18 MPG combined. Nobody shopping for a 2023 Dodge Charger with the 6.4L V8 is prioritizing fuel efficiency. This isn’t a commuter car, it’s a statement. It’s a snarling, tire-shredding, unapologetically old-school muscle sedan that happens to have four doors and a decent-sized trunk. The people buying this car are performance enthusiasts who willingly accept a lower MPG figure in exchange for the visceral thrill of raw horsepower. They want the rumble, the roar, and the bragging rights. Fuel cost is a secondary consideration, if even a consideration at all.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Dodge Charger 6.4L are 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure, while not stellar, is reasonably predictable. Heavy traffic and frequent stops will have a significant impact, dragging that number down even further. In contrast, achieving the 24 MPG highway rating is possible with a light foot and consistent speed. However, the temptation to dip into that readily available power is always present, and succumbing to that urge will inevitably lower your average. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to optimize fuel economy during steady-state cruising, but it can only do so much when paired with a powerful V8 engine and a driver who appreciates its capabilities.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Dodge Charger 6.4L at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of that mileage in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. It’s important to remember that this is merely an estimate. Your actual fuel costs may vary significantly depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended for optimal performance), and local fuel prices. If you spend most of your time in stop-and-go traffic or frequently engage in spirited driving, expect to exceed this figure. Conversely, if you primarily use the Charger for long highway trips and drive conservatively, you might get closer to the $3,200 mark. For drivers thinking about buying an electric vehicle, the EPA provides guidelines to help you compare costs.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA sticker when you’re behind the wheel. In real-world driving, especially if you enjoy the Charger 6.4’s performance capabilities, expect to see fuel economy numbers closer to the city rating, even on mixed routes. Regularly dipping into the throttle, enjoying the engine’s sound, and engaging in quick bursts of acceleration will take a toll. The 6.4L V8 encourages aggressive driving, and resisting that urge requires a level of restraint that many Charger owners simply don’t possess, nor did they buy the vehicle to exercise restraint. Observe all all Dodge fuel economy data to compare the Charger with other vehicles in the lineup.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sedans, the Charger 6.4L’s fuel economy is in line with expectations for its class. The BMW M5, with its twin-turbo V8, achieves around 17 MPG combined. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, while significantly more powerful, manages a similar 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. Within the Dodge family, the Hellcat versions of the Charger are even thirstier, often struggling to break into the double digits in real-world driving. This comparison highlights the trade-off inherent in owning a high-performance vehicle. Those seeking better CHARGER MPG across all years should consider the V6 models, which offer a significant improvement in fuel economy but sacrifice the characteristic V8 rumble and acceleration.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy might not be the primary concern for a Charger 6.4L owner, there are still ways to improve it (slightly). Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines are designed to be efficient when running, and prolonged idling wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, switching off the engine can save fuel.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which helps to improve fuel economy. Remember, though, that cruise control can be less efficient in hilly terrain, as the system may aggressively downshift to maintain speed, burning more fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Lighten your load. Carrying unnecessary weight in your trunk or back seat reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that you don’t need on a regular basis. The Charger’s spacious trunk can easily become a storage area for various items, so take some time to declutter.

Resist the urge to constantly accelerate hard. Consistent and smooth acceleration saves gas. This requires conscious effort in the Charger 6.4L, where the temptation to experience that V8’s power is always present. However, a gentle foot on the accelerator will make a noticeable difference in your fuel consumption.