18 MPG combined is a hard pill to swallow for most modern vehicles, but the 2022 Dodge Challenger Widebody 6.4L 8-cyl isn’t “most vehicles.” This is a modern muscle car, a throwback to an era when raw power and aggressive styling took precedence over fuel efficiency. Its buyers aren’t prioritizing low running costs; they’re buying a statement, a visceral driving experience, and a piece of American automotive heritage. The guzzling of gasoline is simply the cost of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway paint a clear picture: this Challenger favors open roads. Stop-and-go traffic will punish you, as the big 6.4L Hemi V8 sips fuel at an alarming rate when repeatedly accelerating its considerable mass. Out on the highway, with the eight-speed automatic transmission settling into higher gears, it’s possible to achieve the EPA’s highway estimate, but resist the urge to exploit the engine’s power and those numbers plummet quickly. This isn’t a car for hypermiling.

Annual fuel cost

Prepare for an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200. This figure comes directly from the EPA, based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices for regular gasoline at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that fuel prices fluctuate, so this is only an estimate. If you drive more aggressively, or live in an area with higher fuel costs, expect to spend significantly more to keep your Challenger Widebody fueled.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates offer a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Challenger Widebody 6.4 typically falls below those numbers. Aggressive driving, which is almost unavoidable in this type of car, will certainly impact efficiency. Expect to see combined mileage in the 14-17 MPG range during normal driving, and potentially even lower if you frequently engage in spirited acceleration or track days. Those who predominantly drive on the highway and can resist the temptation to accelerate hard may see figures closer to the EPA estimate, but realistically, achieving 24 MPG consistently will be a challenge. Consider exploring all Dodge fuel economy data to see if another model suits your needs better.

How it compares

Compared to other performance vehicles, the Challenger Widebody’s fuel economy isn’t surprising. A Ford Mustang Mach 1, with its 5.0L V8, achieves a slightly better 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. A Chevrolet Camaro SS, equipped with its 6.2L V8, manages around 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Even smaller displacement turbo engines don’t necessarily offer significant improvements. These competitors are purchased for a similar reason: performance thrills over fuel expense. The important thing is not whether another performance car is better on gas, it’s understanding that this Challenger is far from a Prius and the fuel cost comes with its unique character, styling and performance. Check out CHALLENGER MPG across all years to understand the model’s MPG history.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Challenger Widebody’s 6.4L V8 isn’t inherently efficient, but you can take steps to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, gradual inputs will help keep the engine in its most efficient operating range, reducing the amount of fuel injected with each pedal stroke.

Maintain a steady speed on the highway. Using cruise control when possible can help prevent unnecessary speed fluctuations that waste fuel. Minimize the use of the throttle for minor adjustments and anticipate traffic flow to avoid abrupt braking.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated and that your car is well-maintained. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, will keep the engine running efficiently.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Remove any items you don’t need to carry, as extra weight places additional stress on the engine and reduces fuel efficiency. Even small amounts of extra weight add up over time, especially during city driving.

Consider using the Eco mode, if equipped. While it might slightly dull throttle response, it can also help optimize engine and transmission settings for better fuel economy, particularly during less spirited driving.