The 2013 Charger SRT8 gets 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway

The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 is powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 470 horsepower. That engine size and power output come with real fuel consumption: the EPA rates it at 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined rating of 19 mpg. These numbers reflect what the car actually uses under standard testing conditions, not theoretical best-case scenarios.

If you drive mostly in the city, expect closer to 16 mpg. Highway driving pushes you toward 25 mpg, but real-world results depend on your driving habits, road conditions, and how much weight you carry. Aggressive acceleration and idling in traffic will lower your mileage; steady highway cruising will improve it.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Charger SRT8 is rated at 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg by the EPA.
  • The 6.4-liter V8 engine requires premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) to run properly.
  • Annual fuel cost estimates and emissions data are available through the EPA's fueleconomy.gov website using the vehicle's year, make, and model.
  • Real-world fuel economy varies based on driving style, maintenance condition, and whether the vehicle is stock or modified.

What the EPA fuel economy ratings mean

The EPA tests every car under controlled conditions: a mix of city and highway driving at consistent speeds and temperatures. The 2013 Charger SRT8's 19 mpg combined rating comes from that standardized test, not from averaging what owners report. Your actual mileage will differ based on how you drive, the condition of your engine, and local traffic patterns.

City driving includes frequent stops, starts, and lower speeds — conditions where large engines burn more fuel per mile. Highway driving at steady speeds is more efficient for any engine, which is why the SRT8's highway rating (25 mpg) is noticeably higher than its city rating (16 mpg). If your driving is split between both, you can expect results closer to the combined 19 mpg figure.

Fuel type and octane requirements

The 2013 Charger SRT8 requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using regular 87-octane fuel can cause engine knock, reduce performance, and potentially damage the engine over time. Premium fuel costs more per gallon than regular, and that cost adds up when you're filling a large V8 engine.

The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons. At 19 mpg combined, that means a full tank will take you roughly 350 miles before you need to refuel. In the city at 16 mpg, you'll get closer to 296 miles per tank. These are approximate figures; actual range depends on your driving conditions and habits.

Annual fuel cost and emissions information

The EPA publishes estimated annual fuel costs for every vehicle on fueleconomy.gov. To find the 2013 Charger SRT8's specific estimate, visit that site, select 2013 as the year, Dodge as the make, and Charger as the model, then filter for the SRT8 trim. The estimate assumes you drive 15,000 miles per year and uses the national average fuel price at the time the data was published — so the actual cost will vary based on your local gas prices and how many miles you actually drive.

Emissions data for the 2013 Charger SRT8 is also available through fueleconomy.gov. The site shows the vehicle's greenhouse gas rating and smog rating, both on a scale of 1 to 10. These ratings compare the car to all other vehicles tested that year. A large V8 engine will score lower on both scales than a smaller, more efficient engine.

How driving habits affect your actual fuel economy

The EPA's 19 mpg combined rating assumes moderate driving — a mix of city and highway at normal speeds. If you accelerate hard, brake frequently, or spend a lot of time idling, your actual mileage will be lower. Conversely, smooth acceleration, gentle braking, and steady highway cruising can push you closer to or slightly above the EPA estimate.

Engine condition also matters. A well-maintained engine with clean air filters, properly inflated tires, and fresh spark plugs will perform closer to the EPA rating. A neglected engine with worn components will consume more fuel. Regular maintenance — oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups — helps keep your SRT8 running at its rated efficiency.

Comparing the SRT8 to other 2013 vehicles

The 2013 Charger SRT8's 19 mpg combined rating is low compared to most 2013 sedans, but that's expected for a high-performance V8. A 2013 Charger with the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, for example, achieves better fuel economy. Sports cars and performance vehicles across all manufacturers prioritize power over efficiency, so the SRT8's numbers are typical for its class.

If fuel economy is a priority, a smaller engine or hybrid vehicle will serve you better. If you value the performance and power of the SRT8, the fuel cost is part of the trade-off. Understanding that trade-off before you buy or own the vehicle helps you budget for gas and maintenance accurately.

Where to find detailed environmental information

The EPA's fueleconomy.gov website is the official source for fuel economy, emissions, and environmental data on any vehicle. You can search by year, make, and model, and the site will show you the city, highway, and combined ratings, estimated annual fuel cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and smog rating. You can also compare the 2013 Charger SRT8 side-by-side with other vehicles to see how it ranks.

Your vehicle's owner's manual also contains fuel economy information and recommendations for fuel type and maintenance. If you're considering buying a used 2013 Charger SRT8, the EPA label (called the Monroney label) should be available from the seller or dealer and will show the original fuel economy ratings and estimated annual fuel cost based on 2013 fuel prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular 87-octane fuel in a 2013 Charger SRT8?

No. The SRT8 requires premium 91-octane fuel or higher. Using regular fuel can cause engine knock, reduce performance, and potentially damage the engine. Always use the fuel grade specified in your owner's manual.

What's the difference between the EPA's city and highway ratings?

City driving involves frequent stops, starts, and lower speeds, which burns more fuel per mile. Highway driving at steady speeds is more efficient. The SRT8's 16 city / 25 highway split reflects this difference. Your actual mileage depends on how much of each type of driving you do.

Why is the 2013 Charger SRT8's fuel economy so low?

The SRT8 has a large 6.4-liter V8 engine designed for performance and power, not efficiency. Larger engines burn more fuel. This is a trade-off: you get 470 horsepower and high performance, but you pay for it at the pump.

Where can I find the exact annual fuel cost for the 2013 Charger SRT8?

Visit fueleconomy.gov, search for the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8, and the site will show the EPA's estimated annual fuel cost. Keep in mind that estimate is based on national average fuel prices and assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year — your actual cost will vary based on local gas prices and your mileage.

Does maintenance affect the SRT8's fuel economy?

Yes. A well-maintained engine with clean filters, proper tire pressure, and fresh spark plugs will perform closer to the EPA rating. Neglected maintenance can lower your fuel economy. Regular oil changes and tune-ups help keep the engine running efficiently.