18 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2018 Dodge Charger with the 6.4L Hemi V8. Nobody buys this car for fuel efficiency. They buy it for the rumble, the muscle, and the sheer unapologetic swagger that only a large, powerful, rear-wheel-drive sedan can deliver. Fuel economy is a secondary consideration, a price to pay for prioritizing raw performance over lower fuel costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Dodge Charger 6.4L are 15 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. That city figure is predictably low, reflecting the heavy engine working hard in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number is respectable, as the 8-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its sweet spot for fuel efficiency at cruising speeds. Few drivers will be surprised by these results, as fuel consumption is linked to the engine’s potential output.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Dodge Charger 6.4L is $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price. Realistically, a Charger 6.4L owner’s annual fuel cost could exceed this amount, depending on driving habits, location, and the prevailing price of premium gasoline. Aggressive acceleration and frequent use of the car’s performance capabilities will significantly reduce fuel economy and increase that annual cost.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides estimates, but don’t expect to consistently achieve 25 MPG on the highway if you enjoy the Charger’s ferocious acceleration. Real-world fuel economy will vary greatly based on driving style. Gentle highway cruising can yield numbers close to the EPA estimate, but repeated hard accelerations will send the fuel needle plummeting and the MPG display tumbling down. Those considering the 6.4L Charger typically aren’t looking for ultimate gas mileage, and they accept that their passion for driving performance will come with a higher fuel bill. You can view CHARGER MPG across all years to see how the fuel economy has shifted over time.

How it compares

The Charger 6.4L is predictably thirsty compared to other large sedans. A Chrysler 300S with the 5.7L Hemi V8 rates at 19 MPG combined, slightly better, but with less horsepower. To get better fuel economy, you have to consider leaving the V8 world behind.
The V6-powered Charger offers a much more palatable 23 MPG combined, without the thrilling punch of the Hemi engine. Looking outside of the Dodge family, a Ford Mustang GT achieves around 19 MPG combined, swapping the Charger’s four-door practicality for two-door style. For buyers who want the V8 rumble and rear-wheel drive fun, the choice is often between similar cars with only minor MPG differences. For those wanting significantly better fuel economy, smaller, less powerful vehicles are worth considering, but you will have to sacrifice the Charger’s unique character and performance.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Optimizing fuel economy might not be the primary goal, but there are things that can be done to get a bit more mileage.

Avoid short trips with cold starts. The engine consumes more fuel when cold as the car enriches the mixture to heat the catalytic converters to operating temperatures. Combining several errands into one trip allows the engine to reach optimal temperature and operate more efficiently.

Monitor your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel economy. Check your tire pressures and ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. You can find this information on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Use cruise control on long highway drives. Maintaining a consistent speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, improving fuel efficiency. Use cruise control on relatively flat stretches of highway, and let the car manage the throttle.

Resist the urge to floor it. The 6.4L Hemi is a powerhouse, but constantly unleashing its full potential will hurt your fuel economy. Practice smooth acceleration and avoid hard braking. Enjoy the car’s power responsibly, and your wallet will thank you.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance. You can also view all Dodge fuel economy data to compare against different models and engines. The 2018 Dodge Charger 6.4L is a performance machine that requires upkeep.