How many MPG does a V8 Charger get?
In short, a V8 Charger does not have a single MPG figure. Depending on the engine and configuration, you’ll typically see combined ratings from the mid-teens up to the low 20s.
The question deserves a closer look: Dodge offered several V8 options in the Charger, each with different efficiency penalties to deliver horsepower and torque. This article breaks down the mpg by engine and explains what real-world driving can do to those EPA estimates.
Engine options and typical MPG
The following figures reflect EPA estimates for typical rear-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive configurations seen on recent Charger V8 models. All-wheel drive is rarely paired with V8s, so most numbers assume RWD.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (RWD) — EPA est. 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway; combined ≈ 19 mpg.
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8 (392, typically RWD) — EPA est. 15 mpg city / 24 mpg highway; combined ≈ 18 mpg.
- 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi (Hellcat, RWD) — EPA est. around 11–12 mpg city / 21–23 mpg highway; combined ≈ 15–16 mpg.
- 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi (Hellcat Redeye/Jailbreak, RWD) — EPA est. generally 11–12 mpg city / 21–23 mpg highway; combined ≈ 15–16 mpg.
In short, the V8 Chargers span roughly 11–12 mpg in city driving to the low 20s on the highway, with typical mixed-driving averages in the high teens to around 19 mpg for the more efficient V8s and lower for the extreme-performance variants.
Real-world factors that affect mpg
EPA numbers are tests under controlled conditions. Real-world mpg varies with driving style and conditions. The following factors commonly influence efficiency in a V8 Charger:
- Driving style: aggressive acceleration and high speeds significantly lower mpg.
- Load and payload: heavier loads reduce efficiency.
- Terrain and elevation: hills and mountains demand more power.
- Tire choice and rolling resistance: performance tires can lower mpg.
- Maintenance and fuel quality: tune-ups, air filters, and spark plugs affect efficiency.
- Weather and fuel variability: cold starts and hot climates can alter performance.
Real-world mpg often trails EPA estimates for spirited driving; calm highway cruises can approach highway EPA figures, especially with the 5.7L Hemi.
Notes on model years and availability
The Charger has historically been offered with multiple V8s, but Dodge confirmed the model would end production after the 2023 model year, with no new gas-powered Chargers entering the market afterward. Variants such as the Hellcat and Jailbreak delivered the highest performance and the lowest mpg among the V8 lineup, consistent with EPA estimates above.
Summary
There is no one-size-fits-all MPG figure for a V8 Charger. The range spans roughly 11–12 mpg city to the low 20s highway, with combined figures typically in the high teens for the most common V8 options and a bit lower for the extreme-performance variants. For precise numbers, check the EPA ratings or the window sticker for the exact year and trim you’re considering. As Dodge shifts away from gas-powered V8s, potential buyers should weigh performance against fuel economy and availability.
Is a V8 engine good on gas?
An 8-cylinder (V8) engine is not generally ``good'' for fuel economy compared with smaller, lower-cylinder engines. Whether it's acceptable depends on context: vehicle type, engine technology, driving habits, and fuel-efficiency priorities.
Which car gets 70 MPG?
While most modern cars get 40-50 mpg, achieving 70 mpg is possible with certain models, particularly specific hybrid and diesel cars, and plug-in hybrids under ideal conditions. Examples of cars that can achieve 70 mpg include the 2019-onwards Vauxhall Corsa with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, certain Prius models, and even the 1974 Honda Civic was the first to meet Clean Air Act standards while running on regular gasoline.
Specific models that can reach 70 mpg
- Vauxhall Corsa: A 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine (2019 onwards) can achieve up to 70.6 mpg.
- Toyota Prius: Certain models, especially older, self-charging hybrid versions, can get close to 70 mpg, and plug-in hybrid models can run on electric-only power for short distances.
- Other hybrids: Some modern hybrids, including plug-in hybrid versions, can achieve over 70 mpg in ideal conditions. The Hyundai Tucson PHEV is an example of a hybrid SUV that can achieve over 80 mpg.
- Historical examples: The Honda Insight was the first vehicle to achieve 70 mpg, and the 1974 Honda Civic was the first to meet the Clean Air Act standards while running on regular gasoline.
Factors to consider
- Engine type: Hybrid and diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than traditional gasoline engines.
- Driving conditions: The actual MPG achieved can vary depending on driving conditions, such as city vs. highway driving, speed, and acceleration.
- Vehicle condition: Older cars and those with less efficient engines may not reach the same high MPG as modern vehicles.
- Plug-in vs. traditional hybrids: Plug-in hybrids require charging, while traditional hybrids charge through regenerative braking and gasoline engine.
- Vehicle features: Lightweight designs and aerodynamic features can significantly increase fuel efficiency.
Is a 5.7 V8 good on gas?
No, a 5.7L V8 engine is generally not good on gas, especially for city driving, though highway mileage can be better. Gas mileage depends heavily on the specific vehicle, year, and driving conditions, with city averages often around 151515 MPG and highway averages closer to 19−2219 minus 2219−22 MPG.
Factors affecting gas mileage
- Driving environment: City driving is much worse for fuel economy than highway driving.
- Specific vehicle: Different vehicles that use the engine will have varying fuel economy ratings based on their size, weight, and drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD).
- Engine technology: Modern versions with eTorque can be slightly more efficient, but it is still a large displacement V8.
- Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will significantly decrease MPG.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance, like using the recommended fuel (sometimes higher octane is better, per user reports) and ensuring the engine is running well, can improve mileage.
What to expect
- City: Expect around 151515 MPG, but this can drop lower in stop-and-go traffic.
- Highway: You might see 19−2219 minus 2219−22 MPG on the highway, though this can vary widely depending on speed.
- Combined: A mix of city and highway driving typically falls in the middle, often around 17−1817 minus 1817−18 MPG.
- Towing: When towing, fuel economy will drop significantly, often to 9−109 minus 109−10 MPG.
How many miles per gallon does a Dodge Charger V8 get?
Under the Charger's hood and with RWD, this engine gets an EPA-estimated 16 city/25 highway MPG. Another engine option is the 392 HEMI® V8 engine, standard on the Charger Scat Pack trim. This engine gets 485 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 15 city/24 highway MPG.
