Does a challenger use a lot of gas?
Yes—compared with most modern non-performance cars, the Dodge Challenger tends to drink more fuel, especially in its V8 variants. The exact fuel economy depends on the engine, drivetrain, and how you drive, but even the most efficient Challengers are not in the same league as small sedans or hybrids.
Engine options and MPG ranges
The Challenger comes with several engine choices, and that choice largely determines how much gas you’ll burn. Here’s a quick guide to typical ranges by powertrain, noting that numbers vary with model year and transmission.
Overview of engine choices and efficiency impact
- 3.6-liter V6 (Pentastar) with an 8-speed automatic: generally around 19–22 mpg city and 28–30+ mpg highway, depending on year and spec. This is the most fuel-efficient Challenger option.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8: typically about 15–17 mpg city and 23–25 mpg highway. More power, noticeably higher fuel use than the V6.
- 6.4-liter Hemi (392) V8: usually around 14–15 mpg city and 23–25 mpg highway. Heavier and more power, with lower economy than the 5.7.
- Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (Hellcat/Redeye): commonly in the low teens for city driving and the low- to mid-20s on the highway (roughly 11–13 mpg city / 17–22 mpg highway, depending on variant and year). These are the most fuel-thirsty options.
- Transmission and weight notes: Most Challengers are rear-wheel drive; an 8-speed automatic is common and often more efficient than older manuals, but the big factor remains engine displacement and power output.
In short, engine choice is the primary driver of fuel economy for the Challenger. The V6 is the most economical, while the various V8s—and especially the supercharged variants—consume significantly more fuel.
Real-world mpg and other factors
EPA figures provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy depends on many conditions beyond the engine choice. The following factors commonly shift mpg up or down in everyday use.
What affects real-world mpg
- Weight and aerodynamics: A Challenger weighs roughly 3,900–4,500 pounds depending on trim and options. Extra weight and wider tires increase rolling resistance and drag, lowering mpg.
- Drivetrain and configuration: All Challenger models are rear-wheel drive; there is no factory AWD option. This can influence fuel use, especially in adverse weather or during spirited driving.
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration, sustained high speeds, and frequent stopping greatly reduce fuel economy, particularly with V8 engines.
- Terrain and climate: Hilly terrain and cold weather reduce efficiency; air conditioning use in hot weather also raises consumption.
- Maintenance and condition: Worn spark plugs, dirty air filters, under-inflated tires, and poor alignment can hurt mpg.
- Tires and fuel quality: Low-rolling-resistance tires help, while high-slip or aggressive tires can hurt economy. Use the octane recommended by the manual; higher octane generally doesn’t boost mpg for these engines.
Real-world mpg for most Challengers tends to be lower than the EPA numbers, particularly for the V8 variants. In mixed driving, you’ll typically see a range from the mid-teens up to the low 20s, depending on engine and habits.
Tips to improve fuel economy
Owners who want to maximize efficiency can adopt several practical strategies. The following list highlights actionable steps.
- Opt for the most efficient powertrain available for your needs—usually a V6 with the 8-speed automatic—for better overall fuel economy.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and maintain the vehicle with regular service (air filters, spark plugs, oil, etc.).
- Limit weight by removing unnecessary cargo or accessories; extra weight costs fuel.
- Use cruise control on highways to sustain steady speeds where appropriate.
- Drive smoothly: anticipate traffic, avoid hard accelerations and rapid braking, and coast when possible.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and combine errands to reduce total drive time.
- Limit climate-control use when feasible; preconditioning the cabin before starting a trip can help if your model supports it.
- Follow the manual on fuel octane: higher octane does not automatically improve mpg for most Challenger engines.
- Consider driving modes and performance settings thoughtfully, as some modes prioritize power over efficiency and can disable fuel-saving features.
Even with these practices, the Challenger will generally consume more fuel than many mainstream cars. With disciplined driving and regular maintenance, you can achieve better-than-expected efficiency for a performance-oriented coupe, but it remains a power-focused vehicle overall.
Summary
The Dodge Challenger’s gas use hinges largely on engine choice. The V6 models are the most economical within the lineup, while the V8 variants—especially the supercharged Hellcat family—pull fuel economy down sharply. Real-world mpg varies with driving conditions, weight, and maintenance, but expect a broad range that is generally lower than typical non-performance cars. For buyers and owners, selecting the right engine, staying on top of maintenance, and adopting fuel-conscious driving habits are the keys to achieving the best possible efficiency from this iconic muscle car.
