15 MPG combined shows a hard truth for 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Widebody 6.2L owners: efficiency isn’t part of the equation. This isn’t a car bought for lower fuel costs; it’s purchased for its visceral performance, unapologetic attitude, and the thrill of a supercharged V8. The fuel economy is the price to join a very exclusive and loud club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates paint a clear picture: expect 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Challenger’s weight, its powerful engine demanding a lot of fuel to move its mass from stoplight to stoplight. The highway number, while better, still lags behind many other performance cars. This is largely due to the Challenger’s size and aerodynamic profile, which aren’t optimized for long-distance cruising. Ultimately, regardless of driving conditions, this car consumes fuel at an alarming rate.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, owning this car comes with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,850. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price. It’s a stark reminder of the financial commitment involved in owning a high-performance machine like the Challenger SRT Widebody. This isn’t pocket change; it’s a significant annual expense that factors into the ownership experience.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world conditions can vary significantly. Drive aggressively, and those numbers will plummet. Spend more time in stop-and-go traffic, and the city MPG will likely be even lower. Opt for drag strip duty, and you might as well consider fuel economy non-existent. Conversely, babying the throttle on long highway journeys *might* eke out marginally better numbers, but let’s be honest, who buys a Challenger SRT Widebody to drive it like a Prius? The true figure depends on your driving style, if you care, you’re likely to achieve the higher end of the range. If you don’t care and most owners don’t prepare for the low end. Check out all Dodge fuel economy data for fuel consumptions across the trim and model line-up.

How it compares

Compared to its muscle car rivals, the Challenger SRT Widebody resides firmly at the bottom of the efficiency ladder. The Ford Mustang Mach 1, for example, manages 17 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, while still thirsty, achieves around 16 MPG. The Challenger’s abysmal MPG is simply the consequence of its engine, tuning, and overall design. These marginal improvements are of little matter to the target audience, especially at the level of ZL1.

Beyond the muscle car segment, the BMW M4 Competition hits 19 MPG combined, which highlights the disparity between American muscle and modern German performance vehicles. The Porsche 911 Carrera S isn’t even comparable, as it hits 21 MPG combined. These cars often use turbocharging, direct injection, and other advanced technologies for efficiency, something the Challenger largely avoids, even compared to other versions of the CHALLENGER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Understand that “maximizing efficiency” in the Challenger SRT Widebody is a relative term. You won’t suddenly achieve Prius-like fuel economy, but these tips can help minimize the impact. Drive smoothly, avoid abrupt acceleration and braking, and anticipate traffic flow. The supercharger is the demon; only engage it when needed.

Use the Challenger’s selectable drive modes wisely. Opt for ‘Eco’ or ‘Street’ mode during everyday driving to reduce throttle response and shift points. These modes might not transform the car into an efficiency champion, but they can subtly improve fuel consumption when maximum performance isn’t required.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels as specified on the door jamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines don’t need to warm up for extended periods. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling burns fuel without covering any distance, so minimize it whenever possible.

Consider your driving route. Opt for routes with fewer stoplights and less traffic congestion. Smooth, consistent driving at moderate speeds will always be more fuel-efficient than navigating stop-and-go traffic or engaging in aggressive driving maneuvers.