How do Dodge Chargers do on gas?

In brief, the Dodge Charger’s fuel economy varies widely by engine and drivetrain. The most efficient configurations hover around the low-to-mid 20s mpg combined, while the high-performance Hellcat variants typically fall into the mid-teens combined.

The Charger lineup spans from mild-hybrid-assisted V6 models to brutal V8 and supercharged V8 powertrains. This article breaks down official fuel-economy estimates, explains how real-world results can differ, and offers tips for squeezing more miles per gallon without sacrificing the car’s practicality and performance.

EPA fuel economy by engine and drivetrain

Here is a concise rundown of EPA estimates for common Charger configurations, noting that numbers vary by model year and drivetrain.

• 3.6L V6 with mild-hybrid eTorque (RWD, 8-speed automatic): about 19 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined.


• 3.6L V6 with mild-hybrid eTorque (AWD, 8-speed): about 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined.


• 5.7L Hemi V8 (RWD): around 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, 19 mpg combined.


• 5.7L Hemi V8 (AWD): around 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, 18 mpg combined.


• 6.4L Hemi (SRT 392, typically RWD): roughly 14–15 mpg city, 23–24 mpg highway, 17–18 mpg combined.


• 6.2L Supercharged Hemi Hellcat (usually RWD): roughly 11–12 mpg city, 21–23 mpg highway, 15–16 mpg combined.

Bottom line: the base V6 with mild-hybrid aid offers the best overall fuel economy in the lineup, while the supercharged V8 variants use substantially more fuel in daily driving thanks to their performance-focused tuning.

Real-world fuel economy and influencing factors

Official EPA figures provide a baseline, but real-world mileage on a Dodge Charger depends on how you drive, where you drive, and how you load the car. Heavy weight, wide tires, and strong acceleration can all push observed miles per gallon lower than the EPA estimates, especially in city driving or when routinely using power from a standstill.

Fuel octane considerations and engine requirements

Most V6 Chargers operate on regular 87-octane gasoline. The high-performance Hellcat variants typically require premium fuel (often 93 octane) to achieve their advertised performance and may see better efficiency only when fueled with the proper grade.

To help drivers gauge real-world fuel economy, consider the following practical tips.

Before you dive into the tips, here is a brief note: improving efficiency in a heavy, performance-oriented sedan is about smoother operation and reduced drag, not turning it into a compact economy car.

For drivers aiming to maximize mileage, here are practical steps that can help close the gap to EPA estimates.

• Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure; underinflated tires waste energy.


• Adopt a steadier, smoother driving style; use cruise control on highways and anticipate stops to avoid aggressive acceleration.


• Limit roof-mounted cargo and remove unnecessary weight from the trunk; extra mass and aero drag reduce efficiency.


• Schedule regular maintenance: air filters, spark plugs, oxygen sensors, and proper wheel alignment support better fuel economy.


• Use the correct fuel grade for your engine; premium fuel is generally required for Hellcat models and may improve performance and consistency of MPG in those variants.

Even with these practices, the Charger’s performance-oriented trims will consume more fuel, but mindful driving can help everyday fuel economy rise modestly across the lineup.

Summary

The Dodge Charger offers a broad spectrum of fuel economy outcomes. If fuel efficiency is a priority, the 3.6L V6 with eTorque leads the pack with the best EPA numbers, especially in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. For those who prioritize performance, the Hellcat and Redeye variants understandably deliver far lower mpg. Real-world mileage typically tracks a bit below EPA estimates for most owners, but careful driving, proper maintenance, and choosing the right variant can help you balance daily usability with the car’s performance and practicality.

Are Dodge Chargers good for long distance driving?

Yes, Dodge Chargers can be good for long-distance driving due to their comfort, spaciousness, and powerful engines, though fuel economy varies significantly by model, and certain V8 models may have higher fuel costs. Many owners report that the cars are comfortable for long trips, with features like spacious interiors and a powerful ride that reduces driver fatigue. The car is also a practical sedan that can hold passengers and luggage. 
Pros

• Comfort: Owners frequently report that the Charger is a very comfortable car for long drives, with features like available cooled/heated leather seats, plenty of legroom, and a smooth ride that helps reduce fatigue. 
• Space: It's a four-door sedan with a spacious back seat and a large trunk, making it a practical choice for carrying passengers and luggage on road trips. 
• Power: The powerful engine provides plenty of power for passing and highway merging, making highway driving feel effortless. 
• Highway efficiency: Models with cylinder deactivation (MDS) can achieve reasonable highway fuel economy, with some owners reporting up to 25 mpg on the highway. 

Cons

• Fuel economy: This varies significantly by model. While some V6 models are reasonably efficient, the large V8 engines in models like the Scat Pack or Hellcat can be gas guzzlers, especially with spirited driving. 
• Refueling: You may find yourself stopping to refuel more often in higher-performance models due to their lower MPG and the relatively small fuel tank. 
• Maintenance: Like many high-performance vehicles, they can have recurring issues like oil leaks, and their suspension components may wear out faster if driven aggressively or on rough roads. 

Is a Dodge Charger good on gas?

No, a Dodge Charger is not generally considered good on gas, especially with the more powerful V8 engines. Fuel efficiency varies significantly by engine and driving style, with the V6 models offering the best mileage at around 19 MPG city/30 MPG highway, while V8 models range from 15 MPG city/24 MPG highway for the 6.4L to 12 MPG city/21 MPG highway for the supercharged 6.2L. 
Factors affecting fuel economy

• Engine: The base V6 engine is the most fuel-efficient, while larger, more powerful V8 engines consume significantly more gas. 
• Drive type: All-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the V6 models are slightly less fuel-efficient than their rear-wheel-drive (RWD) counterparts (e.g., 18 MPG city/27 MPG highway for AWD vs. 19 MPG city/30 MPG highway for RWD). 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving, quick acceleration, and high speeds will drastically decrease fuel economy, especially in V8 models. 
• Driving conditions: City driving with frequent stops and starts is less fuel-efficient than highway cruising. 

Examples of fuel economy by engine

• V6 (3.6L): 19 MPG city / 30 MPG highway
• V8 (5.7L HEMI): 16 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
• V8 (6.4L): 15 MPG city / 24 MPG highway
• Supercharged V8 (6.2L): 12 MPG city / 21 MPG highway 

How much does gas cost for a Dodge Charger?

The price of a new gas-powered Dodge Charger depends on the model, with the 2026 Sixpack R/T starting at approximately $49,995 and the higher-performance Sixpack Scat Pack starting at about $54,995. This does not include the destination fee of $1,995 for the Scat Pack model. The gas price will depend on the model's fuel efficiency and the cost of gasoline. 
New 2026 Dodge Charger gas models

• Sixpack R/T: Starts at approximately $49,995. 
• Sixpack Scat Pack: Starts at approximately $54,995 (plus destination fee). 
• Price variation: Four-door versions are available for an additional $2,000 on both gas and EV models. 

What to know about gas price

• The gas price will vary depending on the model's fuel efficiency and the price of gasoline. 
• The specific fuel efficiency for the new gas models has not been released yet, but older models had an estimated combined city/highway MPG of 24, according to Edmunds. 

Is Dodge good on gas?

There are many reasons to go with Dodge, mainly because of the thrills and the looks. That said, Dodge mpg is surprisingly good, especially on the highway. Turns out that when these big engines are cruising along in top gear at the speed limit, they do so without wasting any fuel.