13 MPG combined. That’s the price to enter the world of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. This isn’t just transportation; it’s a visceral experience for those who prioritize quarter-mile times and tire smoke over pump prices. This Demon isn’t designed for commuting, grocery runs, or even Sunday drives. It’s built to dominate the drag strip, and its fuel consumption shows its focus. Buyers aren’t considering a Prius; they’re comparing performance metrics and horsepower figures, knowing that efficiency is secondary to the engineering team.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 10 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway show the Demon 170’s thirst. Stop-and-go city driving is tough, as the supercharged 6.2L V8 burns through premium fuel quickly. Highway figures, while slightly better, still lag behind other performance vehicles. These numbers show the Demon 170’s nature, a beast unleashed in short bursts of power, not a grand tourer. The 8-speed automatic transmission helps manage power, but can’t always overcome the engine’s massive demands when driven aggressively, which is often.

Annual fuel cost

Expect a high fuel bill, as the EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 at $4,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. This is a large expense, placing the Demon 170 owner in the category of those who prioritize performance above all else. Those considering all Dodge fuel economy data should consider this in their ownership costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers are a guide, but real-world fuel economy will vary based on driving style. Frequent trips to the drag strip, idling, and fast acceleration will push the MPG figures below the stated estimates. Careful highway cruising might yield slightly better results, but expecting big improvements is unrealistic. The Demon 170’s powertrain is engineered for maximum performance, and efficiency isn’t a priority. Challenger MPG across all years can vary, but this model prioritizes power.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance vehicles, the Demon 170 is at the extreme end of the fuel economy spectrum. A Chevrolet Corvette Z06, for example, gets around 12 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. Even the powerful BMW M5 Competition achieves a more respectable 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. While these vehicles offer performance, they also balance it with some efficiency. The Demon 170 makes no such compromises; its focus on power makes fuel economy secondary. Potential buyers are trading efficiency for a driving experience unmatched by almost anything else on the road… or the drag strip.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Trying to “maximize efficiency” might seem odd when discussing the Demon 170, but some techniques can improve fuel economy a little. Gentle acceleration is important. Avoid stomping on the accelerator unless needed; an adjustment to acceleration can make a difference.

Minimize idling. The Demon 170 burns fuel even when sitting. Avoid letting the engine idle for too long, especially when warming it up. Modern engines don’t require long warm-up times, and idling wastes fuel.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Maintaining the correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance and can slightly improve fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels.

Avoid unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight reduces fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to lighten the load on the engine, decreasing fuel consumption slightly.