16 MPG combined. Let’s be honest: if you’re focused on fuel efficiency, you’re in the wrong place. The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT 6.2L isn’t about saving fuel; it’s about raw American muscle. This is a car bought by enthusiasts who crave a visceral driving experience, the roar of a legendary engine, and the unmistakable presence that only a Challenger can deliver. Fuel economy is a distant afterthought, a necessary evil tolerated in pursuit of tire-scorching thrills.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Challenger SRT 6.2L at 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. That city figure represents the reality of stop-and-go traffic when you have over 700 horsepower. The highway number is more reasonable, but even then, the temptation to unleash the engine’s potential can quickly diminish your mileage. The automatic 8-speed aims to mitigate some of the fuel inefficiency, offering relatively quick shifts to help keep the rpms down, but it really only helps when driving conservatively. The 6.2L is also highly sensitive to driving style, which makes getting those highway figures difficult.

Annual fuel cost

Prepare yourself: the EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT 6.2L at a sobering $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% city driving and 55% highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Owning this beast comes with a significant price tag beyond the initial purchase. This also assumes the continued use of 91 octane fuel, which is recommended by Dodge. Cheaper fuel can cause engine knocking and a decrease in performance.

Real-world expectations

Expect your mileage to vary in the real world, and probably be lower than the EPA estimates. Aggressive acceleration, frequent drag strip visits, and the joy of hearing that engine will impact your fuel consumption. This car begs to be driven hard, and few owners can resist. While some drivers may manage to achieve close to the stated highway MPG on long road trips, consistently hitting the combined 16 MPG figure will require considerable restraint.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the Challenger SRT 6.2L is predictably thirsty. A 2018 Ford Mustang GT with the optional 5.0L V8 manages around 19 MPG combined, and that’s before even considering the Shelby variants. The Chevrolet Camaro SS, packing its own potent V8, achieves similar figures to the Mustang. Even the Cadillac CTS-V, with over 600 horsepower, comes in around 17 MPG combined. To find out all Dodge fuel economy data, feel free to do some research.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to floor the accelerator. The 6.2L engine is responsive, and even a light touch delivers impressive acceleration. Learn to modulate your throttle inputs and avoid unnecessary bursts of speed.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed not only improves fuel economy but also reduces driver fatigue. Use the 8-speed automatic transmission’s ability to efficiently manage engine speed.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Consult the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Keep up with routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections ensure your engine is running efficiently. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption. Be sure to check CHALLENGER MPG across all years to further develop expectations.