The 7th Gen Charger is a modern muscle car with higher fuel and maintenance costs than older models

The 7th generation Dodge Charger (2015–present) is a full-size sedan powered by V8 engines that consume more fuel than most vehicles on the road. Owners pay significantly more at the pump than they would with a four-cylinder car, and routine maintenance—oil changes, spark plugs, transmission fluid—costs more because the parts are larger and the labor is more involved. Insurance premiums are also higher for a performance-oriented vehicle, especially if you're under 25 or have any driving violations. If you're considering buying one used or new, the total cost of ownership extends well beyond the purchase price.

The 7th gen Charger comes in three engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8 (Hemi), and a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (Hellcat). Each tier increases fuel consumption, maintenance complexity, and insurance cost. A V6 model will be the cheapest to operate; a Hellcat will be the most expensive. Your actual costs depend on which engine you own, how many miles you drive per year, local fuel prices, and your insurance profile.

Key Takeaways

  • The 7th gen Charger's V8 engines consume 15–18 miles per gallon in mixed driving, compared to 25–35 mpg for comparable sedans with four-cylinder engines.
  • Routine maintenance on a Charger—oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, transmission service—costs more than on smaller vehicles because parts are larger and labor time is longer.
  • Insurance for a 7th gen Charger is typically 20–40 percent higher than for a standard sedan, and higher still if you're under 25 or have violations on your record.
  • Repair costs for major components like the transmission, suspension, or engine can reach $2,000–$5,000 or more, depending on the part and whether you use a dealer or independent shop.
  • Depreciation is steeper for Chargers than for mainstream sedans, so resale value drops faster if you decide to sell within five years.

Fuel consumption and what it means for your budget

The 7th gen Charger's fuel economy varies by engine and driving conditions. The V6 model averages around 16–18 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 typically returns 15–17 mpg. The 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat drops to 12–14 mpg. These figures are lower than the EPA estimates because real-world driving—especially in cities or with frequent acceleration—tends to be less efficient than test conditions.

To put this in perspective: if you drive 12,000 miles per year and fuel costs $3.50 per gallon, a V6 Charger will cost roughly $2,300 per year in fuel. A Hemi V8 will cost around $2,500. A Hellcat will cost $3,000 or more. A comparable four-cylinder sedan might cost $1,200–$1,500 per year. Over five years of ownership, the fuel cost difference between a Charger and a standard sedan can exceed $5,000.

Routine maintenance and parts costs

Oil changes on a 7th gen Charger typically cost $60–$100 at an independent shop and $80–$120 at a Dodge dealer. The interval is every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Spark plugs need replacement every 30,000 miles and cost $150–$300 for labor and parts. Air filter replacements run $40–$80. Cabin air filters cost $30–$60. None of these are unusual for a vehicle this size, but they add up faster than they would on a smaller car.

Transmission fluid service—recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions—costs $150–$300 at an independent shop and $200–$400 at a dealer. Coolant flushes run $100–$200. Brake pads typically cost $200–$400 for all four wheels, including labor. Tire replacements for a Charger are more expensive than for a sedan because the wheels are larger; expect $800–$1,400 for a full set of four tires, depending on the brand and model year.

Insurance premiums for a performance sedan

Insurance companies classify the 7th gen Charger as a high-performance vehicle, which means higher premiums than for a standard midsize sedan. A 40-year-old driver with a clean record might pay $1,200–$1,600 per year for comprehensive and collision coverage on a used 7th gen Charger, compared to $900–$1,200 for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry of similar age and mileage.

If you're under 25, the difference is steeper. Young drivers pay significantly more to insure any vehicle, but a Charger's performance reputation pushes the cost higher. A 22-year-old might pay $2,500–$3,500 per year for the same coverage on a Charger, versus $1,800–$2,400 on a standard sedan. Drivers with speeding tickets, accidents, or other violations will see even larger premiums. Shop around with multiple insurers—rates vary widely—but budget for higher-than-average costs.

Major repairs and what they cost

The 7th gen Charger is generally reliable, but when major repairs are needed, they are expensive. A transmission rebuild or replacement can cost $2,500–$4,500 depending on whether you use a dealer or independent transmission shop. Engine work—head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, timing chain issues—typically runs $1,500–$3,500. Suspension repairs, including struts, control arms, and bushings, can reach $1,000–$2,500 for all four corners.

Electrical repairs are less common but can be costly when they occur. A faulty alternator or starter runs $400–$800. Infotainment system repairs or replacements can cost $500–$1,500. If you own a Hellcat, supercharger repairs are specialized and expensive; expect $2,000–$5,000 or more. Extended warranties or service plans can offset some of these costs, but they are not always worth the price. Read the terms carefully and compare the cost of the plan to the likelihood of needing the covered repairs.

Depreciation and resale value

The 7th gen Charger depreciates faster than mainstream sedans. A new Charger loses roughly 15–20 percent of its value in the first year, and another 10–15 percent per year for the next four years. After five years, a Charger that cost $35,000 new might be worth $15,000–$18,000. A comparable Honda Accord or Toyota Camry would retain more value over the same period.

Used Charger prices also fluctuate based on engine type, mileage, condition, and market demand. V6 models hold value better than V8 models because they are cheaper to operate and insure. Hellcats hold value well among enthusiasts but appeal to a smaller buyer pool. If you plan to keep the car for seven years or longer, depreciation matters less. If you think you might sell within five years, factor in the steeper value loss when calculating total ownership cost.

Comparing the 7th gen Charger to other vehicles

The 7th gen Charger is not designed to be economical. It is a muscle car built for performance and presence, and the cost of ownership reflects that. If your priority is low fuel consumption and cheap maintenance, a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Hyundai Sonata will cost significantly less to own and operate. If you want a performance sedan with better fuel economy than the Charger, the Dodge Challenger (a two-door coupe with similar engines) offers no advantage—it has the same fuel consumption and similar maintenance costs.

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan that shares some engines with the Charger and has similar operating costs. The Cadillac CTS and Lincoln Continental are competitors in the luxury full-size segment, with comparable or higher ownership costs. If you want a V8 sedan with lower operating costs, options are limited; most manufacturers have phased out V8 engines in favor of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. The Charger remains one of the few V8 sedans still in production, which is part of its appeal—and part of why it costs more to own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fill up a 7th gen Charger?

The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons. At $3.50 per gallon, a full tank costs about $65. A V6 model will travel roughly 270–330 miles on a full tank. A Hemi V8 will travel 260–310 miles. A Hellcat will travel 220–260 miles. Your actual range depends on driving conditions and habits.

Is a 7th gen Charger cheaper to insure than a Dodge Challenger?

Insurance costs are similar because both vehicles share the same engines and performance reputation. A Challenger might be slightly cheaper because it is a coupe rather than a sedan, but the difference is usually small—$50–$150 per year. Shop with multiple insurers to find the best rate for your specific situation.

What is the most expensive repair on a 7th gen Charger?

Transmission replacement is typically the costliest single repair, ranging from $2,500–$4,500. Engine rebuilds and supercharger repairs on Hellcats can also exceed $3,000. Most other repairs—suspension, electrical, cooling system—fall in the $500–$2,000 range.

Do 7th gen Chargers have reliability problems?

The 7th gen Charger is generally reliable, with no widespread defects reported across the model years. Common issues include minor electrical glitches, occasional transmission hesitation, and normal wear on suspension components. Maintenance on schedule and avoiding aggressive driving will minimize repair costs.

Should I buy a used 7th gen Charger if I'm on a tight budget?

A used Charger can be affordable upfront, but total ownership costs—fuel, insurance, maintenance—are higher than for a used four-cylinder sedan. If your budget is tight, a used Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Hyundai Elantra will cost less to operate. Buy a Charger only if you value performance and presence enough to accept the higher ongoing costs.