The 2022 Dodge Charger Hellcat gets 12 to 16 miles per gallon depending on how you drive

The 2022 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a high-performance muscle car powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 797 horsepower. Because of this engine size and power output, fuel economy is not a strong point. The EPA estimates the Hellcat achieves 12 mpg in the city, 16 mpg on the highway, and 13 mpg combined when equipped with an automatic transmission. These numbers assume regular gasoline driving patterns, not aggressive acceleration or track use.

Real-world fuel economy often runs lower than EPA estimates, especially if you drive the car the way it was designed to be driven — with frequent hard acceleration. Drivers who use the Hellcat primarily for highway cruising at steady speeds may see numbers closer to the EPA highway rating. City driving and stop-and-go traffic typically result in worse fuel economy than the EPA city estimate.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Charger Hellcat is rated at 12 city / 16 highway / 13 combined mpg by the EPA, making it one of the least fuel-efficient cars on the road.
  • The car requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) to run properly and avoid engine damage, which costs more than regular fuel.
  • Annual fuel costs for the Hellcat are significantly higher than most vehicles because of both low fuel economy and the premium fuel requirement.
  • The Hellcat's emissions output is higher than standard vehicles due to its large displacement engine and high power output.

Why the Hellcat uses so much fuel

The 2022 Charger Hellcat's poor fuel economy comes directly from its engine design. A supercharger forces extra air into the cylinders, which allows the engine to burn more fuel and create more power. This forced induction system is what enables the 797 horsepower output, but it also means the engine consumes fuel at a much higher rate than a standard engine would.

The car's weight also plays a role. The Charger Hellcat weighs approximately 4,500 pounds, and all that mass requires more energy to move, especially during acceleration. The transmission and drivetrain are also tuned for performance rather than efficiency, prioritizing power delivery over fuel economy.

Additionally, the Hellcat's aerodynamics are not optimized for fuel savings. The car has a large frontal area and is not shaped to slip through the air as efficiently as a sedan designed specifically for highway driving would be.

Premium fuel requirement and what it costs

The 2022 Charger Hellcat requires premium gasoline — 91 octane or higher — at all times. Using regular 87-octane fuel can cause engine knock, reduce performance, and potentially damage the engine over time. Premium fuel typically costs 40 to 60 cents more per gallon than regular fuel, though this varies by region and gas station.

At 13 mpg combined and premium fuel prices, annual fuel costs for the Hellcat are substantial. If you drive 12,000 miles per year (the average for most drivers), you would need approximately 923 gallons of premium fuel annually. At current price variations, this could range from $3,000 to $4,500 per year depending on where you live and current fuel prices.

Emissions and environmental impact

The 2022 Charger Hellcat produces higher emissions than most vehicles on the road. The EPA classifies it as a Tier 3 vehicle, which is the current emissions standard, but within that category it ranks toward the higher end of emissions output. The large displacement engine and high fuel consumption mean more carbon dioxide (CO2) is released per mile driven compared to smaller, more efficient vehicles.

The Hellcat also produces higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter than standard vehicles. These pollutants contribute to smog formation and air quality problems, particularly in urban areas. If you are concerned about your vehicle's environmental impact, the Hellcat's emissions profile is a significant consideration.

How the Hellcat compares to other performance cars

Among high-performance muscle cars, the 2022 Charger Hellcat's fuel economy is typical for its class. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 achieves similar or slightly worse fuel economy (11 to 15 mpg), and the Dodge Challenger Hellcat (the two-door version) gets comparable numbers as well. Smaller, turbocharged performance cars like the Dodge Charger R/T or Chevrolet Camaro SS achieve better fuel economy in the 16 to 20 mpg range, but they also produce significantly less power.

If fuel economy is a priority, stepping down to a non-supercharged V8 model or choosing a turbocharged four-cylinder performance car would improve your mpg substantially. However, you would also lose the distinctive power and performance that defines the Hellcat.

Calculating your fuel costs before buying

Before purchasing a 2022 Charger Hellcat, it is worth calculating what fuel will actually cost you based on your driving habits. Start by estimating your annual mileage. If you drive 15,000 miles per year instead of 12,000, your fuel consumption increases to 1,154 gallons annually, pushing costs even higher.

Next, check current premium fuel prices in your area. Prices vary significantly by region — premium fuel in California or the Northeast typically costs more than in the Midwest or South. Use your local prices to calculate realistic annual fuel costs. Many buyers find that once they factor in premium fuel requirements and low fuel economy, the true cost of ownership is higher than they initially expected.

Some owners also budget for potential engine maintenance related to high performance use. While the Hellcat is a production car with proven reliability, aggressive driving and high engine stress can lead to earlier maintenance needs compared to standard vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular 87-octane fuel in a 2022 Charger Hellcat?

No. The Hellcat requires 91-octane premium fuel. Using regular fuel can cause engine knock, reduce power output, and potentially damage the engine. The supercharger creates high compression in the cylinders, which requires the higher octane rating to prevent detonation.

What is the actual fuel economy if I drive mostly on the highway?

Highway driving may bring you closer to the EPA highway estimate of 16 mpg, but real-world results typically fall short. Expect 14 to 15 mpg on highway drives at steady speeds. Aggressive acceleration or frequent passing will lower this significantly.

How much more does the Hellcat cost to fuel than a regular Charger?

A standard Charger with a V8 engine gets around 16 to 18 mpg combined and can run on regular fuel. The Hellcat's combination of 13 mpg combined plus premium fuel requirement means annual fuel costs are roughly double or more compared to a standard V8 Charger.

Does the 2022 Charger Hellcat have any emissions control features?

Yes. The Hellcat includes catalytic converters, a particulate filter, and other emissions control systems required by current EPA standards. However, these systems reduce but do not eliminate the higher emissions output that comes from the large supercharged engine.

Would a plug-in hybrid or electric car be significantly cheaper to operate?

Yes. A plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle would cost substantially less to operate per mile. However, these vehicles do not offer the same performance characteristics or driving experience as the Hellcat, so the comparison depends on what you prioritize in a vehicle.