18 MPG combined is the reality for anyone considering the 2023 Dodge Charger Widebody with the 6.4L Hemi V8. Let’s be frank: this isn’t a car people buy because they’re prioritizing fuel efficiency. It’s a four-door muscle car, a tire-shredding tribute to a bygone era, and that glorious 6.4L engine is the heart of its appeal. The fuel consumption is simply part of the price.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Charger Widebody 6.4L break down to 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst, especially with stop-and-go traffic demanding constant starts and stops. The 24 MPG highway estimate is achievable, provided you can resist the urge to dip into the throttle and unleash the Hemi’s full potential. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range when cruising, but it doesn’t perform miracles.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Dodge Charger Widebody 6.4L is approximately $3,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance, so this estimate likely reflects the higher cost per gallon. Drivers who spend more time in the city or have a heavier foot will likely see this annual cost climb even higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy will vary depending on driving habits, traffic conditions, and even weather. Owners who frequently engage in spirited driving, track days, or simply enjoy the sound and feel of the Hemi will almost certainly see lower MPG numbers than the EPA estimates. Conversely, drivers who prioritize fuel conservation and adopt a more relaxed driving style might be able to get closer to the 24 MPG highway figure. Ultimately, expect to hover around the combined estimate, but understand that your mileage will fluctuate depending on how you use the car.

How it compares

In the realm of powerful, rear-wheel-drive sedans, the Charger Widebody 6.4L occupies a unique space. The Chrysler 300S with its 5.7L Hemi V8 achieves a slightly better 19 MPG combined, but it lacks the aggressive styling and outright performance of the Widebody Charger. Stepping up to the supercharged Charger Hellcat nets you substantially more power, but it comes at an even steeper fuel economy penalty, often landing in the low teens in real-world driving. You could consider a BMW M5, which offers comparable performance with a V8 but achieves around 17 MPG city / 25 MPG highway. While more efficient, the M5 carries a significantly higher price tag. The fact is, buyers looking at all Dodge fuel economy data know what they’re signing up for, and fuel efficiency is rarely a top priority in this segment.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Charger Widebody 6.4L isn’t designed for fuel sipping, there are a few strategies to help you squeeze out every possible mile per gallon. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions quickly deplete fuel. Instead, practice smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipate traffic conditions to minimize unnecessary braking. The instantaneous fuel economy display can be a useful tool for monitoring your driving habits and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Regularly check your tire pressure and maintain it at the recommended level, and ensuring proper wheel alignment prevents unnecessary drag and optimizes fuel economy.

Minimize idling time. Letting your engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so idling offers no real advantage.

Consider using the adaptive cruise control system on the highway. This system helps maintain a consistent speed and following distance, which can contribute to improved fuel economy. By reducing the need for frequent acceleration and braking, adaptive cruise control can help you achieve closer to the EPA’s 24 MPG highway estimate. If you want to research CHARGER MPG across all years and trims to ensure you have all the information, we can help with that too.