18 MPG combined isn’t great for many car buyers in 2017, but for those considering the 2017 Dodge Charger with the 6.4-liter V8, it may not be a dealbreaker. This car is about more than getting around, it’s about making a statement, about the sound of an American V8, the feeling of real horsepower, and embracing performance over practicality. The Charger 6.4L is for those who want a modern muscle car delivering thrills and aren’t afraid to fill up the gas tank.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Charger 6.4L gets 15 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how the large engine and stop-and-go driving affect fuel economy, since the engine is always working hard moving a heavy car. The highway number is better, but still not great. At a steady speed, the 8-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine RPMs low, which helps with efficiency. However, even on the highway, the temptation to accelerate and use the engine’s power brings down that 25 MPG number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Dodge Charger 6.4L is $3,200, based on 15,000 miles per year and average fuel prices. This cost is something buyers should think about. That money could be used for many other things. The EPA gets this number by estimating fuel consumption over 15,000 miles, and multiplying that by the average gas price, which is usually higher for premium fuel, which the 6.4L engine uses. The $3,200 estimate lets buyers compare the cost of owning a performance car.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are helpful for comparisons, but real-world fuel economy for the Charger 6.4L changes based on driving habits. Someone who accelerates quickly will likely see numbers below the EPA estimates. But drivers who accelerate smoothly, watch traffic, and don’t idle much might get closer to the EPA numbers, especially on the highway.

The Charger 6.4L encourages aggressive driving, and that’s why people buy it, so expect to spend more on fuel than with most cars.

How it compares

The 2017 Ford Mustang GT, another V8 muscle car, gets a slightly better 19 MPG combined according to the EPA. That single MPG adds up to savings over a year, and is an important thing for the budget conscious to consider. Other sedans with turbocharged engines, like the Acura TLX with the V6 engine, get much better gas mileage with similar performance. You can view all Dodge fuel economy data on this site. The Charger 6.4L provides raw American muscle that the other vehicles can’t. The comparison shows the tradeoff between performance and efficiency, and Charger buyers have already thought about those things. For consumers weighing the tradeoffs, you can get real word info on CHARGER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Charger’s 8-speed automatic transmission can help you get better gas mileage, so drive in the highest gear possible without straining the engine. Gentle acceleration and watching traffic will help the transmission stay in higher gears, using less fuel. Avoid accelerating too fast unless you need to pass or merge, since that uses more fuel.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever you can. Keeping a steady speed uses less fuel over long trips, even in a car like the Charger. Set the cruise, relax, and enjoy the drive.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Tires with low pressure make the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and keep the pressure at the number posted on the door.

Don’t carry extra weight in the car. A heavier car takes more energy to accelerate, so remove unnecessary items from the trunk to use less gas, or just embrace the car and ignore fuel mileage!