The 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 6.2L’s 16 MPG combined rating isn’t going to win any fuel efficiency awards. This isn’t a surprise, though. No one buying a V8-powered Camaro is prioritizing fuel economy. They’re after the rumble, the power, and the unmistakable visceral thrill that only a large displacement engine can provide. Fuel costs are simply the price of admission to this particular club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro with the 6.2L V8 and automatic transmission at 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the engine’s nature: It needs a substantial amount of fuel to generate its impressive output, especially when navigating stop-and-go city traffic. The highway figure, while still relatively low compared to smaller-engine cars, benefits from the engine operating at a more consistent and efficient speed. However, aggressive driving, even on the highway, will quickly negate any potential fuel savings.

Annual fuel cost

Based on the EPA’s estimates of 15,000 miles driven per year and prevailing national average fuel prices, the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 6.2L is $3,600. This figure assumes a blend of city and highway driving, but individual driving habits can significantly impact the actual cost. Drivers with a heavy foot or those who primarily drive in congested urban environments can expect to exceed this estimate. Conversely, those who prioritize fuel-efficient driving techniques and spend more time on the open road may see slightly lower costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA’s numbers provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often deviates. Expect lower numbers if you frequently drive hard, as the engine will be guzzling fuel more often. However, careful highway driving, particularly at steady speeds, might allow you to approach or even slightly exceed the 21 MPG rating. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even weather conditions can also play a role in your overall fuel consumption.

How it compares

It’s helpful to compare the Camaro’s fuel economy to its direct competitors. The Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 and automatic transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 15 MPG combined, 13 MPG city, and 24 MPG highway, making it slightly more efficient on the highway but comparable overall. The Dodge Challenger R/T with the 5.7L Hemi V8 gets around 19 MPG combined. These small differences won’t sway the die-hard Camaro enthusiast, but they provide context. Someone concerned about fuel costs might also consider the Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package, which offers a usable 300-plus horsepower with notably improved efficiency. Don’t forget to check all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see how other models compare. You can also review CAMARO MPG across all years to see the history of this model.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy isn’t usually the primary concern for Camaro owners, there are still steps you can take to optimize it. Resist the urge to frequently accelerate hard. The 6.2L V8 delivers thrilling acceleration, but each burst directly impacts fuel consumption. Smooth, gradual acceleration will result in better MPG.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Refer to the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure, and check your tires regularly.

Reduce unnecessary weight inside the vehicle. Excess cargo adds to the overall weight the engine must propel, decreasing fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need to carry around regularly.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives to maintain a constant speed and prevent fluctuations in throttle input. This can significantly improve fuel economy on the open road, though avoid cruise control in hilly areas where the transmission may constantly hunt for the optimal gear.