With 18 MPG combined, the 2017 Dodge Charger SRT 6.4L isn’t going to win any less gas awards, and nobody buying this car expects it to. This isn’t about sipping fuel; it’s about raw, unadulterated American muscle in a four-door package. This car exists for making a statement, laying down rubber, and blasting down the highway with a soundtrack ripped straight from NASCAR, and its fuel consumption is simply a price of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Charger SRT 6.4L break down to 15 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of urban driving, where the big V8 is constantly working to get the hefty Charger moving. The 25 MPG highway rating, while seemingly decent on paper, requires restraint. The temptation to dip into that abundant power is ever-present, and doing so will quickly send that number plummeting. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range when cruising, but ultimately, the driver dictates the fuel economy here.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,200 for the 2017 Dodge Charger SRT 6.4L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with roughly 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes national average fuel prices. It’s a sobering number, and one that potential buyers need to seriously consider. For a specific breakdown, explore all Dodge fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the 2017 Charger SRT 6.4L will vary significantly based on driving style. Drive it like you stole it, which is admittedly difficult not to do, and you’ll likely see numbers well below the EPA estimates. Drive conservatively, and you might match or even slightly exceed the highway rating. However, most owners will likely find themselves somewhere in between, probably closer to the low end of the spectrum.

The instant fuel economy display is both a blessing and a curse; it offers a constant reminder of the consequences of heavy acceleration, but also a guide to achieving better efficiency when desired. A quick search of online owner forums reveals that reported fuel economy is all over the map, ranging from low teens to around 22 MPG, depending on driving habits.

How it compares

Compared to other performance sedans, the 2017 Charger SRT 6.4L sits where you’d expect. A BMW M5 of the same year, with its twin-turbo V8, manages around 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. A Cadillac CTS-V from 2017 is rated at 14 MPG city and 21 MPG highway.

The key difference is that the Charger achieves its performance with a naturally aspirated engine, a simpler and arguably more reliable design than its turbocharged competitors. This appeals to a certain type of buyer who values old-school muscle car simplicity and sound over ultimate features. Some might cross shop to the V6 versions. For an analysis of CHARGER MPG across all years, it’s worth comparing the cost savings.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Charger SRT 6.4L isn’t designed for hypermiling, there are steps you can take to improve its fuel economy. Resist the urge to constantly accelerate hard. Smooth, gradual acceleration will save a significant amount of fuel, especially around town. The Hemi V8 responds well to a gentle touch.

Use cruise control whenever possible on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary throttle inputs and helps the engine operate more efficiently. It especially helps reduce that urge to constantly dip into the power during highway cruising.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, found on the door jamb sticker.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any extra cargo from the trunk and passenger compartment. The less weight the engine has to move, the less fuel it will consume. This is a heavy car to begin with, so any weight savings can help.

Plan your routes carefully. Avoid stop-and-go traffic whenever possible. Idling consumes fuel, so try to choose routes that minimize the amount of time spent sitting in traffic. Taking a slightly longer route with smoother traffic flow can actually improve your fuel economy.