The 2019 Dodge Challenger with the 6.4L Hemi engine gets 18 MPG combined. This might deter buyers looking for less gas, but for Challenger enthusiasts, it’s the price for tire smoke, muscular styling, and a connection to classic American muscle.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Challenger 6.4L at 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This difference highlights the engine’s characteristics. In cities, frequent stops make the Hemi work harder, reducing efficiency. The automatic transmission helps somewhat, but has limited effect. On the highway, with cruise control and the engine in eighth gear, the Challenger’s highway fuel economy can be surprising, though it will never be as efficient as a Prius.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Dodge Challenger 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. The calculation uses the national average fuel price for the required fuel type. Your actual fuel costs may vary based on driving habits and local fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

Most Challenger 6.4L owners aren’t surprised by the EPA numbers, and few decide to buy solely based on fuel economy. They choose this car for its powerful engine, rear-wheel drive, and classic muscle car appearance. Most drivers will likely see numbers close to the EPA estimates, perhaps a bit lower in the city if they accelerate quickly sometimes. Driving style greatly affects fuel economy. Driving hard means frequent gas station visits. Driving moderately might get you close to highway MPG.

How it compares

The 2019 Challenger 6.4L’s fuel economy is what you’d expect compared to other muscle cars. A Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L Coyote engine achieves about 19 MPG combined, making it slightly more efficient than the Challenger. A Chevy Camaro SS, with its 6.2L V8, has similar fuel economy to the Dodge. The Mustang EcoBoost offers much better mileage at 25 MPG combined, but with two fewer cylinders and less horsepower. For buyers considering these cars, the fuel economy difference is often secondary to styling, performance feel, and brand loyalty. You can review all Dodge fuel economy data to see how the CHALLEGER MPG compares to other models and you can examine CHALLENGER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

On the highway, use cruise control when you can. Keeping a steady speed uses less fuel since you aren’t speeding up and slowing down as much.

Avoid fast acceleration and hard stops. The 6.4L Hemi responds quickly, but using its power burns more fuel. Accelerating gently and braking gradually saves fuel, especially in cities.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside your driver’s side door.

If equipped, consider a less powerful driving mode. Some Challenger models offer driving modes that change throttle response and transmission shift points. A more conservative mode can help improve fuel economy, particularly in city driving.

Keep up with maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs better. Change the oil and air filter based on the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep optimal performance and save fuel.