The 2024 Charger Hellcat gets roughly 13 to 14 miles per gallon combined, depending on whether you choose the manual or automatic transmission

The 2024 Dodge Charger Hellcat is a high-performance muscle car powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 807 horsepower. Because of that engine size and power output, fuel economy is not a strength of this vehicle. The EPA estimates the manual transmission version achieves approximately 13 mpg city and 14 mpg highway, while the automatic transmission version performs slightly better at around 14 mpg combined.

This fuel consumption rate means you will spend considerably more on gasoline than you would with a standard sedan or even most other sports cars. If you drive 12,000 miles per year at current fuel prices, budget for significantly higher annual fuel costs than mainstream vehicles. The Hellcat's thirst for fuel is a direct trade-off for its extreme acceleration and power delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Charger Hellcat achieves approximately 13 to 14 mpg combined, making it one of the least fuel-efficient vehicles on the road.
  • The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine requires premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher), which costs more than regular fuel.
  • Emissions from the Hellcat exceed those of most passenger vehicles due to the large displacement engine and high power output.
  • The vehicle does not may have access to for federal tax credits or rebates because it is a gasoline-powered performance car, not an electric or hybrid vehicle.
  • Real-world fuel economy often runs lower than EPA estimates, particularly if you drive aggressively or frequently use the vehicle's full performance capabilities.

Premium fuel requirement and what it costs

The 2024 Charger Hellcat requires premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher. Using regular 87-octane fuel can damage the engine and void your warranty. Premium fuel typically costs 30 to 50 cents more per gallon than regular fuel, depending on your location and current market conditions.

Over the course of a year, this fuel grade requirement adds a meaningful expense on top of the already high fuel consumption. If you fill a 16-gallon tank weekly and premium fuel costs 50 cents more per gallon than regular, you are spending an extra $416 per year just on the fuel grade difference, before accounting for the volume consumed.

Emissions and environmental impact

The 2024 Charger Hellcat produces emissions that are higher than most vehicles on the road. The EPA classifies it as a Tier 3 vehicle, which means it meets current federal emissions standards, but those standards allow for substantial tailpipe emissions from high-performance gasoline engines.

The vehicle emits carbon dioxide at a rate of approximately 490 to 510 grams per mile, depending on transmission choice and driving conditions. For comparison, a typical sedan emits around 250 to 300 grams per mile. The Hellcat also produces nitrogen oxides and particulate matter at levels consistent with large-displacement gasoline engines, though within legal limits.

How the Hellcat compares to other 2024 performance cars

Among high-performance vehicles, the Charger Hellcat's fuel economy is typical for its class. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 achieves similar mileage, as does the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack. Vehicles with smaller turbocharged engines, like the BMW M440i or Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, achieve 18 to 22 mpg combined while still delivering substantial power, though not at the Hellcat's extreme level.

If fuel economy is a priority but you still want performance, turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines offer a middle ground. These vehicles typically achieve 20 to 28 mpg combined while producing 300 to 500 horsepower. The trade-off is that they do not deliver the same raw acceleration or engine sound as the Hellcat's naturally aspirated supercharged V8.

Real-world fuel economy versus EPA estimates

EPA estimates represent a mix of city and highway driving under controlled conditions. In real-world use, many Hellcat owners report fuel economy at the lower end of the EPA range or below it. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and highway driving at high speeds all reduce fuel economy below the EPA combined figure.

If you use the vehicle primarily for weekend driving and spirited acceleration, expect closer to 12 mpg. If you drive mostly on the highway at moderate speeds, you may approach the EPA highway estimate of 14 mpg. City driving with frequent stops typically yields 11 to 12 mpg. Tire pressure, engine maintenance, and driving habits all influence the actual number you see at the pump.

Fuel tank size and driving range

The 2024 Charger Hellcat has a 16-gallon fuel tank. At 13 mpg combined, this gives you a theoretical range of approximately 208 miles per tank. In practice, most owners find they need to refuel every 150 to 180 miles of mixed driving, particularly if they use the vehicle's performance capabilities regularly.

This shorter range compared to mainstream vehicles means more frequent stops at the pump and higher total fuel costs over time. If you plan long road trips, budget for more frequent refueling stops than you would in a standard car, and plan your route with gas stations in mind, particularly in rural areas.

Maintenance costs related to fuel and emissions systems

The Hellcat's high-performance engine requires more frequent maintenance than standard vehicles. Oil changes are recommended every 10,000 miles, and you must use synthetic oil rated for high-performance engines. Spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filters require replacement on a schedule specific to this engine.

The supercharger system, while reliable, adds complexity and cost if repairs become necessary. Fuel injectors on high-performance engines can accumulate carbon deposits faster than on standard engines, potentially requiring professional cleaning. These maintenance costs, combined with premium fuel and high consumption, make the true cost of ownership substantially higher than the purchase price alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve the Hellcat's fuel economy with modifications?

Some modifications like optimized tire pressure, lighter wheels, or aerodynamic improvements may yield small gains of 1 to 2 mpg. However, the supercharged engine's design fundamentally limits efficiency. Modifications that increase power output will decrease fuel economy further.

Does the 2024 Hellcat may have access to for any tax credits or rebates?

No. Federal tax credits and rebates are reserved for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The Hellcat is a gasoline-only vehicle and does not may have access to for any federal incentives. Some states or local areas may offer incentives for trading in older vehicles, but these are not specific to the Hellcat.

What happens if I use regular fuel instead of premium?

Using regular 87-octane fuel in the Hellcat can cause engine knock, reduce power output, and potentially damage internal engine components. Your warranty may not cover damage caused by using incorrect fuel. Always use 91 octane or higher as specified in the owner's manual.

How does the manual transmission compare to the automatic for fuel economy?

The automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8-speed) achieves slightly better fuel economy than the six-speed manual, typically 1 to 2 mpg better in combined driving. The automatic's additional gears and torque converter allow for more efficient operation at highway speeds.

Is the 2024 Hellcat more efficient than the previous generation?

The 2024 model year represents a significant redesign of the Charger platform. Fuel economy figures are comparable to or slightly better than the previous generation, though the new model's weight and aerodynamics have changed. The supercharged engine remains the primary factor limiting efficiency.