The 2026 Ford Mustang gets 12 to 26 miles per gallon combined, depending on the version. The best is the 2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) at 26 mpg.
In the Subcompact Cars class for 2026, the Mustang ranks 8th (tied with 1 other) of 18 for combined mileage (26 mpg), 2nd (tied with 1 other) of 17 for yearly fuel cost ($2,400 for its cheapest version, cheapest first) and 9th of 18 for tailpipe CO2 (341 grams per mile for its lowest version, lowest first). The middle model of the class gets 25 mpg, costs $3,000 a year and puts out 343.5 grams per mile.
Across all 235 2026 models in the file that burn fuel, the middle best-version figure is 24 mpg and the highest is 57 mpg (Toyota Prius). Of the 234 other models, 94 get more miles per gallon than the 2026 Mustang's best version, 10 other models get the same and 130 get less. The 2026 Mustang's cheapest version costs $2,400 a year to fuel by the agency's figure; of the 225 other models with a cost figure, 61 cost less, 6 the same and 158 more.
Open the best-mileage list of this class for 2026. Cost and CO2 in the table are each model's lowest figure over its versions; plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell versions have no fuel cost and are left out of the cost column.
| Place | Model | Best version | mpg | Fuel a year, cheapest version | CO2 g/mi, lowest version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2026 Audi A3 | 2026 A3 quattro | 28 | $2,750 | 323 |
| 7 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class | 2026 CLE300 4matic (Coupe) | 27 | $2,850 | 323 |
| 8 | 2026 Audi S3 | 2026 S3 | 26 | $3,000 | 346 |
| 8 | 2026 Ford MustangThis car | 2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) | 26 | $2,400 | 341 |
| 10 | 2026 BMW 8 Series | 2026 840i Convertible | 24 | $3,200 | 368 |
| 10 | 2026 Toyota Corolla | 2026 GR Corolla (Manual 6-spd) | 24 | $3,200 | 368 |
| 12 | 2026 Audi RS | 2026 RS 3 | 23 | $3,350 | 387 |
Pick a 2026 version, then set your miles and fuel price. Fuel price as of 2026-11-14, U.S. Department of Energy / EPA. The price box starts at the dated price of the fuel the picked version burns (regular, midgrade or premium gasoline, diesel, E85 or electricity) and sets the price of that fuel. Miles are limited to 1,000 to 60,000 a year and the price to $0.01 to $20.00; a value outside that is worked out at the nearest limit.
2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd), 4-cyl 2.3 L: 22 mpg city, 33 highway, 26 combined. The agency's own estimate for the 2026 Mustang version is $2,400 a year (15,000 miles, the agency's fuel prices).
The 3 nearest rivals in the Subcompact Cars class for 2026, picked by closest combined mileage; only versions with a fuel-cost figure are listed. Same miles as on the left. The price box on the left is the price of the fuel of the version you picked: a rival that burns the same fuel uses that price, a rival that burns another fuel keeps the dated price of its own fuel. The 5-year line is 5 times the yearly gap.
The Mustang costs $583 less to fuel each year.
Over 5 years the Mustang costs $2,915 less to fuel than the S3 (5 times the yearly difference, at these miles and these prices).
Dollar gaps use each car's best-mileage version.
| Rival in 2026 | Best version | Combined | Fuel a year, agency (15,000 miles) | Against the Mustang (mileage) | Agency yearly fuel cost against the Mustang | Side by side |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Audi S3 | 2026 S3 | 26 mpg | $3,000 | same figure | $600 more a year | - |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class | 2026 CLE300 4matic (Coupe) | 27 mpg | $2,850 | 1 higher | $450 more a year | - |
| 2026 Audi A3 | 2026 A3 quattro | 28 mpg | $2,750 | 2 higher | $350 more a year | - |
EPA test figures for 2026; the last column is the yearly fuel cost against the cheapest version.
| Version | Engine | Gearbox | Drive | City | Highway | Combined | Fuel a year | CO2 g/mi | Fuel vs cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-wheel | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,400 | 341 | cheapest |
| 2026 Mustang Performance Package | 4-cyl 2.3 L | Automatic (S10) | Rear-wheel | 21 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 361 | +$100 |
| 2026 Mustang (8-cyl 5.0 L, Automatic (S10)) | 8-cyl 5.0 L | Automatic (S10) | Rear-wheel | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 | +$900 |
| 2026 Mustang (8-cyl 5.0 L, Manual 6-spd) | 8-cyl 5.0 L | Manual 6-spd | Rear-wheel | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 | +$1,050 |
| 2026 Mustang Dark Horse (Automatic (S10)) | 8-cyl 5.0 L | Automatic (S10) | Rear-wheel | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,650 | 525 | +$1,250 |
| 2026 Mustang Dark Horse (Manual 6-spd) | 8-cyl 5.0 L | Manual 6-spd | Rear-wheel | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,650 | 533 | +$1,250 |
| 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC | 8-cyl 5.2 L | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-wheel | 12 | 18 | 14 | $5,550 | 640 | +$3,150 |
| 2026 Mustang GTD | 8-cyl 5.2 L | Automatic (AM-S8) | Rear-wheel | 10 | 17 | 12 | $6,450 | 741 | +$4,050 |
Enter the price difference you were quoted for the 2026 Mustang; this page has no prices. Miles come from the calculator. The fuel price box there sets the price of the fuel of the version picked there; a version here that burns another fuel keeps the dated price of its own fuel. Versions with no fuel-cost figure are not listed.
Type the price difference you were quoted to see the payback.
Tailpipe CO2: the 2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) puts out 341 grams per mile; across the 8 tested versions the figure runs from 341 to 741.
EPA scores (1 to 10, 10 best) for the 2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd): fuel economy score 5 (1 to 5 across versions), greenhouse gas score 5 (1 to 5 across versions).
Best combined figure of the Mustang gas version each model year since 2016, set against the 2026 model.
| Model year | Best gas version | Versions tested | Against 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 25 mpg | 9 | 1 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2017 | 24 mpg | 14 | 2 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2018 | 25 mpg | 10 | 1 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2019 | 25 mpg | 11 | 1 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2020 | 25 mpg | 14 | 1 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2021 | 25 mpg | 16 | 1 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2022 | 25 mpg | 16 | 1 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2023 | 25 mpg | 15 | 1 mpg lower than 2026 | |
| 2024 | 26 mpg | 8 | same as 2026 | |
| 2025 | 26 mpg | 6 | same as 2026 | |
| 2026This page | 26 mpg | 8 | this page |
Compared with the 2025 model: 6 versions were tested then and 8 now; the best figure went from 26 to 26 mpg (no change).
| Version in 2026 | 2026 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd), 4-cyl 2.3 L | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Mustang Performance Package, 4-cyl 2.3 L | 25 mpg | 26 mpg (listed in 2025 as Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd)) | -1 mpg |
| 2026 Mustang (8-cyl 5.0 L, Automatic (S10)), 8-cyl 5.0 L | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Mustang (8-cyl 5.0 L, Manual 6-spd), 8-cyl 5.0 L | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Mustang Dark Horse (Automatic (S10)), 8-cyl 5.0 L | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Mustang Dark Horse (Manual 6-spd), 8-cyl 5.0 L | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | no change |
| 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC, 8-cyl 5.2 L | 14 mpg | 12 mpg (listed in 2025 as Mustang GTD) | +2 mpg |
| 2026 Mustang GTD, 8-cyl 5.2 L | 12 mpg | 12 mpg | no change |
Crash-test stars from the U.S. safety agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings, checked 2026-11-14. 5 is the best.
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 FORD MUSTANG C N/A RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | 5 of 5 |
| 2026 FORD MUSTANG GTD 2 DR N/A RWD | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
The agency lists 4 variants; the first 2 are shown.
The agency's record for the first rated vehicle also lists 8 complaints, 5 recalls, 0 investigations.
Includes agency records filed under: MUSTANG, MUSTANG GTD, MUSTANG NO REAR SEAT.
8 complaints for the 2026 Ford Mustang are on file (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints are reports that owners sent to the safety agency. They are not proven defects, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
| Part named in the reports | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Power Train | 1 |
2 of the 8 reports say the car was in a crash, 0 mention a fire and 1 mentions an injury. One report can name more than one part.
Includes agency records filed under: MUSTANG, MUSTANG GTD, MUSTANG NO REAR SEAT.
5 recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Mustang at the U.S. safety agency (checked 2026-11-14). A dealer does recall repairs free of charge.
Includes agency records filed under: MUSTANG, MUSTANG GTD, MUSTANG NO REAR SEAT.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness ground connections may fracture and result in a loss of drive power, or a loss of function in the windshield washing system, headlights, air ...
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine compartment wiring harness ground terminals, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 5, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD vehicles.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed.
Other 2026 models of the same agency class, each with its best combined figure. The Mustang itself is at 26 mpg.
More Ford models that have a 2026 page here, with the class of each and its best combined figure.
The 2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) with 26 mpg combined (22 city, 33 highway).
The 2026 Ford Mustang costs between $2,400 and $6,450 to fuel by the agency's estimate, which assumes 15,000 miles a year. The cheapest is the 2026 Mustang (4-cyl 2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd) at $2,400; the dearest is the 2026 Mustang GTD at $6,450. Use the calculator above for your own miles and fuel price.
The 2026 Ford Mustang is 8th of 18 for combined mileage. The top of the class is the 2026 Honda Prelude at 44 mpg, and the middle figure for the class is 25 mpg. In the list, the next one ahead is the 2026 Audi S3 at 26 mpg and the next one behind is the 2026 BMW 8 Series at 24 mpg.
The 2025 model had 6 tested versions and the 2026 model has 8. The best figure went from 26 to 26 mpg (no change).
In the agency's 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14; 5 is the best), the stars are 2026 FORD MUSTANG C N/A RWD: rollover 5; 2026 FORD MUSTANG GTD 2 DR N/A RWD: overall 5 of 5, front 5, side 5, rollover 5. The agency lists 4 variants; the first 2 are shown.
8 complaints for the 2026 Ford Mustang are on file at the safety agency (checked 2026-11-14); the part named most often is Engine (3 reports). Complaints are reports owners sent in, not proven defects.
The agency's database lists 5 recalls for the 2026 Ford Mustang (checked 2026-11-14). They are listed above with the repair the maker offers.
For the 2026 Ford Mustang: EPA file 2026-11-04; fuel price 2026-11-14; crash tests 2026-11-14; complaints 2026-11-14; recalls 2026-11-14. Not covered: purchase price, towing, reliability, repair and insurance costs.
Mileage and fuel cost for the 2026 Ford Mustang: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fueleconomy.gov vehicle file (file dated 2026-11-04). Recalls for the 2026 Ford Mustang: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (checked 2026-11-14). Crash-test ratings for the 2026 Ford Mustang: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (checked 2026-11-14). Complaints for the 2026 Ford Mustang: NHTSA (checked 2026-11-14). Fuel prices: U.S. Department of Energy / EPA (2026-11-14). Your own mileage depends on how and where you drive. Where our numbers come from.