The 2022 Charger Hellcat gets roughly 12 to 13 miles per gallon combined, with lower highway efficiency than city driving

The 2022 Dodge Charger Hellcat is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 797 horsepower. Because of that engine size and power output, fuel economy is low compared to most vehicles on the road. The EPA rates the Hellcat at approximately 12 miles per gallon in the city, 13 miles per gallon on the highway, and 12 miles per gallon combined—though real-world numbers vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and how often you use the car's full acceleration.

This fuel economy rating places the Hellcat among the least efficient vehicles in its class. A full tank holds about 18.5 gallons, which means you can expect a driving range of roughly 220 miles before needing to refuel. If you drive this car daily or rack up significant mileage, fuel costs will be a major part of your ownership budget.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Charger Hellcat averages 12 to 13 miles per gallon combined, making it one of the least fuel-efficient vehicles available.
  • The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine requires premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) to run properly.
  • Annual fuel costs for this vehicle are significantly higher than sedans or crossovers, even if you drive a moderate number of miles per year.
  • The Hellcat produces higher emissions than standard vehicles due to its large displacement engine and high power output.

Premium fuel is required, not optional

The 2022 Charger Hellcat requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using regular 87-octane fuel can damage the engine and void your warranty. Premium fuel costs more per gallon than regular gasoline—the difference varies by location and time, but typically runs 30 to 60 cents more per gallon.

Over a year of driving, the premium fuel requirement adds a meaningful expense on top of the already-high fuel consumption. If you fill up twice a week at current price differences, you could spend several hundred dollars more annually on fuel alone compared to a vehicle that runs on regular gasoline.

Emissions ratings and what they mean

The EPA classifies the 2022 Charger Hellcat as a Tier 3 vehicle, which is the current federal emissions standard. However, within that standard, the Hellcat falls into the highest-emitting category for passenger cars because of its engine displacement and power output. The vehicle produces higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter than smaller, less powerful engines.

Some states—California, Massachusetts, New York, and others—have stricter emissions standards than the federal baseline. The 2022 Hellcat meets federal standards but may not meet state-level requirements in those jurisdictions. If you live in or plan to move to a state with California emissions standards, check whether this vehicle is registered as compliant before purchasing.

How the Hellcat compares to other high-performance vehicles

Among performance cars, the Hellcat's fuel economy is typical for its class. A Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (also supercharged) achieves similar mileage. A Dodge Challenger Hellcat, which shares the same engine, has nearly identical efficiency ratings. Naturally aspirated high-performance cars like the Chevrolet Corvette achieve slightly better fuel economy—around 15 to 16 miles per gallon combined—but still rank well below average vehicles.

If fuel economy is a priority, no high-performance muscle car will meet that need. The trade-off between power and efficiency is fundamental to how these engines work. Supercharging adds power but increases fuel consumption significantly.

Real-world fuel economy varies widely

EPA ratings are based on standardized testing, but actual fuel economy depends heavily on how you drive. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and highway driving at high speeds all reduce efficiency. Drivers who use the Hellcat primarily for weekend driving or spirited acceleration will see worse fuel economy than those who drive it more conservatively.

Cold weather also reduces fuel economy across all vehicles. Winter driving can drop your mileage by 10 to 15 percent compared to summer conditions. If you live in a cold climate, budget for even higher fuel costs during winter months.

Calculating your annual fuel costs

To estimate what you'll spend on fuel annually, multiply your expected yearly mileage by the combined EPA rating (12 mpg), then divide by the average price of premium gasoline in your area. For example, if you drive 12,000 miles per year and premium gasoline costs $3.50 per gallon, you would spend approximately $3,500 on fuel annually. This is roughly double what a typical sedan would cost.

Some owners of high-performance vehicles drive significantly fewer miles per year than average—perhaps 5,000 to 8,000 miles—which reduces the total fuel expense. Others drive them daily and face substantial fuel bills. Your actual cost depends on your driving patterns and local fuel prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The engine is designed for 91-octane premium fuel. Using regular gasoline can cause engine knock, reduce performance, and potentially damage internal components. Your warranty may not cover damage caused by using incorrect fuel.

Does the Hellcat have a hybrid or electric option?

The 2022 Charger Hellcat is gasoline-only with no hybrid variant. Dodge did not offer an electrified version of the Hellcat in 2022. If fuel economy is important to you, a hybrid vehicle from another manufacturer would be a better choice.

What's the difference between the Hellcat and the regular Charger in terms of emissions?

Both meet the same federal Tier 3 emissions standard, but the Hellcat produces higher absolute emissions because of its larger engine and higher power output. The regular Charger with a smaller engine produces lower emissions overall.

Will the 2022 Hellcat pass emissions testing in my state?

The Hellcat meets federal EPA standards and California emissions standards. If your state follows federal standards or California standards, it will pass. Check your state's specific requirements, as a few states have their own unique rules.

How often do I need to fill up the tank?

With an 18.5-gallon tank and 12 mpg combined, you can drive roughly 220 miles before needing to refuel. For most drivers, that means filling up once or twice per week depending on mileage. Highway driving may extend range slightly; city driving will reduce it.