The 2019 Dodge Charger 5.7L gets 19 MPG combined. This is expected for those who choose this car. It’s not a point of shame for the people who sign the check for one because this isn’t a car bought by those who prioritize fuel efficiency. It’s bought by people who want a modern, aggressively styled, V8-powered sedan and are willing to pay the price at the pump for that experience. The 5.7L Charger is unapologetic American muscle with four doors, and the MPGs are simply part of the deal.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for the 2019 Dodge Charger 5.7L. Understanding these figures is important. The city mileage reflects the engine’s thirst in stop-and-go traffic, made worse by the car’s weight and the available horsepower. The highway number, while seemingly low compared to more efficient sedans, is respectable considering the engine’s displacement and output. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps on the open road, allowing the engine to cruise at relatively low RPMs, maximizing efficiency when you can resist the urge to dip into the throttle. Resisting that urge is the whole challenge.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Dodge Charger 5.7L at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a specific split between city and highway driving, and using the EPA’s calculation of national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may vary, depending on your driving habits and where you live, as fuel prices fluctuate across the country. $2,750 is the benchmark, a figure that anyone considering this car should be aware of.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized measure, real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and even tire pressure can impact your MPG. Owners of the 5.7L Charger report figures close to the EPA estimates. It’s also common to see numbers slightly lower, especially if the car spends most of its time in city driving or if the driver enjoys using the engine’s power. Don’t expect to consistently exceed the EPA’s highway rating unless you’re hypermiling, which is not often associated with Charger ownership.

How it compares

Compared to other large sedans, the 2019 Dodge Charger 5.7L doesn’t win any fuel efficiency awards. The Chrysler 300, which shares a platform and engine options with the Charger, achieves similar fuel economy. A Toyota Avalon, while not directly comparable in terms of performance character, offers significantly better mileage, hovering around 26 MPG combined. Other V8-powered options like the Ford Mustang GT (around 19 MPG combined) present a similar amount of power for the fuel cost. Stepping up to the Charger R/T Scat Pack with the 6.4L Hemi reveals that the 5.7L provides a compromise, that model often drops closer to 16 MPG combined. Explore all Dodge fuel economy data for a more complete picture.

Tips to maximize efficiency

A simple way to improve fuel economy in the 2019 Dodge Charger 5.7L is to practice smooth acceleration and braking. Avoid aggressive starts and hard stops. The Hemi engine is responsive, and throttle inputs are usually all that’s needed to maintain a decent pace. Treat the accelerator like an egg under your foot, and you’ll see an improvement.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. This can make a difference over time.

Avoid extended idling. Modern engines don’t need to warm up before driving. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two (without heavy AC use in hot weather), turn off the engine. Excessive idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. Resist the temptation to constantly speed up and slow down. Using the transmission’s highest gear also reduces fuel consumption.

Consider the weight you’re carrying. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and cabin. Extra weight reduces fuel economy, especially in city driving. While you may not notice a huge difference from clearing out a few small items, it all adds up over time. For more information, check out CHARGER MPG across all years.