16 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, nor will it sway buyers looking for lower fuel costs. The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with the 6.2L V8 isn’t about sipping fuel; it’s about raw power, retro styling, and dominating the road with a thunderous soundtrack. This is a car for those who prioritize muscle and presence over efficiency, and they’re willing to pay the price at the pump for the privilege.

City and highway performance

The EPA ratings reflect the Challenger SRT8’s personality. The 13 MPG city figure is a consequence of the engine’s displacement and the weight of the vehicle. Short trips, stop-and-go traffic, and the temptation to unleash the car’s power all contribute to this low number. On the open highway, the 22 MPG rating is more respectable and achievable thanks to the 8-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. However, even on the highway, heavy-footed driving will quickly diminish fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6.2L is $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. If you spend most of your time in the city, or if you frequently engage in spirited driving, expect to spend significantly more than $3,600 on fuel annually. Those considering this car should budget generously for fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

Owners of the 2015 Challenger SRT8 6.2L often report real-world fuel economy that aligns with or falls slightly below the EPA estimates, particularly in mixed driving conditions. Some people who drive efficiently and spend more time on the highway might see numbers closer to the 22 MPG rating.

However, drivers who frequently use the car’s performance capabilities are likely to see averages in the low teens. Ultimately, fuel economy is a secondary concern for most buyers of this vehicle. They understand that owning a high-performance muscle car comes with trade-offs, and fuel consumption is one of them. You can review all Dodge fuel economy data for comparison.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance cars of its era, the Challenger SRT8’s fuel economy is generally on par.

The 2015 Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8, for example, achieved around 19 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Camaro SS, similarly equipped with a V8, delivered comparable figures. These numbers highlight the fuel inefficiency of large-displacement engines designed for power.

Even more recent muscle cars show similar trends: modern Camaro SS models can reach the low 20s on the highway, that’s all you can expect. Of course, the point of having a muscle car isn’t to hypermile, so many buyers are unconcerned.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Challenger SRT8 isn’t designed for hypermiling, there are still ways to improve its fuel economy. Drive smoothly and avoid harsh acceleration and braking. The sudden bursts of power are addictive, but they also consume a lot of fuel, especially around town where the 13 mpg comes into play.

Gentle acceleration and anticipation of traffic lights can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to be restarted easily, and idling consumes fuel without moving the car. Be aware that restarts can consume a tiny bit more fuel than idling.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. It also helps to prevent unintentional speeding, which can further reduce fuel efficiency. If you routinely drive a Challenger, then you know speeding is a common occurrence. Check out CHALLENGER MPG across all years.