18 MPG combined. Let’s be honest, nobody buying a 2022 Dodge Charger Widebody with the 6.4L Hemi is prioritizing fuel efficiency. They’re buying a modern muscle car, a four-door sedan with the soul of a Challenger and the space to (theoretically) haul the family. The fuel economy is simply the price of admission, a necessary evil to unleash tire-shredding performance and own a piece of American V8 history. This is not a vehicle for hypermilers, but understanding its fuel consumption is still critical.

City and highway performance

The 2022 Charger Widebody 6.4L’s EPA ratings break down to 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. That city figure reflects the engine’s thirst when constantly accelerating from stoplights and navigating congested roads where the big Hemi lives at low RPM, frequently spinning up to launch the car only to quickly hit the brakes. The highway number is somewhat more palatable, as the engine can settle into a lower RPM cruise thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission. Still, even on the open road, a heavy foot will quickly erode that 24 MPG figure. All that power is too tempting.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Dodge Charger Widebody 6.4L comes out to approximately $3,200. 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. It also assumes the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that this is an EPA estimate, and your actual fuel costs could vary significantly depending on your driving habits, location, fuel prices, and how often you decide to engage in spirited driving. If you are constantly redlining the tachometer, expect to spend substantially more than $3,200.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Charger Widebody 6.4L is often lower, especially for drivers who embrace the car’s performance capabilities. Expect to see city mileage closer to the low teens if you frequently accelerate hard, and highway mileage can dip below 20 MPG if you maintain higher speeds or do a lot of passing. The heavy weight of the car and the readily-available power means that even seemingly moderate driving results in lower MPG than the EPA suggests. Some owners have reported averaging around 16-17 MPG in mixed driving conditions.

How it compares

Given its mission, the Charger Widebody 6.4L doesn’t have many direct competitors. Consider the slightly smaller Cadillac CT5-V. Equipped with its 3.0L twin-turbo V6, the Cadillac manages 21 MPG combined, a significant improvement, but the Cadillac lacks the visceral punch and iconic V8 soundtrack. On the other hand, the Charger Hellcat with its supercharged 6.2L V8, has an even worse rated fuel efficiency, only offering 15 MPG combined. For buyers cross-shopping, this difference can be significant. Even the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack with the same 6.4L engine isn’t much better in fuel efficiency, rated at 18 MPG combined like its Charger sibling. For example, all Dodge fuel economy data shows that the choice between these cars comes down to body style since their mileage is closely matched.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency might not be your top priority, there are still steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption in your Charger Widebody 6.4L. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, as this engine responds dramatically to throttle input. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can save a surprising amount of fuel.

Take advantage of the Charger’s adaptive cruise control system on long highway drives. This feature can help maintain a constant speed and reduce unnecessary acceleration and braking, leading to improved fuel efficiency. Set it, and then resist the temptation to dip into the lower gears.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels listed on the door jamb or in the owner’s manual. Note that wider tires can lead to lower fuel economy due to that increase in rolling resistance.

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel efficiency. Keep your engine properly tuned, replace air filters as needed, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. Maintaining the engine will ensure it is running efficiently and prevent fuel-wasting issues. The CHARGER MPG across all years remains similar, so engine upkeep is key.

Finally, consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors and improve fuel combustion. Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. A quality fuel additive can help keep them clean and operating at peak performance. Just be sure to choose a product designed for modern fuel-injected engines.