The 2017 Charger Hellcat gets roughly 12 to 14 miles per gallon combined, depending on driving habits

The 2017 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's size and power output, fuel economy is not its strength. The EPA estimates the Hellcat achieves about 12 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 14 mpg combined when you average both types of driving.

These numbers assume regular unleaded gasoline, though Dodge recommends premium (91 octane or higher) for best performance. Using regular fuel may lower power output slightly and could affect efficiency. Real-world mileage varies based on how aggressively you drive — highway cruising at steady speeds will approach the EPA's highway estimate, while frequent acceleration and city stop-and-go traffic will pull the combined figure down toward the city number or lower.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Charger Hellcat is rated at 12 city / 23 highway / 14 combined mpg by the EPA, making it one of the least fuel-efficient muscle cars on the road.
  • The car requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) to run at full power and maintain the EPA's estimated fuel economy figures.
  • Aggressive driving, frequent acceleration, and city traffic will lower real-world fuel economy below the EPA estimates.
  • The Hellcat's emissions output is higher than standard passenger vehicles because of its large displacement engine and high horsepower rating.

How the Hellcat's engine affects emissions

The 2017 Charger Hellcat meets current EPA emissions standards, but its supercharged V8 produces more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter than smaller, naturally aspirated engines. The sheer volume of fuel burned to generate 707 horsepower means more exhaust gases leave the tailpipe, even though the car's catalytic converters and emissions control systems work to reduce harmful pollutants.

Dodge equipped the Hellcat with a three-way catalytic converter and an onboard diagnostic system to monitor emissions in real time. These systems reduce the amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and NOx that escape into the atmosphere, but they cannot eliminate the fundamental fact that a large supercharged engine burns more fuel and produces more total emissions than a smaller engine.

Fuel tank size and driving range

The 2017 Charger Hellcat has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank. At the EPA's combined estimate of 14 mpg, a full tank gives you a theoretical range of roughly 259 miles before you need to refuel. On the highway at 23 mpg, you could stretch that to around 425 miles on a single tank. In the city at 12 mpg, you might see only 222 miles before the fuel warning light comes on.

These are estimates based on EPA testing. Your actual range depends on your driving style, road conditions, and how much you use the car's performance capabilities. Drivers who frequently use the Hellcat's acceleration and high-speed performance will see range drop noticeably below these figures.

Premium fuel requirement and cost impact

Dodge specifies premium gasoline (91 octane minimum, 93 octane recommended) for the 2017 Hellcat. Using regular 87-octane fuel can cause engine knock, reduce horsepower output, and potentially damage the engine over time. Premium fuel typically costs 30 to 50 cents more per gallon than regular, depending on your location and gas station.

At current typical price differences, filling an 18.5-gallon tank with premium instead of regular adds roughly $5 to $10 per fill-up. Over a year of regular driving, that difference compounds quickly. Combined with the Hellcat's low fuel economy, the cost of fuel becomes a significant ownership expense compared to standard passenger vehicles.

How the supercharger affects fuel consumption

The supercharger is a belt-driven compressor that forces air into the engine's cylinders, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This forced induction is what enables the Hellcat to generate 707 horsepower from a V8 engine. However, the supercharger also consumes engine power to operate — some of the engine's output goes toward turning the supercharger itself, which means more fuel must be burned to maintain that power output.

When you are cruising at steady speeds on the highway, the supercharger is not working at full capacity, which is why the Hellcat's highway fuel economy (23 mpg) is significantly better than its city rating (12 mpg). In the city, where you accelerate more frequently, the supercharger engages more often, and fuel consumption rises sharply.

Comparing the Hellcat to other 2017 muscle cars

The 2017 Charger Hellcat's 14 mpg combined rating places it at the lower end of the muscle car spectrum. For comparison, the 2017 Dodge Challenger R/T (non-Hellcat) with a 5.7-liter V8 achieves around 16 mpg combined. The 2017 Camaro SS with a 6.2-liter V8 is rated at 16 mpg combined. The 2017 Mustang Shelby GT350 with a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 reaches 17 mpg combined.

The Hellcat's lower fuel economy reflects its significantly higher power output — 707 horsepower versus 455 in the Challenger R/T or 455 in the Camaro SS. More power requires more fuel burned, and the supercharger adds to that consumption. If fuel economy is a priority, a non-supercharged muscle car will perform better, though none of these vehicles are known for efficiency.

Maintenance and emissions testing

In states that require emissions testing, the 2017 Charger Hellcat must pass the same standards as any other vehicle. The car's onboard diagnostic system continuously monitors the emissions control equipment. If a sensor detects a problem — a failing catalytic converter, a loose gas cap, or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor — the check engine light illuminates and the car stores a diagnostic trouble code.

Regular maintenance helps keep emissions systems working properly. This includes replacing the engine air filter as recommended (typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles), using the correct fuel grade, and addressing any check engine light codes promptly. Neglecting maintenance can cause emissions equipment to fail, which will result in a failed emissions test in states where testing is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular 87-octane gas in a 2017 Hellcat Charger?

You can, but Dodge does not recommend it. Regular fuel may cause engine knock, reduce horsepower, and potentially damage the engine over time. The car is tuned for premium fuel, and using regular voids some warranty protections. Stick with 91 octane minimum, 93 recommended.

What does the supercharger do to fuel economy?

The supercharger forces more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. It consumes some engine power to operate, which means the engine must burn additional fuel just to run the supercharger itself. This is why the Hellcat's fuel economy is lower than non-supercharged V8 engines of similar size.

Will the 2017 Hellcat pass an emissions test?

Yes, the Hellcat meets EPA emissions standards and should pass state emissions testing if the car is properly maintained. A failing catalytic converter, oxygen sensor problem, or loose gas cap can trigger a check engine light and cause a test failure. Regular maintenance and prompt repair of any warning lights keeps the car compliant.

How far can I drive on one tank of gas?

At the EPA's combined estimate of 14 mpg, a full 18.5-gallon tank gives roughly 259 miles of range. Highway driving at 23 mpg could extend that to around 425 miles. City driving at 12 mpg may drop it to 222 miles. Aggressive driving and frequent acceleration will reduce these estimates.

Is the 2017 Hellcat more polluting than a regular car?

Yes, the Hellcat produces more total emissions than smaller engines because it burns significantly more fuel. However, it meets EPA standards through emissions control equipment like catalytic converters. The car is legal to drive and compliant with pollution regulations, but its environmental impact per mile driven is higher than standard passenger vehicles.