What the 2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat costs to fuel and how much it pollutes

The 2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a high-performance sedan with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower. It gets approximately 13 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway, according to EPA testing. Combined, the EPA rates it at 16 miles per gallon. That means a 15-gallon fill-up takes you roughly 240 miles before you need to refuel.

Because of its large engine and high power output, the Hellcat emits more greenhouse gases per mile than most other vehicles on the road. The EPA estimates it produces about 571 grams of carbon dioxide per mile driven. It also requires premium (91 or higher octane) gasoline, which costs more than regular fuel at most pumps.

If you drive this car 12,000 miles per year—the average for American drivers—you would spend roughly $2,400 to $2,800 annually on fuel, depending on local gas prices. Over five years, that adds up to $12,000 to $14,000 in fuel costs alone, not counting maintenance for a high-performance engine.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger Hellcat averages 16 miles per gallon combined, making it one of the least fuel-efficient cars sold that year.
  • It requires premium gasoline, which costs more per gallon than regular fuel and increases your annual fuel budget.
  • Annual fuel costs for average driving run between $2,400 and $2,800, depending on gas prices in your area.
  • The vehicle's emissions are significantly higher than standard sedans because of its large supercharged engine.

How the Hellcat's fuel consumption compares to other 2016 sedans

Most four-door sedans sold in 2016 achieved between 25 and 35 miles per gallon combined. The Toyota Camry averaged 28 mpg, the Honda Accord averaged 27 mpg, and the Nissan Altima averaged 26 mpg. The Charger Hellcat's 16 mpg rating puts it in a category by itself among family sedans—it uses roughly twice as much fuel to travel the same distance.

Other performance cars from that year had similar fuel economy. The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray achieved 16 mpg combined. The Dodge Challenger R/T (a related model with a smaller engine) got 18 mpg combined. The Hellcat's supercharger and extra power output make it thirstier than even these other muscle cars.

If you switched from a Charger Hellcat to a standard Charger R/T, you would save roughly 2 to 3 miles per gallon and cut your annual fuel costs by several hundred dollars. The trade-off is a loss of about 200 horsepower and a noticeably slower acceleration.

Understanding the EPA's fuel economy test and real-world driving

The EPA's 16 mpg rating comes from a standardized test performed in a laboratory, not from actual road driving. The test uses a dynamometer (a machine that simulates driving) and follows a set pattern of acceleration, cruising, and braking. Real-world fuel economy depends heavily on how you drive, road conditions, weather, and whether you mostly drive on highways or in stop-and-go city traffic.

Owners of the 2016 Charger Hellcat often report fuel economy between 12 and 18 mpg in real driving, depending on their habits. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking—common with a 707-horsepower car—push consumption toward the lower end. Highway cruising at steady speeds can push it toward the higher end, though still well below what you would see in a standard sedan.

The EPA's highway rating of 21 mpg assumes you maintain a steady 60 mph with minimal acceleration. Most drivers on real highways exceed that speed and encounter traffic, so actual highway mileage often falls short of the EPA estimate.

Premium fuel requirements and what they cost

The 2016 Charger Hellcat's supercharged engine is tuned to run on 91-octane fuel or higher. Using regular 87-octane gasoline can cause engine knock (a pinging sound) and may trigger the check engine light. Over time, running on low-octane fuel can damage the engine and void your warranty.

Premium gasoline typically costs 40 to 60 cents more per gallon than regular fuel, though the difference varies by region and time of year. If you fill a 15-gallon tank, that premium adds $6 to $9 per fill-up. Over a year of average driving, the premium fuel requirement adds $300 to $500 to your fuel costs compared to a car that runs on regular gas.

Some owners use 89-octane fuel (mid-grade) as a compromise, though Dodge does not recommend this. The risk of engine damage and the potential repair costs usually outweigh any savings from using lower-octane fuel.

Emissions standards and what they mean

The 2016 Charger Hellcat meets the EPA's Tier 2 emissions standards that were in effect for that model year. These standards limit the amount of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants the car can emit. However, meeting a standard does not mean the car is low-emission—it means the car does not exceed the legal limit.

Because the Hellcat burns more fuel than most vehicles, it produces more carbon dioxide per mile, even though it meets emissions standards. Carbon dioxide is not regulated as a pollutant under Tier 2 standards, but it is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. The EPA estimates the Hellcat's annual greenhouse gas emissions at roughly 7.1 metric tons for 12,000 miles of driving.

For comparison, a 2016 Toyota Camry produces roughly 4.1 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually at the same mileage. The difference reflects the Hellcat's much larger engine and lower fuel economy.

Maintenance costs tied to fuel consumption and engine type

High-performance engines like the Hellcat's supercharged V8 require more frequent maintenance than standard engines. Oil changes are recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (more often than many modern cars). The supercharger adds complexity, and any repairs to it are expensive. Spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filters all wear faster in a high-output engine.

Premium fuel itself does not damage the engine, but the engine's design means it works harder and generates more heat. This accelerates wear on internal components. Owners should budget for more frequent service visits and higher per-visit costs than they would for a standard sedan.

Tires also wear faster on a car with 707 horsepower, especially if you use the power regularly. Performance tires (which the Hellcat comes equipped with) cost more to replace than standard tires and may need replacement every 20,000 to 30,000 miles instead of 40,000 to 50,000 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve the Hellcat's fuel economy by changing how I drive?

Yes, but the improvement is limited. Smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and avoiding rapid braking can add 1 to 3 miles per gallon. However, the car's design and engine size mean it will never achieve the fuel economy of a standard sedan, no matter how carefully you drive. The supercharger and high horsepower are fundamentally thirsty.

What happens if I use regular 87-octane fuel instead of premium?

The engine may knock or ping, and the check engine light may come on. Continued use of low-octane fuel risks damaging the supercharger and internal engine components, leading to expensive repairs. Dodge's warranty does not cover damage caused by using fuel below the recommended octane rating.

How does the Hellcat's fuel economy affect insurance costs?

Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for high-performance vehicles because they are involved in more accidents and cost more to repair. The Hellcat's fuel economy does not directly affect your insurance rate, but its power, speed, and repair costs do. You should expect to pay significantly more for insurance than you would for a standard Charger.

Is the 2016 Charger Hellcat considered a gas guzzler for tax purposes?

Yes. The EPA's Gas Guzzler Tax applies to cars that get less than 22.5 miles per gallon combined. The 2016 Charger Hellcat, at 16 mpg, is subject to this tax. When you purchase the vehicle, you pay an additional federal tax (the amount varies by how far below the threshold the car falls). For the Hellcat, this tax is typically $1,300 to $1,700.

What is the difference between the Hellcat and the regular Charger R/T in terms of fuel costs?

The 2016 Charger R/T gets approximately 18 mpg combined and produces 370 horsepower. Over 12,000 miles per year, the R/T would cost roughly $200 to $400 less in fuel annually than the Hellcat. The R/T also does not require premium fuel, which saves an additional $300 to $500 per year. Over five years, choosing the R/T instead of the Hellcat saves $2,500 to $4,500 in fuel costs alone.