15 MPG combined, that’s the headline figure for the 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Widebody with the 6.2L supercharged V8. No one buying this car is particularly surprised or offended. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for its fuel efficiency. It’s a statement, a primal scream on four wheels, an unapologetic celebration of American muscle. The Charger SRT Widebody buyer wants thunder, lightning, and a healthy dose of tire smoke. They understand that raw power comes at a price, and that price includes frequent trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 12 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. That significant difference reveals a lot about how this engine operates. In stop-and-go traffic, the supercharger is always on tap, ready to unleash power with even the slightest push of the accelerator. Fuel is dumped liberally to create instant acceleration. Out on the open road, however, with the car cruising in eighth gear and the supercharger loafing, the engine can actually achieve respectable fuel efficiency. The highway number is achievable if you can resist the urge to bury the throttle. Resisting that urge is why this car exists in the first place.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,850 for the 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Widebody. 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, using national average fuel prices. This positions the Charger SRT Widebody squarely in the “expensive to fuel” category. For its target demographic, this is often viewed as the cost of doing business. Owners readily accept this financial burden as the price of admission to a world of exhilarating performance and undeniable presence.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. While they provide a baseline for comparison, real-world fuel economy for the Charger SRT Widebody is dependent on driving style. Drive it aggressively and you’ll be lucky to see double digits. Drive it calmly, and you might approach the EPA estimates, but you’ll also be missing the point. Most owners report a combined average somewhere between 10 and 14 MPG, reflecting a blend of enthusiastic acceleration and occasional highway cruising. Factors like tire pressure, ambient temperature, and the blend of gasoline can also subtly influence fuel consumption.

How it compares

Unsurprisingly, the Charger SRT Widebody’s fuel economy lags behind most of its would-be competitors, which tend to emphasize a blend of performance and efficiency. The Ford Mustang GT, for example, with its 5.0L V8, manages a more respectable 18 MPG combined. Even the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, with its supercharged 6.2L V8, edges out the Charger with 16 MPG combined. That is not necessarily the deciding factor for the prospective buyer. Someone considering this Dodge is likely prioritizing its unique blend of retro styling, spacious interior, and sheer horsepower over marginal improvements in fuel consumption. Also, check out all Dodge fuel economy data, as well as CHARGER MPG across all years

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency may not be a primary concern for Charger SRT Widebody owners, there are still a few strategies to minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing too much driving enjoyment. Keeping the tires properly inflated reduces rolling resistance and can noticeably improve MPG, especially on the highway. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended pressure.

Avoid prolonged idling. This engine consumes a surprising amount of fuel when stationary. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s best to turn off the engine. These small actions do add up over time.

Use the paddle shifters to your advantage. Manually shifting the transmission can help you stay in the optimal gear for fuel efficiency, especially during city driving. Try to anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary downshifts that trigger the supercharger.

Consider using a lighter touch on the accelerator. The supercharger is eager to provide instant power, but gentle acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption. The tradeoff is reduced fun, but if you need to travel efficiently, it is an option.

Finally, consistent maintenance, like regular oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine is running at its peak efficiency. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more cleanly and efficiently, resulting in slightly better MPG numbers.