The 2021 Dodge Charger AWD with the 3.6L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. Nobody buys this Charger primarily for its fuel efficiency. They buy it for its blend of muscle-car attitude and all-weather capability, a combination that makes it stand out from more economical sedans.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Dodge Charger AWD 3.6L are 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. While the highway number is respectable, the city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to use the V6’s power. The 8-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel economy, but driving style is important in achieving these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Charger at $2,100. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your local fuel prices and your driving habits. Expect to spend more than $2,100 annually if you primarily drive in the city or drive aggressively. If you do mostly highway driving and practice fuel-efficient techniques, you might be able to lower that cost.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy often differs from the EPA’s standardized estimate. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and extreme weather conditions can hurt your MPG. Winter blends of gasoline typically reduce fuel economy, especially in colder climates where the AWD system is used more frequently. Driving a Charger with even the 3.6L V6 is more engaging than driving a more ordinary sedan, and resisting the urge to enjoy its performance can be difficult.

How it compares

The Charger’s fuel economy sits in a specific spot compared to other large sedans with all-wheel drive. A Toyota Avalon with AWD achieves around 25 MPG combined, but it lacks the Charger’s muscular styling and sharper handling. A Nissan Maxima, which is FWD only, manages around 24 MPG combined. Drivers wanting better fuel efficiency might consider those options, but they wouldn’t find the same level of performance and aggressive styling. To better understand the MPG of this specific brand, see all Dodge fuel economy data. See CHARGER MPG across all years to see if your purchase year makes a difference to get a full picture.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Charger’s 8-speed automatic transmission is programmed to shift efficiently, so letting it do its job is key. Avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy braking. Smooth, consistent driving will yield the best results.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance and reduces fuel economy significantly.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any items you don’t need from the trunk and passenger area.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Excessive idling wastes fuel and contributes to poor fuel economy.

Plan your trips. Combine errands into a single trip to reduce cold starts, which are less fuel-efficient. And try to time your commute to avoid stop-and-go traffic, which consumes much more fuel.