18 MPG combined is what you get with the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6.4L. No one buys this Challenger expecting Prius-like efficiency. They buy it for the roar of its naturally aspirated V8, its muscle car styling, and the thrill of its 485 horsepower. The fuel economy is a known trade-off for the performance and the image.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 15 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for the Challenger SRT8. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving where the heavy car and large engine are constantly accelerating and decelerating. The highway estimate is better, as the engine can cruise at lower RPMs thanks to the smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Even on the highway, aggressive driving will quickly lower that number. Expect frequent trips to the gas station.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6.4L at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes regular unleaded gasoline at the national average price. Individual results will vary based on driving habits and local fuel prices, but $3,200 is a benchmark.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect the EPA numbers if you drive this Challenger hard. Expect closer to 12-13 MPG in city driving, especially with a heavy foot. Highway figures depend on speed; maintaining a steady 70 MPH can get close to the EPA estimate, but faster speeds reduce fuel economy. Quick acceleration will drastically decrease gas mileage. Many owners report combined averages in the 15-17 MPG range, reflecting a mix of normal and excited driving.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 2015 Challenger SRT8’s fuel economy is a little lower. A 2015 Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 and automatic transmission gets 19 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Camaro SS from the same year, with its 6.2L V8 and automatic, also manages about 19 MPG combined. These differences add up over time. A BMW M4 from that time can get about 20 MPG combined with its smaller, turbocharged engine, even with its performance. Buyers considering the SRT8 Challenger want the experience of a large American V8 over fuel efficiency, which is why all Dodge fuel economy data shows this.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the paddle shifters to control gear selection. The automatic transmission shifts well, but manually shifting can keep the engine in its best RPM range when driving on the highway. Short shifting and avoiding downshifts will help even more.

Use the Challenger’s cruise control on long highway trips. Consistent speed minimizes acceleration and deceleration, which helps fuel efficiency. Set it and let the car control the throttle where it’s safe.

Don’t always show off the car’s acceleration. Launching the Challenger constantly will ruin any chance of reasonable fuel economy. Save aggressive driving for special times and enjoy the rumble and comfort during commutes. Those moments are why you wanted a CHAL­LEN­GER MPG CHALLENGER MPG across all years, but you don’t always need to use it.

Make sure your tires are inflated correctly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the levels on the driver’s side door.

Use a fuel additive to clean fuel injectors. Clean injectors ensure proper fuel atomization, which helps efficient combustion. A clean fuel system can slightly improve fuel economy.