The 2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat gets 13 to 16 miles per gallon depending on how you drive

The 2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a high-performance muscle car powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 807 horsepower. Because of that engine size and power output, fuel economy is not its strength. The EPA estimates the Hellcat achieves 13 miles per gallon in the city, 16 miles per gallon on the highway, and 14 miles per gallon combined when you average both types of driving.

These numbers assume you are driving in a standard way — not pushing the car hard or idling excessively. Real-world fuel economy often comes in lower than EPA estimates, especially with a performance vehicle where aggressive driving is common. If you drive mostly in the city or frequently accelerate hard, you may see numbers closer to 12 miles per gallon or lower.

The Hellcat requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher), which costs more per gallon than regular fuel at most pumps. Over a year of typical driving, the fuel cost for a Hellcat is substantially higher than a standard sedan or even a regular Charger model.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Hellcat's EPA fuel economy rating is 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined, making it one of the least fuel-efficient cars on the road.
  • The car requires premium gasoline, which adds to the ongoing cost of ownership beyond the higher fuel consumption.
  • Real-world fuel economy often runs lower than EPA estimates, particularly if you drive in the city or use the car's full performance capabilities.
  • The Hellcat's 16-gallon fuel tank means you will refuel frequently if you drive the car regularly, especially on city streets.
  • Emissions from the Hellcat are higher than smaller, less powerful vehicles because of the engine size and fuel consumption.

How the Hellcat compares to other 2023 Charger models

Dodge offered several versions of the 2023 Charger, and fuel economy varied significantly by engine choice. The base Charger with a 3.6-liter V6 achieved 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined. The Charger R/T with a 5.7-liter V8 achieved 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined. The Hellcat's 14 combined rating sits well below both of those options.

If fuel cost and emissions are concerns for you, the base V6 Charger uses roughly 40 percent less fuel than the Hellcat. The R/T splits the difference — it still offers V8 performance but with noticeably better fuel economy. The Hellcat is built for drivers who prioritize raw power over efficiency.

What the EPA emissions rating means

The EPA assigns each vehicle an emissions rating based on how much pollution it produces per mile driven. The 2023 Hellcat carries an emissions rating of 11 on the EPA's scale, where 1 is the worst and 10 is the best. This rating reflects the volume of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants the engine releases.

A rating of 11 means the Hellcat produces fewer emissions than the worst-performing vehicles, but it still ranks below average compared to all cars sold in the United States. Smaller engines and hybrid or electric vehicles typically score higher (closer to 10). The Hellcat's large displacement engine and high fuel consumption are the main reasons for the lower score.

Fuel tank size and driving range

The 2023 Hellcat has a 16-gallon fuel tank. At the EPA combined rating of 14 miles per gallon, a full tank gives you a theoretical driving range of about 224 miles before you need to refuel. In real-world driving, especially in the city, that range may be closer to 190 to 200 miles.

For comparison, many standard sedans with 15-gallon tanks and 30+ miles per gallon fuel economy can travel 450 miles or more on a full tank. The Hellcat's range means you will visit gas stations more often, which also means higher total fuel costs over time.

Engine specifications that affect fuel economy

The 2023 Hellcat's 6.2-liter supercharged V8 is the reason for its low fuel economy. Supercharging forces extra air into the engine to create more power, but it also requires the engine to burn more fuel to operate. The engine produces 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque — numbers that demand a lot of fuel to achieve.

The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While modern automatics are more efficient than older designs, no transmission can overcome the fundamental fuel consumption of a large supercharged engine. The Hellcat prioritizes performance over efficiency by design.

Factors that lower your real-world fuel economy

EPA estimates assume moderate driving conditions: a mix of city and highway speeds, moderate acceleration, and proper vehicle maintenance. Several real-world factors can lower your actual fuel economy below the EPA estimate. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, driving in heavy traffic, and idling all increase fuel consumption.

Cold weather also reduces fuel economy because engines run less efficiently when they are cold, and winter fuel blends are formulated differently. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower efficiency. Carrying heavy cargo or towing adds weight the engine must move, which burns more fuel. If you do any of these things regularly, your Hellcat may average 12 miles per gallon or lower.

Maintenance costs related to fuel and emissions

The Hellcat requires premium fuel, which typically costs 20 to 50 cents more per gallon than regular fuel depending on your location and current gas prices. Over 10,000 miles of driving at 14 miles per gallon, you will use about 714 gallons of fuel. The premium fuel requirement adds up quickly.

The supercharger and high-performance engine also require more frequent maintenance than a standard engine. Oil changes, spark plugs, and air filters may need replacement sooner. Some repairs on a supercharged engine are more expensive because of the added complexity. These costs are separate from fuel but part of the total cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get better fuel economy by driving the Hellcat differently?

Smoother acceleration and avoiding hard braking will improve your fuel economy somewhat, but the gains are modest with a supercharged engine. You might improve from 13 to 14 miles per gallon in the city with careful driving, but you will not approach the highway rating. The engine is designed for performance, not efficiency.

Does the Hellcat have any fuel-saving technology?

The 2023 Hellcat includes cylinder deactivation, which shuts down some cylinders during light-load driving to save fuel. However, this technology has a small effect on overall fuel economy because the engine is so large and powerful. The feature helps but does not dramatically change the car's efficiency profile.

What is the difference between the Hellcat and the Redeye model?

The 2023 Charger Redeye is a higher-performance variant with 807 horsepower (the same as the Hellcat) but with different tuning and features. Fuel economy is essentially the same — 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined. Both models have identical EPA ratings and fuel requirements.

Is the Hellcat considered a gas guzzler?

The EPA does not officially label vehicles as "gas guzzlers," but the Hellcat falls into the lowest fuel economy category. Vehicles with combined ratings below 15 miles per gallon are considered very inefficient. The Hellcat at 14 combined is in this category and represents one of the least fuel-efficient cars available.

How much will fuel cost me per year if I drive the Hellcat regularly?

That depends on how much you drive and local gas prices. At 12,000 miles per year and 14 miles per gallon, you will use about 857 gallons annually. If premium fuel costs an average of $3.50 per gallon, your annual fuel cost would be roughly $3,000. Regular fuel at $3.00 per gallon would cost about $2,570, but the Hellcat requires premium.