Do Dodge Challengers use a lot of gas?
Yes—Dodge Challengers tend to consume more fuel than many modern sedans and compact cars, especially in the high-performance trims. The base V6 is the most economical of the bunch, but even it lags behind typical non-performance cars. Heavier, more powerful V8 variants can be markedly thirstier.
Challengers come with a range of engines, from a relatively efficient 3.6-liter V6 to multiple V8s, including supercharged options. Fuel economy depends heavily on engine choice, drivetrain (the Challenger is rear-wheel drive across the lineup), driving style, and road conditions. This article breaks down typical numbers and practical considerations for prospective buyers and current owners.
Engine options and fuel economy
What you can expect from each setup
Engine choices in the Challenger span from a fuel-saving V6 to several V8s, each with different EPA estimates. The following summarizes typical MPG ranges by configuration based on recent model years and common trims.
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with an 8-speed automatic: roughly 19 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, about 23 mpg combined.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with an 8-speed automatic: roughly 16–19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, about 19 mpg combined.
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8 (392) with an 8-speed automatic: roughly 14–17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, about 17 mpg combined.
- Supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi variants (Hellcat, Redeye): typically in the low-teens for city driving and around 18–22 mpg on the highway, yielding roughly 14–17 mpg combined depending on gearing and variant.
Real-world fuel economy will vary widely with driving style, weather, and maintenance. Performance-oriented variants often fall short of the EPA numbers during spirited driving.
Factors that influence fuel use
Why the Challenger family drinks more fuel
The Challenger emphasizes power, size, and straight-line speed over efficiency. The large-displacement V8s deliver strong performance at the cost of higher fuel consumption. The car’s weight, performance tires, and aerodynamics tuned for speed rather than economy further impact real-world mileage. City driving with frequent stops, highway speed, and driving style all play significant roles in actual fuel use.
Driving habits and maintenance can influence numbers, but the car’s architecture means fuel economy will generally remain lower than typical family cars or hybrids.
Practical tips to improve efficiency
Before exploring ways to improve mileage, note that the Challenger’s design centers on performance. The following tips offer practical steps to help maximize fuel economy without sacrificing the experience of the car.
- Keep tires inflated to Dodge’s recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
- Maintain the engine with timely oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks.
- Avoid unnecessary idling; if parked for long periods, turn the engine off.
- Plan trips to reduce short trips and combine errands; on highways, aim for steady speeds and smooth acceleration.
- Remove unnecessary weight and roof racks when not in use; a lighter load improves efficiency.
Even with these measures, the Challenger’s performance-focused design means fuel economy remains lower than many non-performance cars.
What this means for buyers and owners
For buyers, the takeaway is to align expectations with the engine choice. If fuel economy is a priority, the V6-powered trims offer the best balance between performance and efficiency. If you crave unbridled acceleration, be prepared for higher fuel costs. For current owners, regular maintenance and mindful driving can help, but the car’s character will still lean toward higher fuel use compared with typical compact cars.
Summary
The Dodge Challenger prioritizes power and performance over maximum fuel efficiency. Base V6 models deliver respectable highway figures for a muscle car, but the V8 variants—especially the supercharged versions—consume substantially more fuel. Real-world mileage varies with conditions and driving style, but across the lineup Challengers generally use more gas than many typical passenger cars. If fuel economy matters most, opting for the V6 and adopting fuel-saving driving habits can help, while accepting a trade-off in acceleration and overall driving thrill.
