18 MPG combined is the reality of owning a 2023 Dodge Challenger with the 6.4L Hemi V8. It’s a figure that would be disqualifying for almost any other car on the market, but the Challenger 392 isn’t trying to be sensible or economical. This is a machine built to evoke a specific era of American automotive excess, and for those who crave tire-smoking performance and a rumbling exhaust note above all else, the fuel bill is simply the price of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Challenger 392 will achieve 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Those city figures are arguably the more relevant for most owners, as the instant torque of the 6.4L engine is far too tempting to resist, especially when exiting a stop light. Highway cruising, while improved by the 8-speed automatic transmission, still suffers from the Challenger’s less-than-aerodynamic shape. Keep your foot out of it on the open road, and you *might* see the EPA’s number, but consistent high-speed runs will likely pull the average down.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, owners of the 2023 Dodge Challenger 6.4L can expect to pay approximately $3,200 per year on fuel. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Of course, actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific grade of gasoline used. High performance engines like this one typically list premium fuel as “recommended”, which almost always means fuel economy predictions are only accurate when using premium.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. They’re a starting point, not a guarantee. Most Challenger 392 owners will likely see an average closer to 16 MPG in mixed driving. The heavy right foot that tends to accompany ownership of a 485-horsepower muscle car invariably leads to lower fuel economy. Stop-and-go traffic will plummet the MPG, while sustained highway driving at moderate speeds might allow you to briefly flirt with the 24 MPG rating. Ultimately, fuel economy is secondary for those drawn to the Challenger 392’s visceral experience. To explore all Dodge fuel economy data, review our model pages.

How it compares

Comparing the Challenger 392’s fuel economy to other vehicles in its class highlights its… shortcomings. Ford’s Mustang Mach 1, while still a performance-oriented machine, manages a slightly better 17 MPG city / 25 MPG highway EPA rating with its 5.0L V8. The Chevrolet Camaro SS, another direct competitor, achieves an estimated 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Even within the Challenger lineup, stepping down to the R/T with the 5.7L Hemi nets a small improvement. For example, consider the CHALLENGER MPG across all years to see how fuel economy has varied across the Challenger lineup. The 2023 BMW M3 Competition, while not strictly a muscle car, offers comparable performance with significantly better fuel economy, achieving around 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. However, the M3’s appeal is different than the Challenger’s old-school charm, and its higher price point puts it out of reach for many buyers. The reality is, buyers aren’t cross shopping the Challenger 392 against fuel-efficient sedans; they want raw power and classic styling, and they’re willing to pay the price at the pump.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Challenger 392 isn’t designed for hypermiling, but a few simple adjustments can help squeeze a bit more range out of each tank. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 6.4L Hemi responds instantly to throttle input, but that responsiveness comes at a cost. Gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Maintain a consistent speed on the highway. The Challenger’s aerodynamics aren’t its strong suit, and wind resistance increases exponentially with speed. Using cruise control can help maintain a steady pace and minimize unnecessary throttle adjustments.

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, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Also, use the grade of fuel the manufacturer recommends, especially during high performance driving.

Consider using the Challenger’s Eco mode, if equipped. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission mapping to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. While it may slightly dull the throttle response, it can make a noticeable difference in MPG, especially during city driving.