16 MPG combined. Frankly, fuel efficiency isn’t the main concern for anyone buying a 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT 6.2L 8-cyl. They want raw power, a throaty exhaust, and classic muscle car style. The gas bill is simply the price to pay for that. The Challenger SRT isn’t about saving fuel; it’s about burning rubber and attracting attention, and it does exactly that with plenty of enthusiasm.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Challenger SRT’s fuel economy at 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The large difference shows where this car performs best. The big V8 uses the most gas in stop-and-go city driving. On the open road, the automatic 8-speed transmission settles into a comfortable overdrive, and the highway number is more reasonable, but still far below any hybrid or even a modern turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT 6.2L 8-cyl at $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time. Owners who drive harder, drive more miles, or live where gas is more expensive could easily spend more each year. It’s a number to keep in mind, but it probably won’t scare away Challenger SRT enthusiasts.

Real-world expectations

Even with the EPA estimates, the Challenger SRT 6.2L’s actual fuel economy can change a lot based on how you drive. If you accelerate quickly, you’ll see numbers drop far below the official numbers, especially in the city. Driving at consistent speeds on the highway will probably get you closer to 22 MPG, but any quick acceleration will lower your average. The type of fuel also matters; premium fuel is recommended for the best performance, and using lower octane fuel could reduce fuel efficiency. Owners should watch their own driving habits and fuel use to get a better idea of their fuel costs.

How it compares

The Challenger SRT’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect compared to other muscle cars. A Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 gets around 15 MPG combined, while the Chevrolet Camaro SS with its 6.2L V8 gets about 19 MPG combined. A turbocharged four-cylinder Mustang EcoBoost offers around 25 MPG combined for those who want better fuel economy in a sporty car, which shows the trade-off by reducing horsepower. See CHALLENGER MPG across all years. The comparison matters to Challenger SRT buyers who might want to be certain there are no superior musclecar options, but also because it highlights the cost of enjoying a high horsepower V8 engine.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While it might seem strange to try to save fuel in a Challenger SRT, there are things you can do that will help somewhat. Avoid accelerating quickly and braking hard. Accelerating using the throttle gradually will use less fuel than constantly flooring it. This is especially true in city driving, where stop-and-go traffic gives you many chances to waste fuel.

Make sure your tires are inflated properly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended levels in your owner’s manual. This is even more important on a strong car like this where maximum grip matters.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying extra items in the trunk adds to the vehicle’s weight, which reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need from your car to reduce the weight. It can help even a little, especially on a car that already has poor fuel economy.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed can help optimize fuel use compared to constantly changing your speed. Turn on cruise control on long stretches of highway to reduce throttle changes and maintain a more fuel-efficient pace.

Regular maintenance is critical for the best engine performance and fuel efficiency. Keep up with scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups. A well-maintained engine will run more efficiently, which increases fuel savings. Looking for all Dodge fuel economy data?