After Ford updated the S550 generation Mustang’s looks in 2018, the EcoBoost became the cheapest and most efficient car in the lineup. Opting for a turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of Ford’s discontinued V6 or powerful Coyote V8 promises to cut emissions and save you some money at the pumps. However, is the Ford Mustang EcoBoost really that efficient? Further, how does it stack up against other sports cars? 

Does the EcoBoost save gas?

In terms of the Mustang lineup, you’re not going to find better fuel economy. The 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost promises 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg at highway speeds. Its range-topping fuel efficiency numbers are courtesy of its 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Considering the next powerplant in the lineup is a 5.0L Coyote V8 engine for the GT trim, that’s pretty impressive. 

Better yet, the EcoBoost manages to squeeze 310 horsepower from its small powerplant. That’s already more than other entry-level competitors. Still, if it’s not enough for you, the High-Performance package bumps the power up to 330. However, there are a few cars out there that are nearly as efficient as the EcoBoost, and many that are more efficient than the entry-level Mustang. 

Is the Mustang EcoBoost as efficient as the Dodge Challenger SXT?

While the Dodge Challenger SXT has a V6 engine, it gets better highway mileage than the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Specifically, the SXT manages 30 mpg at highway speeds, making it the only coupe in the muscle car segment with highway mileage that formidable. However, the 303-horsepower Pentastar V6 engine isn’t enough to move the heavy Challenger efficiently in stop-and-go traffic; it only gets 19 mpg in the city. 

How efficient is the Chevrolet Camaro?

Although Chevrolet’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes considerably fewer ponies than the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, the Camaro also fails to outperform the Mustang’s economy. According to TrueCar, the 275-horsepower, entry-level Chevrolet Camaro 1LS earns 19 mpg city and 28 mpg at highway speeds. While that’s pretty good for a heavy sports coupe, it’s not good enough to best the EcoBoost.  

Is the EcoBoost as efficient as the Subaru BRZ?

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is more efficient than the Subaru BRZ. Despite the lightness and lower horsepower of the BRZ, the little Subaru only manages 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg at highway speeds. Of course, the EcoBoost and BRZ are very different cars. The Mustang offers an optional convertible top, while the little Subaru coupe is a simple, fun driver’s car for the sports car segment. 

Is the Mustang EcoBoost worth it?

The EcoBoost is a solid purchase if you want a sports car with modern muscle car styling and commendable fuel economy. Also, the EcoBoost is more affordable than the entry-level Dodge Challenger and Subaru BRZ. However, if you want a more efficient car, leave the sports car segment altogether and look at vehicles like the Honda Civic. 

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