What the 2018 Dodge Charger costs to fuel and maintain

The 2018 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan with a V8 engine in most trims, which means it uses more fuel than smaller cars but less than larger trucks. The base model gets around 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, while the R/T and SRT models drop to roughly 15 city and 24 highway. The Charger Plug-in Hybrid (if you find one) can run on electric power alone for short trips, then switches to its V8 engine for longer distances.

Annual fuel costs depend on how much you drive and local gas prices. At 12,000 miles per year with an average V8 model, you might spend $1,500 to $1,800 on fuel annually, though this varies widely by region and driving habits. Insurance, maintenance, and repairs for a Charger typically run higher than sedans with smaller engines because parts are more expensive and labor time is longer.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Charger's V8 engine delivers 16 city and 25 highway miles per gallon on most trims, making it less efficient than four-cylinder sedans but typical for its class.
  • The Plug-in Hybrid model can drive on battery power alone for around 30 miles before the engine starts, cutting fuel use on short commutes.
  • Annual fuel costs range from $1,500 to $1,800 depending on driving patterns and regional gas prices, not including maintenance or insurance.
  • Maintenance costs are higher than average because the V8 requires synthetic oil, spark plugs are harder to access, and replacement parts carry a premium.

Engine options and what they mean for your fuel bill

The 2018 Charger came with three engine choices. The standard 3.6-liter V6 (in the base SE trim) achieves the best fuel economy at around 18 city and 27 highway. The 5.7-liter V8 (in SXT, R/T, and GT trims) produces more power but drops to 16 city and 25 highway. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (in the SRT 392 and 392 Daytona models) is the thirstiest, returning roughly 14 city and 23 highway.

The Plug-in Hybrid (available on the SE and SXT trims) pairs a 3.6-liter V6 with an electric motor and a 13-kilowatt-hour battery. In all-electric mode, it can travel about 30 miles before the gas engine engages. The EPA rates it at 33 miles per gallon equivalent in combined electric and gas driving, which is significantly better than any pure-gas Charger. However, the battery only charges fully overnight on a standard 120-volt outlet (taking 10 to 12 hours) or on a 240-volt home charger (taking 2 to 3 hours).

Emissions and environmental impact

The 2018 Charger meets federal emissions standards for its model year, which were less strict than current regulations. All gasoline models produce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from combustion, and the larger engines produce more of both. The V6 and standard V8 models are classified as Tier 2, Bin 5 vehicles under EPA standards, while the supercharged V8 models fall into a higher-emission category.

The Plug-in Hybrid produces zero tailpipe emissions when running on battery power alone, which means zero emissions for trips under 30 miles if you charge overnight. Once the gas engine starts, it operates the same as the standard V6 model. If you charge the battery regularly and drive mostly short distances, the Plug-in Hybrid cuts emissions significantly compared to a pure-gas Charger.

Real-world fuel economy versus EPA estimates

EPA fuel economy numbers are tested under controlled conditions and often run higher than what drivers see on the road. Most 2018 Charger owners report getting 1 to 3 miles per gallon less than the EPA estimate, depending on driving style, traffic conditions, and how often they use the highway. Aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, and city driving all lower fuel economy below the estimate.

If you drive mostly on highways at steady speeds, you may meet or slightly exceed the EPA estimate. If you drive in stop-and-go city traffic or accelerate hard regularly, expect to see numbers closer to the low end. Keeping tires properly inflated, maintaining regular oil changes, and avoiding excess weight in the trunk can help you stay closer to the EPA numbers.

Maintenance costs and what affects them

The 2018 Charger requires synthetic oil, which costs more than conventional oil but lasts longer between changes. Oil changes typically run $60 to $100 at an independent shop and $80 to $120 at a Dodge dealership. Spark plugs are difficult to access on the V8 models, so labor time is longer and the job costs $150 to $300 depending on which engine you have.

Brake pads, air filters, and coolant flushes follow a normal maintenance schedule, but parts for a full-size V8 sedan cost more than parts for smaller cars. Transmission fluid changes, if recommended by your owner's manual, run $150 to $250. If you own a Plug-in Hybrid, add battery health checks to your maintenance routine, though the battery itself is typically warrantied for eight years or 100,000 miles.

How to check fuel economy on your 2018 Charger

The 2018 Charger's dashboard display shows real-time and average fuel economy. Press the "Menu" button on the steering wheel, scroll to "Vehicle Info," then select "Fuel Economy" to see your current miles per gallon. The display updates as you drive and resets when you refuel, so you can track your actual consumption over time.

Tracking your fuel economy over several fill-ups gives you a more accurate picture than relying on a single tank. Divide the miles driven by the gallons pumped to calculate your true average. If your actual fuel economy drops suddenly, it may signal a problem like a clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or low tire pressure that needs attention.

Comparing the 2018 Charger to other sedans

Among full-size sedans, the 2018 Charger's fuel economy is typical for V8 models. The Chevrolet Impala with a V8 achieves similar numbers (16 city, 25 highway), while the Chrysler 300 (which shares the Charger's platform) returns the same fuel economy. Four-cylinder sedans like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry achieve 28 to 32 city and 38 to 42 highway, but they sacrifice the power and towing capacity the Charger offers.

If fuel economy is your top priority, a mid-size sedan with a four-cylinder engine will cost significantly less to fuel. If you value performance and space, the Charger's fuel economy is competitive within its class. The Plug-in Hybrid Charger bridges the gap, offering V8 power with better efficiency on short trips, though it costs more upfront than a standard model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2018 Charger have good fuel economy?

The Charger's fuel economy is typical for a full-size V8 sedan but lower than smaller cars. At 16 city and 25 highway, it uses more fuel than a four-cylinder sedan but less than a truck or SUV. If you drive mostly highway miles, the 25 mpg highway rating makes it more efficient than city driving.

What is the difference between the V6 and V8 models in terms of fuel use?

The V6 model gets about 18 city and 27 highway, while the standard V8 gets 16 city and 25 highway. That's roughly a 10 to 15 percent difference in real-world driving. The V6 is more efficient but produces less power, so your choice depends on whether you prioritize fuel savings or performance.

How much does it cost to fill up a 2018 Charger?

The Charger's fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons. At $3.50 per gallon, a full tank costs about $65. At $4.00 per gallon, it costs about $74. Prices vary by region and time of year, so your actual cost depends on local gas prices when you fill up.

Is the Plug-in Hybrid worth it for fuel savings?

The Plug-in Hybrid costs more upfront but saves money on fuel if you charge regularly and drive short distances. If you commute under 30 miles daily and charge overnight, you may use almost no gas on weekdays. For longer trips or infrequent charging, the savings shrink because the gas engine runs more often.

What should I do if my 2018 Charger's fuel economy suddenly drops?

Check your tire pressure first—underinflated tires reduce fuel economy by 3 to 5 percent. Then check your air filter and have your spark plugs inspected if they're due. If fuel economy drops more than 15 percent, have a mechanic scan for engine codes, as a faulty oxygen sensor or fuel injector can reduce efficiency.