In 2025, the muscle car scene is roaring louder than ever. Two legendary names—Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger—return with new updates, bringing modern flair to classic power. While both offer thrilling performance and head-turning style, they differ significantly in pricing, fuel economy, and standout features. If you’re in the market for a new muscle car, this detailed comparison will help you decide which ride suits your lifestyle and driving needs.

Affordability: Muscle on a Budget
When shopping for performance, budget is always a factor. The 2025 Ford Mustang starts off with a more accessible price range. Its entry-level EcoBoost variant is priced around $33,915, which is ideal for drivers who want muscle without a luxury car price tag. The Mustang GT, powered by a V8 engine, takes a leap to around $46,885, offering more power and refinement.
At the top of the Mustang lineup is the track-focused Dark Horse edition, coming in at approximately $64,080. For what it offers in terms of performance, handling, and premium features, it remains competitively priced in the muscle car world.
The 2025 Dodge Charger lineup features both traditional and electric models, with pricing expected to vary widely depending on the configuration. While official prices haven’t been finalized across all trims, early indications suggest that the electric variants—like the Charger Daytona—will command a higher price tag. So, if affordability is a major factor, the Mustang provides better value across its range.

Mileage: Fuel Economy Meets Electric Efficiency
Fuel economy has become just as important as horsepower for many buyers. The 2025 Mustang EcoBoost delivers a respectable 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway—solid numbers for a performance car. It averages a combined 26 MPG, making it a suitable choice for everyday use.
The V8-powered Mustang GT and Dark Horse trade efficiency for power, clocking in at around 15 city / 23 highway MPG and 14 city / 22 highway MPG respectively. While less efficient, they’re still in line with what you’d expect from powerful rear-wheel-drive sports cars.
On the other side, the 2025 Dodge Charger offers a broader approach. Its upcoming SIXPACK trims with turbocharged inline-six engines are expected to outperform traditional V8s in terms of efficiency, though EPA ratings are still pending.
The star of the Charger lineup is the all-electric Charger Daytona R/T, with an estimated range of up to 308 miles per charge. It boasts impressive efficiency, offering around 104 MPGe city and 91 MPGe highway. The downside? Charging can take up to 9.9 hours on a 240V outlet, which might be inconvenient for some users unless they have home charging infrastructure.
Verdict? If you’re going green or want minimal fuel costs, the electric Charger stands out. But for traditional muscle car fans who still want reasonable fuel economy, the Mustang EcoBoost is a smart compromise.

Special Features: Tech, Comfort, and Driving Fun
The 2025 Mustang is well-equipped in terms of tech and convenience. It features Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims are enhanced by a 12-speaker B&O sound system for an immersive audio experience.