The 2023 Dodge Charger AWD with the 3.6L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. This isn’t about fuel economy on long trips. It’s about having all-weather traction in a large, aggressively styled sedan. The Charger V6 AWD buyer isn’t prioritizing efficiency, but needs surefootedness in snow or rain and the practicality of four doors. They want a Charger, but they need AWD, and they are willing to accept the fuel economy hit that comes with it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Dodge Charger AWD 3.6L V6 are 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Charger’s weight and the inefficiencies of stop-and-go driving with a naturally aspirated engine. The highway mileage is more achievable in real-world conditions, especially on long, flat stretches of road. However, aggressive acceleration, which this car encourages, will quickly lower that number. Understanding your driving habits is key. A driver in the city will see that 18 MPG more often than not, while those who spend significant time on the open road can reasonably expect to approach the 27 MPG highway figure.

Annual Fuel Cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Dodge Charger AWD 3.6L V6 is $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, city versus highway driving, and the price of gasoline in your area. If you drive more aggressively or live in an area with higher fuel prices, expect to spend more than $2,100 per year on fuel.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing methodology, real-world MPG often differs. Drivers report slightly lower figures in combined driving. Factors like traffic congestion, driving style, and even tire pressure can impact fuel economy. The Charger’s weight and all-wheel-drive system are constant factors working against optimal efficiency. Expect a range of 19-23 MPG in combined driving if you drive reasonably conservatively. More aggressive driving will push this number lower. It’s best to use the EPA numbers as a baseline and adjust your expectations based on your individual driving habits and conditions.

How it compares

The Charger’s fuel economy positions it in the middle of its competitive set, considering its segment. The Nissan Maxima, another large sedan, offers slightly better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined. However, it lacks the Charger’s rear-wheel-drive-based architecture and aggressive styling, offering instead a more refined persona. The Chrysler 300, which shares a platform with the Charger, returns similar numbers with its available AWD 3.6L V6, landing around 21 MPG combined also. Stepping into a V8 Charger significantly impacts fuel economy, with models like the R/T dropping into the mid-teens in combined driving. See CHARGER MPG across all years. The AWD system adds weight and complexity, contributing to the lower fuel economy compared to the rear-wheel-drive variants within the Charger lineup. Potential buyers often weigh this trade-off, prioritizing all-weather capability over fuel savings.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Monitor your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Given the Charger’s weight, proper tire inflation is important.

Resist the urge to accelerate aggressively. While the Charger’s V6 offers decent power, frequent hard acceleration significantly reduces fuel economy. Practice smooth and gradual acceleration to conserve fuel. The 8-speed automatic is well-tuned, so let it do its job and avoid unnecessary downshifts by anticipating traffic conditions and maintaining a steady speed. Learn more about all Dodge fuel economy data.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and efficiently. Restarting the engine consumes less fuel than idling. This is important in colder climates where drivers might be tempted to idle the engine to warm up the cabin.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in your vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and rear seats. The lighter the car, the less effort the engine needs to propel it forward, and the better the fuel economy will be.