Muscle cars have always been synonymous with power and performance, but in today’s world, fuel efficiency is just as crucial. The automotive industry has responded, innovating to blend high horsepower with impressive gas mileage. Forget the gas-guzzling stereotypes; modern muscle cars are redefining efficiency. Let’s dive into the top 10 cars that deliver the best MPG without sacrificing the muscle car spirit.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
While often overshadowed by lighter competitors like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe brings a unique muscle car flavor to the table. It boasts a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine churning out 348 horsepower, giving it genuine muscle car credentials. When it comes to fuel economy, the 6-speed manual achieves 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, while the 8-speed automatic offers a slightly better 16 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. Offering more power than a BRZ and better efficiency than larger sedans like the Taurus SHO or Cadillac ATS-V, the Genesis Coupe is a compelling entry point for those seeking thrilling performance with reasonable fuel consumption.
Mercedes-AMG C63 S
Mercedes-Benz offers a range of fuel-efficient luxury vehicles, including the SL400 and SLK300. However, when discussing muscle cars with impressive MPG, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S cannot be ignored. True to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess, this powerhouse delivers a staggering 503 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft of torque from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. Considering its immense power and four-door configuration, the fuel economy rating of 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway is surprisingly respectable. While the starting price of around $73,000 is significant, the combination of power and efficiency in the AMG C63 S was unimaginable just a decade ago.
BMW M4
The BMW M4, a relatively recent name in the muscle car arena, quickly establishes itself against long-standing rivals. Despite its newer status, the M4 compensates with rapid acceleration and engaging driving dynamics. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine produces 425 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 mph times of just 4.1 seconds – figures once exclusive to exotic supercars. Driven with fuel efficiency in mind, the M4 achieves EPA ratings of 17 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Although a newer entrant to the muscle car legacy, the BMW M4 makes a strong statement combining performance with surprising MPG.
Nissan 370Z NISMO
The Nissan 370Z NISMO might not be the first car that comes to mind when thinking of muscle cars, but its aggressive styling and performance credentials firmly place it in the category. Recent updates have given the 370Z NISMO a more muscular stance, incorporating racecar-inspired bodywork and design cues from the GT-R. Its 3.7-liter V6 engine delivers 350 horsepower to the rear wheels, providing exhilarating performance. Opting for the 7-speed automatic transmission yields fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The 370Z NISMO blends distinctive styling and performance with a respectable MPG for a sports-oriented muscle car.
Audi S5
The Audi S5, renowned for its sophisticated design, received updates for the 2017 model year, bringing subtle yet impactful changes. A significant shift under the hood is the move to a turbocharger, replacing the supercharger. Despite being a luxury car weighing over 3,550 lbs, the S5 earns its place on this list thanks to its standard quattro all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 354 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque. The 8-speed S Tronic transmission further enhances efficiency, resulting in EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. The Audi S5 effectively combines luxury, performance, and a commendable MPG.
Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type is a compelling blend of stunning aesthetics, potent power, and engaging driving dynamics. Its classic muscle car proportions are undeniable. The base F-Type delivers 340 horsepower to the rear wheels, while the F-Type S boosts the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 to a robust 380 horsepower. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the F-Type achieves impressive fuel economy for its class, with the base model reaching 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, and the F-Type S at 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. Even the high-performance F-Type S AWD, capable of 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, manages 18 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, demonstrating Jaguar’s commitment to balancing power and MPG.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Entering traditional muscle car territory, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray stands out as an icon of American performance. Ironically, American automakers are leading the charge in integrating fuel efficiency into their muscle car designs. The Corvette exemplifies this, achieving an astonishing 29 MPG highway across all Stingray models, even with its powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 460 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft of torque. This remarkable MPG is achieved through cylinder deactivation technology, allowing the Corvette to run on four cylinders during cruising, a testament to innovation in muscle car efficiency.
Dodge Challenger SXT
The Dodge Challenger embodies the quintessential muscle car aesthetic: a long hood, rear-wheel drive, two doors, and a bold presence. However, modern Challengers also consider fuel efficiency. The base 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 19 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, demonstrating a notable focus on MPG, while still providing a substantial 305 horsepower and 268 lb.-ft of torque. Impressively, even higher-performance models like the 485-horsepower Scat Pack V8 can achieve 25 MPG highway, and the 707-horsepower Hellcat manages 22 MPG highway. The Challenger proves that muscle and MPG can coexist.
Chevrolet Camaro LT
The Chevrolet Camaro represents the new era of turbocharged muscle cars, blending power and fuel efficiency. While turbocharging isn’t entirely new to muscle cars, the latest Camaro signifies a significant step in this evolution. The redesigned Camaro features a turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque, while achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Although it might lack the traditional V8 roar, the turbo-4 offers smooth and ample power, appealing to buyers seeking a balance of muscle car heritage, striking design, and fuel-efficient performance.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
The Ford Mustang, the original pony car, continues to lead innovation, now with the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. This model features a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that surpasses rivals in both power and MPG. Producing 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft of torque, the EcoBoost delivers strong performance, while achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, offering real savings at the gas pump. Interestingly, the EcoBoost isn’t the base Mustang model, but its well-rounded capabilities bridge the gap between the V6 and V8 versions. As muscle cars evolve, the Mustang EcoBoost sets a benchmark for fuel-efficient performance.
In conclusion, the landscape of muscle cars is changing, and for the better. These top 10 Cars With Best Mpg prove that you don’t have to sacrifice fuel efficiency for thrilling performance and iconic muscle car appeal. Automakers are successfully combining power and economy, offering a new generation of muscle cars that are both exciting to drive and kinder to your wallet at the pump.
