16 MPG combined isn’t a typo. That’s what you get with the 2019 Dodge Charger SRT packing its naturally aspirated 6.2L HEMI V8. This isn’t a car for the faint of heart, nor is it a car for those prioritizing fuel efficiency. It’s for someone who wants unapologetic American muscle with room for the family and doesn’t particularly mind the cost of feeding a thirsty engine. They want the rumble, the power, and the presence, and they’re willing to pay for it both at the dealership and at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Charger SRT at 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. That disparity isn’t surprising considering the engine’s displacement and its intended use. Short trips around town, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and, let’s be honest, the temptation to lay into the throttle at every green light, will decimate your fuel economy. The highway figure is more realistic, but even then, spirited driving will quickly bring those numbers down. The automatic 8-speed transmission does its best to manage the power and optimize fuel consumption, but ultimately, you’re dealing with a large-displacement V8 designed for performance first and efficiency somewhere further down the list. If you spend most of your time commuting in heavy traffic, prepare to see numbers closer to the city estimate.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 Dodge Charger SRT is $3,600. This calculation 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. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices (premium fuel is recommended), and the amount of time you spend idling in traffic. If you frequently exceed the EPA’s driving patterns, or if fuel prices in your area are higher than the national average, expect to spend considerably more.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently match the EPA numbers in real-world driving. While achieving 22 MPG on a long highway cruise is possible with a light foot, maintaining that average in mixed driving conditions is unlikely. Most Charger SRT owners report combined MPG figures in the 14-17 MPG range, depending on their driving style and typical routes. Aggressive acceleration, frequent use of Sport mode, and the irresistible urge to show off the car’s power will all significantly reduce your fuel economy. Someone looking at all Dodge fuel economy data should expect to see some of the lowest of this type of vehicle in the SRT trim. Conversely, someone looking specifically at CHARGER MPG across all years will know that there are more economical choices within the Charger lineup.

How it compares

The 2019 Charger SRT’s fuel economy lags behind many of its competitors, but often those competitors are just from different classes of vehicles entirely. A 2019 Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 achieves a combined 19 MPG. A comparable Cadillac CTS-V from the same year nets around 16 or 17 MPG. What the Ford and Cadillac offer in technology, they lack in space for rear passengers. The fuel economy difference is because of the Charger’s larger size and greater power output. The SRT buyer is typically less focused on squeezing every last mile out of a gallon of fuel and is instead prioritizing performance and the unique experience that comes with owning a powerful, spacious sedan. They want the look and feel of a muscle car and choose to keep the Charger’s DNA in their driveway.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to bury the accelerator at every opportunity. The Charger SRT’s Hemi engine is responsive, and it’s tempting to unleash its full potential. However, gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed will significantly improve your fuel economy, no matter how hard it is.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels. It can genuinely add 1 or 2 miles per gallon.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can boost your highway fuel economy. It is amazing how frequently drivers change their speed without realizing.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The Hemi engine is pretty quick to crank up and go.

Consider using a lighter touch in Sport Mode. While sport mode does elevate the driving experience, it recalibrates the throttle response to react with even more sensitivity, naturally decreasing fuel economy. Save that mode for fun and choose something more conservative for commutes.