traffic, fuel, tire pressure and driving habits. Confirm the EPA estimate shown on the individual vehicle before purchase.