The 2016 Charger Hellcat gets roughly 12 to 14 miles per gallon combined, depending on driving habits

The 2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a high-performance muscle car powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower. Because of that engine size and power output, fuel economy is low compared to standard sedans. The EPA rates the 2016 Hellcat at 12 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, which means a combined rating around 14 mpg for mixed driving. Real-world numbers often fall closer to 12 mpg combined when driven in typical conditions.

The low fuel economy reflects the car's design purpose: maximum performance rather than efficiency. The supercharged engine burns more fuel to produce that power, and the car's weight and aerodynamics are optimized for speed, not economy. If you own one or are considering one, budget for regular fill-ups and higher fuel costs than you would see in a standard sedan.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger Hellcat is rated at 12 mpg city and 20 mpg highway by the EPA, with a combined rating around 14 mpg.
  • The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine produces 707 horsepower and requires premium gasoline, which costs more than regular fuel.
  • Aggressive driving, frequent acceleration, and highway speeds above 65 mph will lower fuel economy further below the EPA estimate.
  • The Hellcat produces higher emissions than standard vehicles due to its large displacement engine and high fuel consumption.

How the Supercharged Engine Affects Fuel Consumption

A supercharger forces more air into the engine's cylinders, which allows it to burn more fuel and produce more power in each combustion cycle. This is what makes the Hellcat so fast—but it also means the engine is inherently thirsty. The supercharger runs continuously whenever the engine is running, so even at idle or light throttle, the car is working harder than a naturally aspirated engine would.

The 6.2-liter displacement itself is large by modern standards. Larger engines have more cylinders firing and more fuel being injected, so they consume more gasoline per mile traveled. Combined with the supercharger, this engine burns fuel at a rate that reflects its performance capability, not efficiency.

Premium Fuel Requirement and Cost Impact

The 2016 Charger Hellcat requires premium gasoline (91 or 92 octane minimum, depending on your region). Premium fuel costs more per gallon than regular unleaded, typically 30 to 50 cents more depending on the market and gas station. Over a year of driving, this adds up significantly.

The high octane rating is necessary because the supercharger creates high compression and heat inside the cylinders. Regular fuel would ignite too early under those conditions, causing engine knock and potential damage. Using regular fuel in a Hellcat will trigger the check engine light and may cause performance issues or long-term engine damage.

Real-World Fuel Economy Varies by Driving Style

The EPA estimates assume a mix of city and highway driving at moderate speeds. If you drive the Hellcat the way it was designed—with frequent hard acceleration and higher speeds—your actual fuel economy will be noticeably worse than 14 mpg combined. Many owners report 10 to 12 mpg in regular driving, and some see single digits during spirited driving.

Conversely, if you drive conservatively, avoid hard acceleration, and keep highway speeds moderate, you may approach or slightly exceed the EPA highway rating of 20 mpg on long trips. However, buying a 707-horsepower muscle car and driving it conservatively defeats much of its purpose, so most owners accept the low fuel economy as part of owning the vehicle.

Emissions and Environmental Impact

The 2016 Charger Hellcat meets the emissions standards that were in effect for 2016 model year vehicles, which means it passed EPA testing for nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other regulated pollutants. However, because it burns significantly more fuel than a standard sedan, it produces proportionally more carbon dioxide and other combustion byproducts per mile driven.

The car's emissions control system includes a catalytic converter and oxygen sensors that work to reduce harmful pollutants in the exhaust. These systems are effective at meeting legal standards, but they cannot overcome the fundamental reality that a 707-horsepower engine burning premium fuel produces more total emissions than a smaller, more efficient engine.

Comparing the Hellcat to Other 2016 Muscle Cars

The 2016 Charger Hellcat's 14 mpg combined rating is typical for high-performance V8 muscle cars of that generation. The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 6.2-liter V8 achieved similar fuel economy ratings. The 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T, which uses a smaller 5.7-liter V8 without a supercharger, was rated at 16 mpg combined—better than the Hellcat, but still well below standard sedans.

If fuel economy is a priority, no high-performance muscle car from 2016 will deliver the efficiency of a mid-size sedan or hybrid vehicle. The Hellcat represents the extreme end of the performance spectrum, and that comes with the fuel consumption to match.

Maintenance and Long-Term Fuel Costs

Beyond the pump, the Hellcat's fuel consumption affects maintenance costs. The car requires synthetic oil changes, and the supercharger system adds complexity and potential repair costs if something fails. The transmission and cooling system work harder in a supercharged engine, which can lead to earlier wear on some components.

If you are considering a used 2016 Hellcat, factor in not just the purchase price but the ongoing cost of premium fuel, more frequent maintenance, and potentially higher insurance rates. Over five years of ownership, fuel and maintenance costs can easily exceed the initial purchase price of the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular gasoline in a 2016 Charger Hellcat?

No. The Hellcat requires premium gasoline (91 or 92 octane) because of the supercharger's high compression. Using regular fuel will trigger a check engine light and can damage the engine over time. Always use the fuel grade specified in your owner's manual.

What is the actual fuel economy most owners report?

Most owners report 10 to 14 mpg in mixed driving, with some seeing as low as 9 to 10 mpg during aggressive driving. Highway driving at steady speeds may reach 16 to 18 mpg, but this is less common because owners typically drive the car for performance.

Does the 2016 Hellcat produce more emissions than a regular Charger?

Yes. While it meets 2016 emissions standards, the Hellcat burns far more fuel per mile than a standard Charger, which means it produces more total carbon dioxide and other combustion byproducts. The emissions control system reduces harmful pollutants, but cannot eliminate the impact of higher fuel consumption.

Is there a way to improve the Hellcat's fuel economy?

Driving conservatively, avoiding hard acceleration, and maintaining steady highway speeds will improve economy somewhat. However, modifications like tuning the engine or changing the supercharger pulley will make fuel economy worse. The car's design prioritizes performance over efficiency.