Let’s be honest, 18 MPG combined is not the reason anyone buys a 2017 Dodge Challenger with the 6.4L Hemi. Efficiency isn’t a priority for this car. It’s for those who want a strong dose of American muscle, retro styling, and a soundtrack that rivals a NASCAR race. Fuel economy is simply the price of admission into the brotherhood of rumbling V8s. Buyers accept, even embrace, the Challenger’s thirst for premium fuel as part of the experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 15 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for the 2017 Dodge Challenger 6.4L with the eight-speed automatic transmission. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the Hemi’s prodigious power is mostly untapped and its fuel consumption is at its peak.

The highway number, while seemingly optimistic, is achievable if you resist the urge to use the engine’s passing power continually. That said, a Challenger on the open road practically begs to be driven with enthusiasm, making that 25 MPG figure harder to realize in practice.

Annual fuel cost

The estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Dodge Challenger 6.4L is $3,200. This figure is calculated by the EPA based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of 55% city and 45% highway driving, and assuming the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Real-world fuel costs can vary significantly depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and how often you succumb to the temptation of pushing the accelerator to the floor.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. Expect something slightly lower in the real world. Consistently achieving 15 MPG in the city is possible with a light foot, but spirited driving will drop that number considerably. On the highway, maintaining a steady 70 MPH might yield close to 25 MPG, but aggressive acceleration for overtaking slower traffic will quickly diminish your fuel economy.

The 6.4L Hemi sounds its best when you dip into the throttle, and restraint can be difficult. Most owners report a combined average closer to 16 MPG in everyday conditions.

How it compares

Compared to other muscle cars, the Challenger’s fuel economy is in line with expectations. The Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 generally achieves around 19 MPG combined, while the Chevrolet Camaro SS with its 6.2L V8 typically nets about 18 MPG combined. These marginal differences are unlikely to sway potential buyers who are more concerned with horsepower, styling, and overall driving experience than a few extra miles per gallon. All all Dodge fuel economy data pales when held up to comparably powered sportscars.

For those considering high-performance sedans, the Dodge Charger R/T with the same 5.7L V8 offers similar fuel economy. However, the Charger Scat Pack with the 6.4L, matching the Challenger’s powerplant, delivers nearly identical consumption figures. This suggests the Challenger’s weight and aerodynamics do not drastically compromise fuel efficiency with its intended use case. Even with the availability of CHALLENGER MPG across all years, the 2017 model remains a solid option.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use a light foot on the accelerator, especially when starting from a standstill. The Hemi’s abundant torque means you don’t need to bury the pedal to get moving. Gentle acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption in city driving.

Take advantage of the Challenger’s eight-speed automatic transmission. It is designed to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. Avoid aggressive downshifts unless truly necessary for passing or merging.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively affects fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling time. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. This also reduces unnecessary wear and tear on the engine.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors. Over time, deposits can build up in the fuel injectors, reducing their efficiency and negatively impacting fuel economy. A fuel injector cleaner can help restore optimal fuel flow and improve combustion efficiency.