Ford Mustang vs Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Ford Mustang, a 26 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Corolla leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2026

Ford Mustang

Subcompact Cars · 133 configurations

26mpg combined (best)
All Ford Mustang specs

2015–2027

Toyota Corolla

Compact Cars · 112 configurations

52mpg combined (best)
All Toyota Corolla specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricFord MustangToyota Corolla
Best combined MPG26 mpg52 mpg
Best city MPG22 mpg53 mpg
Best highway MPG33 mpg52 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,350$1,200
Lowest CO2 output341 g/mi170 g/mi
Engines offered5.2, 5.0, SIDI & PFI, with Stop-StartSIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode
TransmissionsAutomatic (AM-S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S10)Automatic (AV-S10), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd
DrivetrainsRear-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, RegularRegular, Premium
EPA classSubcompact CarsCompact Cars
Years covered2015–20262015–2027
Configurations on record133112

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Mustang vs Corolla: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Ford Mustang or the Toyota Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Ford Mustang, a 26 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota Corolla runs about $1,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,350 for the Ford Mustang — a difference of roughly $1,150 per year.

What engines do the Mustang and Corolla offer?

Ford Mustang: 5.2, 5.0, SIDI & PFI, with Stop-Start. Toyota Corolla: SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Ford Mustang as Subcompact Cars and the Toyota Corolla as Compact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More Mustang comparisons

Comparison id: ford-mustang-vs-toyota-corolla