What the 2019 Charger Hellcat delivers in power and consumption

The 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a four-door muscle sedan powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196 mph. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Fuel economy is the trade-off for that power. The EPA rates the 2019 Charger Hellcat at 12 miles per gallon in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined. Real-world consumption often runs lower than the EPA combined figure, particularly in city driving or when the supercharger is engaged frequently. Owners report combined averages between 13 and 17 mpg depending on driving habits and conditions.

The vehicle requires premium (91 octane or higher) gasoline. Using regular fuel can trigger engine knock and reduce performance, and some owners report the engine management system will adjust timing and output if lower-octane fuel is detected.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Charger Hellcat produces 707 hp from a supercharged 6.2L V8 and reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest four-door sedans available.
  • EPA fuel economy is 12 city / 20 highway / 15 combined, but real-world results typically range from 13 to 17 mpg combined depending on driving style.
  • Premium fuel (91 octane minimum) is required; regular fuel may cause engine knock and trigger performance adjustments by the engine control system.
  • Annual fuel costs and emissions are substantially higher than standard sedans due to the large displacement engine and supercharger.

Engine specifications and performance metrics

The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 is the defining component of the Hellcat platform. Dodge rates it at 707 hp at 6,000 rpm and 645 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. The supercharger operates continuously and is not a variable system, meaning boost pressure remains constant across the engine's operating range.

The eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission is tuned for the Hellcat and includes a transmission cooler to manage heat during sustained high-performance driving. Launch control and line-lock features are standard, allowing the driver to hold the rear brakes while spinning the tires to warm them before acceleration.

Curb weight is approximately 4,500 pounds. The combination of weight and power output results in significant tire wear, particularly during hard acceleration or track use. Dodge recommends Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires as original equipment, and replacement tires are a recurring expense for owners who drive the vehicle hard.

EPA emissions ratings and environmental classification

The 2019 Charger Hellcat is classified as a Tier 2, Bin 11 vehicle under EPA emissions standards. This classification reflects the vehicle's large engine displacement and high power output. It does not meet California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards and is not sold in California or other states that follow California's stricter emissions rules.

Annual tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are estimated at approximately 8.5 to 9 metric tons, depending on driving patterns. This is roughly double the CO2 output of a mid-size sedan with a conventional gasoline engine. The vehicle produces higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter than smaller-displacement engines, though it meets federal Tier 2 standards for those pollutants.

The vehicle does not have a hybrid or electric powertrain option. Dodge offers no plug-in or battery-electric variant of the Charger Hellcat, so fuel consumption and emissions cannot be reduced through electrification.

Fuel tank capacity and driving range

The 2019 Charger Hellcat has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank. At the EPA combined rating of 15 mpg, the theoretical driving range is approximately 277 miles per tank. In real-world conditions with mixed driving, owners typically see ranges between 240 and 300 miles before refueling becomes necessary.

Highway driving at steady speeds yields the best range, as the 20 mpg highway rating is the highest of the three EPA figures. City driving and aggressive acceleration reduce range significantly. Owners who use the vehicle for track days or frequent hard acceleration report ranges as low as 200 to 220 miles per tank.

The fuel door is located on the driver's side rear quarter panel. The vehicle does not have a capless fuel filler, so a traditional gas cap is required. Replacement caps are inexpensive but should be kept in the vehicle, as a missing cap will trigger the check engine light.

Comparison to other 2019 muscle cars and performance sedans

The 2019 Charger Hellcat is the most powerful four-door sedan in its class. The Chevrolet Camaro SS (two-door only) produces 455 hp and achieves 16 mpg combined. The Dodge Challenger R/T produces 370 hp and achieves 16 mpg combined. The Charger Hellcat's 707 hp output is substantially higher than both, though fuel economy is lower.

The Cadillac CTS-V, a competing high-performance sedan, produces 640 hp from a supercharged 6.2L V8 and achieves 14 mpg combined. The BMW M550i produces 523 hp and achieves 19 mpg combined. The Charger Hellcat trades fuel efficiency for raw power output compared to most competitors in the luxury performance segment.

Among American muscle cars, only the Dodge Challenger Hellcat (two-door) matches the Charger Hellcat's engine and power output. Both vehicles share the same supercharged 6.2L V8 and produce identical horsepower and torque figures. The Challenger achieves slightly lower fuel economy (14 mpg combined) due to its two-door body style and weight distribution.

Maintenance costs and long-term fuel expenses

Routine maintenance for the 2019 Charger Hellcat includes oil changes every 10,000 miles using synthetic 5W-20 oil. The supercharger requires its own maintenance schedule and inspection. Spark plugs are rated for 100,000 miles under normal conditions, though some owners report fouling at lower mileage if the vehicle is driven hard frequently.

Annual fuel costs depend on driving volume and local fuel prices. At an average of 15,000 miles per year and a combined fuel economy of 15 mpg, the vehicle consumes 1,000 gallons annually. At a national average premium fuel price of $3.00 per gallon (prices vary significantly by region and time), annual fuel cost is approximately $3,000. This is roughly $1,500 to $2,000 more per year than a comparable sedan with a standard gasoline engine.

Tire replacement is a significant recurring cost. High-performance tires suitable for the Hellcat's power output cost between $200 and $300 per tire, and aggressive driving can reduce tire life to 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Owners who drive conservatively may see 40,000 to 50,000 miles per set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 2019 Charger Hellcat run on regular unleaded gasoline?

The vehicle is designed for premium fuel (91 octane or higher) and the owner's manual specifies premium as required. Running regular fuel may cause engine knock, reduce horsepower output, and trigger the engine control system to retard timing. Some owners have reported the system will limit performance if regular fuel is detected. Premium fuel is not optional for reliable operation.

What is the actual fuel economy most owners report?

Real-world combined fuel economy typically ranges from 13 to 17 mpg, with most owners reporting around 14 to 15 mpg combined. Highway driving yields closer to the EPA 20 mpg rating, while city driving and frequent hard acceleration drop consumption to 12 to 13 mpg. Driving habits have a larger impact on fuel economy than weather or road conditions.

How does the 2019 Charger Hellcat compare to the Challenger Hellcat?

Both vehicles use the same supercharged 6.2L V8 engine and produce 707 hp. The main differences are body style (four-door sedan versus two-door coupe) and weight distribution. The Challenger achieves slightly lower fuel economy at 14 mpg combined, while the Charger achieves 15 mpg combined. Performance acceleration times are nearly identical.

Is the 2019 Charger Hellcat street-legal in all states?

The vehicle is not sold in California or states that follow California's emissions standards due to its Tier 2, Bin 11 classification. In states where it is sold, it is street-legal and meets federal emissions requirements. Owners who relocate to California cannot register the vehicle there without significant modifications.

What maintenance is specific to the supercharger?

The supercharger requires inspection and servicing according to Dodge's maintenance schedule. Supercharger fluid should be checked regularly, and the supercharger belt should be inspected for wear. Repairs to the supercharger are expensive and typically require dealer service. Some owners report supercharger whine as normal operation, while others have experienced bearing wear requiring replacement.