Ford Mustang vs Subaru BRZ: fuel economy and fuel cost
In model year 2026 the Ford Mustang is the cheaper of the two to fuel: about $2,510 a year for its lowest-cost configuration (Mustang, 26 MPG combined), against $3,270 for the Subaru BRZ (BRZ, 25 MPG combined). That is $760 a year, or $3,800 over five years.
Both are classed as Small cars by the EPA. Costs assume 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel and electricity prices for both vehicles, using the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Each figure is rounded to $10 and every difference is calculated from the rounded values.
The EPA is still publishing model year 2027 ratings, so this page compares model year 2026, the latest complete year.
- Gas
- Small cars
Ford Mustang
Lowest fuel cost configuration
Mustang
$16.73 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
6 configurations in MY2026
- Gas
- Small cars
Subaru BRZ
Lowest fuel cost configuration
BRZ
$21.80 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
2 configurations in MY2026
What the fuel costs
Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration
- Ford Mustang$2,510 a year · $16.73 per 100 mi
- Subaru BRZ$3,270 a year · $21.80 per 100 mi
Difference per year
$760
Ford Mustang costs less to fuel
Over 5 years
$3,800
$760 a year × 5, 15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
Head to head, MY2026
| Measure | Ford Mustang | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost configuration | Mustang | BRZ |
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Combined rating | 26 MPG (better) | 25 MPG |
| City rating | 22 MPG (better) | 21 MPG |
| Highway rating | 33 MPG (better) | 30 MPG |
| Annual fuel cost | $2,510/yr (better) | $3,270/yr |
| Cost per 100 miles | $16.73 (better) | $21.80 |
| Annual cost range, all configurations | $2,510–$6,700 | $3,270–$3,610 |
| Configurations in MY2026 | 6 | 2 |
| EPA class | Small cars | Small cars |
Best configuration by powertrain
| Powertrain | Ford Mustang | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | 26 MPG · $2,510/yr Mustang | 25 MPG · $3,270/yr BRZ |
Each cell shows the combined rating and the annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration with that powertrain.
Where each one comes out ahead
Generated from the numbers above, comparing the lowest fuel cost configurations. No subjective judgements.
Ford Mustang
- Lower annual fuel cost: $2,510 vs $3,270
- Higher combined rating: 26 MPG vs 25 MPG
- Higher city rating: 22 MPG vs 21 MPG
- Higher highway rating: 33 MPG vs 30 MPG
Subaru BRZ
Not ahead on any measure listed here.
Year by year
| Model year | Ford Mustang | Subaru BRZ | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | Per year | Combined | Per year | |
| 2026 | 12–26 MPG | $2,510–$6,700 | 22–25 MPG | $3,270–$3,610 |
| 2025 | 12–26 MPG | $2,530–$5,440 | 22–25 MPG | $3,270–$3,600 |
| 2024 | 17–26 MPG | $2,520–$3,950 | 22–25 MPG | $3,270–$3,600 |
| 2023 | 17–25 MPG | $2,570–$3,850 | 22–25 MPG | $3,270–$3,600 |
| 2022 | 14–25 MPG | $2,570–$5,700 | 22–25 MPG | $3,270–$3,600 |
| 2020 | 14–25 MPG | $2,600–$5,700 | 23–27 MPG | $2,920–$3,500 |
| 2019 | 16–25 MPG | $2,570–$4,970 | 24–27 MPG | $2,920–$3,370 |
| 2018 | 16–25 MPG | $2,570–$4,970 | 23–27 MPG | $2,920–$3,500 |
| 2017 | 16–24 MPG | $2,720–$4,970 | 24–27 MPG | $2,920–$3,330 |
| 2016 | 16–25 MPG | $2,590–$4,890 | 24–28 MPG | $2,910–$3,300 |
| 2015 | 18–25 MPG | $2,570–$3,600 | 24–28 MPG | $2,910–$3,300 |
| 2014 | 18–23 MPG | $2,840–$4,430 | 24–28 MPG | $2,910–$3,300 |
| 2013 | 18–23 MPG | $2,840–$4,440 | 24–28 MPG | $2,910–$3,300 |
Earlier model years are costed with today's fuel prices, so the table shows how each model's efficiency changed, not what fuel cost at the time. Ranges cover every configuration of that model year.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to fuel, the Ford Mustang or the Subaru BRZ?
The Ford Mustang is cheaper: about $2,510 a year against $3,270 for the Subaru BRZ, a difference of $760 a year. That compares the lowest-cost configuration of each in model year 2026 at 15,000 miles a year with the same fuel prices.
How much would the Ford Mustang save over five years?
About $3,800 ($760 a year for five years), assuming 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel prices. Your total depends on how much you drive and on local prices; see fuel cost by state.
Which has the better fuel economy rating, the Ford Mustang or the Subaru BRZ?
The Ford Mustang is rated 26 MPG combined against 25 MPG for the Subaru BRZ. City: 22 MPG vs 21 MPG. Highway: 33 MPG vs 30 MPG. These are the EPA ratings of each model's lowest-cost configuration.
How is the annual fuel cost calculated?
Distance of 15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Gasoline is priced at $4.36/gal (EIA U.S. average for regular, Sep 2026) and electricity at 18.3¢/kWh (EIA U.S. residential average, Jul 2026); premium and diesel configurations use their own EIA prices. Each result is rounded to $10, and differences are calculated from the rounded figures.
Are the Ford Mustang and the Subaru BRZ in the same class?
Yes. The EPA classes both as Small cars.
Explore these cars
- Ford Mustang: ratings, trims and every model year
- Subaru BRZ: ratings, trims and every model year
- 2026 Ford Mustang: all configurations
- 2026 Subaru BRZ: all configurations
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