Do Dodge Challengers get good gas mileage?
The short answer: Challengers are not renowned for fuel efficiency, but the V6 versions offer respectable economy within the muscle-car segment, while the V8 and high-performance variants drink more fuel. Overall, you’ll generally see better mileage on the V6 trims and noticeably lower numbers on the supercharged models.
To understand what that means in practice, it helps to look at how fuel economy varies by engine, drivetrain, and model year. The Challenger lineup spans from efficient daily-drive V6s to extreme performance V8s, so mileage is highly contingent on configuration, driving style, and conditions. It’s also worth noting that Dodge ended regular Challenger production after the 2023 model year, so current-new availability is limited to existing stock and used models.
Engine choices and mpg ranges
The following ranges reflect EPA estimates commonly cited for recent Challenger models, acknowledging year-to-year variations and whether the car uses rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and which transmission is paired with the engine.
- 3.6L V6 with eight-speed automatic (RWD): about 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway; roughly 23 mpg combined.
- 3.6L V6 with AWD (Challenger GT): about 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway; roughly 21 mpg combined.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 (RWD): about 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway; roughly 19 mpg combined.
- 6.4L Hemi (392) (RWD): about 14–15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway; roughly 17 mpg combined.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hellcat (RWD): about 11–12 mpg city / 17–22 mpg highway; roughly 14–16 mpg combined.
- 6.2L Supercharged Redeye (RWD): about 11 mpg city / 19–23 mpg highway (varies by specific model and setup); roughly 13–15 mpg combined.
In summary, the most economical Challenger is the V6 variant, particularly with the automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. As you move into the higher-performance V8s and supercharged versions, mpg drops into the mid-teens or lower, depending on driving conditions and tire/wheel choices.
Practical considerations and tips for improving fuel economy
Even as a performance-focused car, drivers can influence real-world fuel economy with mindful driving and maintenance. The following tips apply broadly to Challengers and similar large engines.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking; smooth throttle application helps a lot, especially on highways.
- Maintain steady speeds on highways and use cruise control when appropriate to minimize fuel-thirsty fluctuations.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.
- Use the fuel grade recommended by Dodge for your specific engine (premium is required for certain high-performance variants; regular unleaded is standard for most V6 models).
- Minimize weight and drag where possible (roof racks, heavy wheels, and unnecessary cargo can all impact mpg).
- Plan trips to minimize idling and short trips where the engine never reaches optimal operating temperature.
Even with these tips, performance enthusiasts should expect the Challenger’s fuel economy to reflect its purpose: a sporty car with big tunes and hefty horsepower. Real-world numbers will vary based on year, trim, and how aggressively you drive.
Model year availability and buying considerations
As of the latest guidance, Dodge ended regular Challenger production after the 2023 model year. That means new Challengers are no longer in mainstream production, and buyers are typically looking at used or last-edition stock. When shopping used Challengers, the mpg you’ll see will depend heavily on the year and the exact configuration (V6 vs. V8, manual vs. automatic, and AWD). If fuel economy is a priority, prioritize the V6 RWD configurations and be mindful of the wear and tuning on older engines, which can affect efficiency.
Summary
Do Dodge Challengers get good gas mileage? Compared with typical sedans, fuel economy is modest, especially on the high-performance variants. The V6 models offer the best efficiency in the lineup, often in the low 20s to mid-20s mpg combined, while the V8 and supercharged versions typically deliver in the mid-teens to low-20s mpg combined. If you’re prioritizing fuel economy, a V6 Challenger (preferably RWD with a modern eight-speed automatic) is your best bet among the lineup. For buyers considering used or last-year stock, expect a broader range and fewer opportunities for optimization than with a new, economy-focused vehicle.
Summary: The Challenger can be relatively efficient for a muscle car in its class, but if mileage is a primary concern, you’ll find the best numbers with the V6 RWD versions, while the high-performance variants emphasize power over efficiency.
