15 MPG combined. Let’s address that head-on. This isn’t a Prius; it’s a 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Widebody with a supercharged 6.2L V8. This figure clearly indicates that practicality and fuel efficiency aren’t a high priority for anyone considering this vehicle. The Challenger SRT Widebody appeals to a specific driver, one who prioritizes raw power, aggressive styling, and an unapologetic muscle car presence above all else. Fuel economy is simply a cost to join this exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Challenger SRT Widebody at 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects the nature of city driving: frequent stops and starts, idling, and lower speeds. The supercharged V8 is simply working without much effort at city speeds, but it’s still consuming fuel. The highway figure, while relatively better, still lags behind most modern vehicles, showing that even under the best conditions, a massive, powerful engine needs a significant fuel supply. Expect that highway number to fall when you unleash the car’s full potential. Who buys this car specifically to maximize fuel economy on long road trips?

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,850 for the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Widebody. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, and using national average fuel prices. This number represents a significant expense compared to more fuel-efficient vehicles. Anyone considering this car needs to factor this ongoing cost into their budget, alongside insurance, maintenance, and the initial purchase price. This figure assumes you’ll only be driving the car 15,000 miles per year; heavier usage could easily push that number far higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test, real-world fuel economy for the Challenger SRT Widebody is highly dependent on driving style. Aggressive acceleration, frequent use of the car’s power, and spirited driving will inevitably lead to lower MPG figures. On the other hand, a more cautious and restrained approach might yield results closer to the EPA estimates, but let’s be honest: who buys a Challenger SRT Widebody to drive it conservatively? Track days and spirited weekend drives will drastically reduce your MPG. The size of your grin will increase, however.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance vehicles, the Challenger SRT Widebody’s fuel economy is predictable. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, another supercharged V8-powered muscle car, achieves an EPA-estimated 12 MPG city and 18 MPG highway. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, also sporting a supercharged V8, manages a slightly better 14 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. These differences, while present, are almost negligible to the target buyer. They are all thirsty machines. For those seeking more efficiency within the Dodge family, exploring all Dodge fuel economy data reveals significant improvements with other models. You can also investigate the CHALLENGER MPG across all years to study how different engines and configurations perform.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Challenger SRT Widebody isn’t designed for fuel sipping, but there are a few techniques that might yield marginal improvements. Avoid aggressive acceleration; gentle throttle inputs can reduce fuel consumption, but it will definitely require restraint. The instantaneous MPG readout can be your enemy.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. This is especially useful for maintaining a stable and reliable ride in a car with this much power.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel, especially in a large-displacement engine. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine. The fuel savings will be relatively small, but consistently minimizing idling time could help over the long run.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel economy. Use cruise control on long highway stretches to maintain a consistent speed and reduce fuel consumption. Just be prepared to disengage it quickly when that passing opportunity arrives.