23 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling competitions, but it’s what you get with the 2022 Dodge Charger 3.6L V6. This isn’t basic transportation, it’s a four-door muscle car for a specific type of driver. These buyers want aggressive styling, a spacious interior, and that signature Charger look more than getting the most miles out of every gallon. The 3.6L V6 offers a balance of good power with a reasonable thirst, a compromise many accept to drive this modern icon. The EPA numbers reflect this compromise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Dodge Charger V6 at 19 MPG in the city. This number reflects the frequent stop-and-go driving common in cities, where the Charger’s weight and acceleration use more gas. On the open road, the Charger’s 3.6L V6 shows its efficiency, achieving 30 MPG on the highway. The eight-speed automatic transmission is important here, offering smooth and efficient gear changes at cruising speeds. These are good numbers, especially when you remember this car isn’t trying to be a Prius.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Dodge Charger 3.6L V6 at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% city driving and 45% highway driving. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price when the EPA tested the car. Your actual costs will vary depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and how often you accelerate quickly. Knowing this cost provides a benchmark, helping buyers understand one aspect of owning this vehicle.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy is often different. Charger drivers who accelerate rapidly and brake hard will likely see numbers below the EPA estimates. However, those who drive smoothly and obey speed limits can likely match or even slightly exceed the highway estimate. Individual driving habits are a bigger factor than most drivers realize. Also, think about the type of roads you drive. Living in a hilly area will always hurt fuel economy, compared to a flat commute.

How it compares

The 2022 Dodge Charger 3.6L V6 is in a small segment of large sedans. The Nissan Maxima, for example, gets a slightly better 25 MPG combined. However, the Maxima doesn’t have the rear-wheel-drive performance and the styling that makes the Charger special. Choosing the V8-powered Charger models significantly reduces fuel economy, often dropping into the high teens for combined MPG. For those wanting a more fuel-efficient option within Dodge, directly compare all CHARGER MPG across all years. Drivers willing to give up some of the Charger’s performance and styling could also consider smaller sedans from other manufacturers, some of which reach well above 30 MPG combined. However, there are fewer sedan competitors available each year.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and consistent speeds are key to using less gas in the Charger. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking. Planning your route to avoid traffic can also help you to avoid wasting fuel.

Make sure your Charger’s tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the pressure listed on the door jamb.

Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds to the load, requiring the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Remove anything you don’t need. Also, consider roof racks or other accessories that increase drag.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, can help your Charger’s engine run efficiently. A clean engine operates more smoothly and uses fuel more effectively. Follow the scheduled maintenance in your vehicle’s manual.

If equipped, turn on the Charger’s Eco mode. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. It may slightly reduce throttle response, but it can help you save fuel without drastically changing how it drives.