16 MPG combined is what you get when you buy American muscle with a snarling V8. The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro equipped with the 6.2L eight-cylinder engine isn’t bought for saving fuel; it’s bought for its raw power and head-turning presence. This is a car for enthusiasts who prioritize thrills over fuel efficiency, and for whom the cost of premium fuel is simply part of owning one.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2021 Camaro 6.2L gets 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. That significant difference highlights the car’s split personality. In urban environments, stop-and-go traffic and enthusiastic acceleration will keep that fuel consumption high. However, out on the open road, the Camaro, especially with its automatic transmission, settles into a more relaxed cruise, allowing for the best possible highway mileage. Remember, though, a heavy foot will quickly negate any potential fuel savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Camaro configuration at $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s important to understand this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and of course, the fluctuating price of gasoline. The EPA uses a set of standardized tests to create these estimates, which allows for a consistent comparison across different vehicles. But remember, those tests don’t perfectly replicate real-world conditions.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, Camaro owners report slightly different numbers in real-world driving. Some drivers, especially those who do mostly highway miles and practice efficient driving techniques, might see numbers closer to the EPA’s highway estimate. Others, who frequently drive fast or spend most of their time in city traffic, could find their fuel economy falling well below the combined 16 MPG rating. Factors such as tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even weather conditions can also play a role.

How it compares

Compared to other performance cars, the 2021 Camaro 6.2L’s fuel economy makes it thirsty. The Ford Mustang GT, using a similar 5.0L V8, achieves around 15 MPG city and 24 MPG highway depending on the specific configuration, offering a slight edge on the highway, partly down to its ten-speed automatic. The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack with its 6.4L Hemi V8, posts similar figures to the Camaro. A BMW M4, while offering comparable performance, manages notably better fuel economy, often reaching into the low 20s combined, thanks to its turbocharged six-cylinder engine although owners of those cars may be more interested in German engineering than a classic American V engine. These differences matter to someone cross-shopping these cars, and if fuel economy is a serious concern alongside tire-shredding performance, other choices may be a better fit. You can also explore all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see how other vehicles in the lineup compare. Also, check the CAMARO MPG across all years to see if later or earlier models deliver better efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Adopt a smoother driving style. Rapid acceleration and hard braking are fuel economy killers, especially with a powerful engine like the Camaro’s V8. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow helps to conserve fuel.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine, even if you are listening to the car’s engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed, especially on long drives, can significantly improve fuel economy. Cruise control helps to eliminate fluctuations in speed that can waste fuel.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and other services.