14 MPG combined. Let’s be honest, if you’re worried about the 2017 Dodge Viper’s thirst for premium fuel, you’re missing the point. This isn’t a commuter car; it’s a visceral, unapologetic, and increasingly rare breed of American muscle. The Viper’s fuel economy is secondary to its purpose: delivering an unfiltered driving experience centered around a massive naturally aspirated V10 engine and a manual transmission. The buyers who sign up for this car know full well that they’ll be spending a significant amount of time, and money, at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Viper achieves 12 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Those numbers paint a reasonable picture, but they don’t tell the whole story. In stop-and-go city traffic, the Viper’s heavy clutch, long gearing, and abundant torque can make for a challenging driving experience, contributing to the lower city MPG figure. On the open road, the Viper is surprisingly capable of achieving its 19 MPG highway rating, provided you resist the urge to constantly tap into the engine’s prodigious power. Remember, however, that those highway figures are dependent on a light foot and steady speeds. Any spirited driving will quickly send that number plummeting.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Dodge Viper at $4,150. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. This is not a small sum, and it represents a significant ongoing expense for Viper owners. Many Viper owners likely drive fewer than 15,000 miles per year, given the car’s weekend-toy status for a good percentage of owners. However, those same owners are also more likely to engage in the kind of enthusiastic driving that severely undermines fuel economy, so the $4,150 figure provides a reasonable benchmark. See all Dodge fuel economy data here.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers, real-world fuel economy in a 2017 Dodge Viper is highly dependent on driving style. Owners who treat the Viper as a track weapon or a weekend canyon carver will likely see significantly lower fuel economy than the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who primarily use the Viper for longer cruises and are disciplined with the throttle might achieve numbers closer to the EPA’s highway rating. It’s not unreasonable to expect an average of around 10-15 MPG in mixed driving conditions if you’re frequently enjoying the Viper’s performance potential. The 8.4L V10 is not known for its efficiency.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars of its era, the Viper’s fuel economy is predictably poor. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C7 generation) with its supercharged 6.2L V8 manages around 15 MPG combined. The Porsche 911 Turbo, with its considerably smaller turbocharged engine, achieves about 20 MPG combined. Even the Nissan GT-R manages around 19 MPG combined. These differences are significant, and highlight one of the compromises inherent in choosing the Viper over its competitors. But the kind of buyer who wants a Viper does not tend to view these other cars as direct competitors. For more VIPER MPG across all years, this site has you covered.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The best way to improve fuel economy in the 2017 Viper is simple: drive it gently. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, and try to maintain a steady speed on the highway. Short shifting, using higher gears when possible, will also keep the engine RPMs down and improve fuel efficiency (relatively speaking).

Proper tire inflation is critical for optimal fuel economy in any vehicle, and the Viper is no exception. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, as indicated on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Removing any extraneous items from the car can slightly improve fuel economy. This is likely to be a negligible improvement but if you’re chasing every last drop of efficiency, it’s worth considering.

Consider installing an aftermarket exhaust system designed for improved flow. While primarily intended for performance gains, some exhaust systems can also slightly improve fuel economy by reducing backpressure. Research carefully and choose a reputable brand. However, the louder exhaust may encourage you to drive more aggressively, canceling any gains.

Keep the engine properly maintained. Regular oil changes, new spark plugs, and a clean air filter will help the engine run efficiently. A poorly maintained engine will always consume more fuel.