18 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards for being green, but it reflects the purpose of the 2021 Dodge Challenger 6.4L 8-cyl. This isn’t a car bought for commuting; it’s a modern muscle car, a throwback to when V8s and tire smoke were the priorities. The fuel economy is simply what you have to deal with.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Challenger 6.4L are 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number is no surprise to anyone who’s driven a big V8 in stop-and-go traffic. The engine needs a lot of fuel to get the heavy Challenger moving. The highway figure isn’t terrible. The 8-speed automatic transmission helps here, letting the engine cruise at low RPMs.

A light foot on the accelerator, combined with the transmission’s tall overdrive gears, can actually lead to numbers closer to the EPA estimate, but restraint is hard in a car that begs to be driven hard.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Dodge Challenger 6.4L at $3,200 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, using a blend of city and highway driving, and considering national average fuel prices. Drivers who primarily use the Challenger for short commutes in congested areas, or those who often drive aggressively, can expect to exceed this figure. On the other hand, drivers who primarily cruise on the highway might see a slightly lower annual cost. Fuel prices in your region will also affect this, so check average fuel prices where you live before working out your likely annual fuel cost.

Real-world expectations

Do not expect to consistently match the EPA estimates. The styling, engine, and exhaust note of the 2021 Dodge Challenger 6.4L 8-cyl, encourage enthusiastic driving, which hurts fuel economy. Low to mid teens are more common in mixed driving, and lead-footed drivers will likely see single digits during spirited driving. This Challenger sips fuel, but it gulps it when pushed, so think carefully if fuel consumption is a consideration.

How it compares

Compared to other muscle cars, the Challenger 6.4L’s fuel economy is similar to the competition. The Ford Mustang GT, particularly with the Performance Pack, achieves similar, if sometimes slightly better, numbers. For example, the 2021 Mustang GT is rated at 15 city and 24 highway. The Chevrolet Camaro SS does about the same. Buyers in this segment are typically more concerned with horsepower and performance than fuel efficiency. They want a car that delivers a visceral driving experience, and the fuel cost is viewed as acceptable compared to performance. Keep in mind that selecting all-wheel drive on a Challenger can negatively impact MPG versus the rear-wheel-drive configuration.

You can view all Dodge fuel economy data for a further comparison of vehicles.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow. Aggressive acceleration and sudden braking waste fuel. By looking ahead and maintaining a consistent speed, you can reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. This is especially true on the highway, where speed variations drastically affect fuel economy.

Monitor tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume fuel. Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure, which can be found on the door jamb or in the owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires also improve handling and extend tire life.

Avoid extended idling. Letting the engine idle for long periods wastes fuel and increases emissions. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine. Modern cars, including the CHALLENGER MPG across all years, are designed to restart quickly.

Travel light. Remove any unnecessary cargo from the vehicle. Extra weight requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed, reducing fuel economy. Even small items can add up, so think about what you really need to carry.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed is important for fuel efficiency, especially on long trips. Cruise control helps, minimizing speed fluctuations. This prevents wasted fuel and allows the Challenger to deliver maximum efficiency.