18 MPG combined is the price of admission to the 2020 Dodge Challenger 6.4L club, and nobody joining up is surprised by that figure. This isn’t a fuel-sipping commuter; it’s a modern muscle car, a throwback to an era when brute force and a rumbling V8 trumped all other considerations. Buyers lining up for the Challenger Scat Pack or R/T Scat Pack Widebody aren’t prioritizing efficiency; they’re after the visceral experience of raw power, aggressive styling, and a loud exhaust note. The kind of person who wants to look at all all Dodge fuel economy data isn’t the person buying this specific Challenger.

City and highway performance

The Challenger 6.4L’s EPA ratings break down to 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. That city figure reflects the engine’s thirst in stop-and-go traffic. It’s tempting to dip into the throttle at every opportunity when you have 485 horsepower on tap. The highway number acknowledges the Challenger’s heft and less-than-aerodynamic profile. Achieving that 24 MPG requires resisting the urge to accelerate aggressively and maintaining a steady cruising speed. This Challenger is at its worst in cities or heavy traffic and at its best on long highway drives.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Dodge Challenger 6.4L is $3,200. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. This is a considerable expense, particularly when compared to more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, for Challenger 6.4L owners, fuel costs are often viewed as an acceptable trade-off for the performance and character the car delivers. They understand that feeding a large-displacement V8 comes at a price.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly depending on driving habits and conditions. Drivers who frequently engage in spirited acceleration, spend a lot of time in city traffic, or live in areas with hilly terrain will likely see lower numbers than the EPA estimates.

Those who primarily drive on the highway and maintain a conservative driving style may be able to achieve figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the 24 MPG highway rating. But anyone expecting 30 MPG is looking at the wrong car.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2020 Dodge Challenger 6.4L suffers in comparison to other performance cars. A Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 manages around 19 MPG combined, but can sometimes reach 25MPG on the highway in the right conditions. A Chevrolet Camaro SS, despite having a similar engine configuration as the Challenger, achieves a slightly better 20 MPG combined. These differences, while seemingly small, can add up over time and may be a consideration for some buyers.

The Challenger’s unique blend of retro styling, spacious interior, and readily available horsepower often outweighs the fuel economy disadvantage for its target audience. Owners looking at CHALLENGER MPG across all years should weigh the pros and cons of each engine option and consider whether they want fuel savings or bigger thrills.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 6.4L Challenger isn’t known for its fuel efficiency, there are steps owners can take to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Quick starts and sudden stops waste fuel. Instead, accelerate smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a more consistent speed.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, that information is on the B-pillar on the driver’s door or the online owner’s manual.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern starters are designed to handle frequent starts without causing excessive wear. Also, avoid using the remote start for extended periods, as that feature can burn a lot of fuel quickly.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed with cruise control helps optimize fuel consumption. Be mindful of terrain changes and traffic conditions. Downshifting or accelerating excessively to maintain speed uphill can negate the benefits of cruise control. Plan your routes accordingly to minimize sudden stops and hills.