16 MPG combined. Nobody buys a 2016 Dodge Charger SRT8 powered by its supercharged 6.2L V8 to prioritize fuel efficiency. It’s a conscious trade-off. This is a muscle car, a four-door sedan that trades heavily on its heritage, its performance, and its unapologetic presence. Buyers in this segment accept the penalty at the pump as the price of admission for the raw power and visceral experience this car delivers. They want the rumble, the acceleration, and the attention. The fuel bill is simply part of the cost of owning a legend.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT8 at 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go driving, where the massive engine is constantly asked to accelerate a relatively heavy car. The highway number, while still modest, demonstrates that the eight-speed automatic transmission can at least allow the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, improving fuel economy when a steady speed is maintained. Even on the open road, the temptation to unleash the car’s full potential will quickly drag those numbers down.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT8 at $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes the use of the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which is the recommended fuel. It’s a significant sum, placing the Charger SRT8 at the higher end of the fuel cost spectrum. This number is a critical consideration for potential buyers and accurately reflects the long-term financial implications of owning this particular high-performance machine. Factors like local fuel prices and the driver’s style will affect the total annual cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy for the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT8 can vary considerably. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and even environmental factors like extreme temperatures can negatively impact fuel consumption. Owners commonly report figures lower than the official EPA ratings, particularly in city driving. Careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and consistent highway speeds may see results that are closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimate. Many owners report their enthusiasm for accessing the car’s power takes a toll on overall range between fill-ups.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sedans, the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT8 lands about where you’d expect. A Cadillac CTS-V, with its similar mission and supercharged engine, achieves an EPA-estimated 17 MPG combined. The BMW M5, known for blending performance with efficiency, manages a slightly better 17 MPG combined as well, but demands a premium price. Even stepping outside the sedan category, a Ford Mustang GT with the Performance Pack offers better fuel economy at 19 MPG combined, but sacrifices the Charger’s rear-seat space and practicality. The Charger SRT8 buyer is often willing to accept the MPG penalty in exchange for the Charger’s specific combination of spaciousness, bold styling, and undeniable V8 power. Check CHARGER MPG across all years to get a wider view.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT8 isn’t designed for fuel sipping, there are still a few strategies owners can employ to minimize their visits to the gas station. Gentle acceleration is key. Avoid flooring the accelerator unless necessary, as the supercharger can quickly gulp down fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and coast whenever possible to reduce the need for braking and acceleration.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is always important, and it’s no different here. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommended levels found on the door jamb sticker.

Minimize idling. The big V8 burns a surprising amount of fuel when idling, so avoid unnecessary idling, especially in traffic or when waiting for someone. Turn off the engine if you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two.

Use cruise control judiciously on the highway. While cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed and optimize fuel economy on level surfaces, it can actually decrease efficiency on hilly terrain, as the transmission downshifts more aggressively to maintain speed. Monitor your fuel economy in real-time using the car’s trip computer and adjust your driving accordingly. Be sure to review all Dodge fuel economy data for other models.