18 MPG combined. Let’s be honest, nobody buying a 2016 Dodge Charger SRT8 with the 6.4L Hemi V8 is prioritizing fuel economy. They’re buying a tire-shredding, loud-pipe muscle sedan that happens to have four doors and a functional back seat. The fuel consumption is simply the price to join the big-displacement party.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 15 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway are optimistic if you regularly tap into the Hemi’s strong power. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst during stop-and-go traffic, compounded by the temptation to accelerate aggressively away from every light.

The highway number is more attainable, provided you can resist the urge to demonstrate the car’s passing power. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its efficiency sweet spot when cruising, but dip into the throttle and the Hemi eagerly reverts to its fuel-chugging persona.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that fueling a 2016 Dodge Charger SRT8 6.4L will cost $3,200 per year. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving annually, using a blend of 55% city and 45% highway miles, and is based on national average fuel prices. Drivers who frequently engage in enthusiastic driving, or who live in areas with higher-than-average fuel costs, should expect to exceed that figure significantly.

Those who primarily use the car for long highway journeys and practice conservative driving habits might come in slightly under the estimate. But if you’re worried about that $3,200, you’re probably looking at the wrong car. You can find all Dodge fuel economy data on this website to compare other options.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the 2016 Charger SRT8 6.4L typically lands a bit lower than the EPA estimates. Owners report combined fuel economy figures in the 14-17 MPG range, with highway numbers rarely exceeding 23 MPG during spirited driving. The key factor influencing fuel consumption is driving style. A gentle foot and disciplined use of the cruise control can yield results closer to the EPA estimates, but the sound alone encourages heavier throttle inputs, resulting in a significant dip in fuel efficiency.

How it compares

Compared to other performance sedans, the Charger SRT8 6.4L is predictably thirsty. The Cadillac CTS V-Sport, with its twin-turbo V6, achieves around 18 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. A BMW M5, depending on the model year and engine configuration, offers figures in a similar ballpark, around 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. Of course, those vehicles come with substantially higher price tags. The Ford Mustang GT, while a coupe, provides a similar performance experience with slightly better fuel economy, clocking in around 15 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Anyone considering a Charger SRT8 must accept its inherent fuel consumption penalty, especially in comparison to smaller, more fuel-efficient performance cars. You can see CHARGER MPG across all years right here on FuelEconomyHub.com.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to accelerate hard from every stop. Smooth, gradual acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption in city driving. The Hemi’s torque is abundant, even at low RPM. There’s no need to bury the throttle to get moving.

Maintain a consistent speed on the highway and use cruise control whenever possible. Varying speeds and frequent braking increase fuel consumption. The eight-speed automatic is optimized for efficient highway cruising when left to its own devices.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and prolonged idling wastes fuel. This is especially important given the 6.4L’s displacement.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors and improve combustion. A clean fuel system will help the engine run more efficiently. There are many options on the market, and some are specifically formulated for high-performance engines.