What the Dodge Charger and Challenger actually cost to run

The Dodge Charger and Challenger are muscle cars built around large V8 engines, which means their fuel economy and emissions fall well outside what most drivers encounter. A 2024 Charger with the standard 5.7-liter V8 gets roughly 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, according to EPA testing. The Challenger's numbers are similar: 16 city, 25 highway with the same engine. Both vehicles produce significantly higher tailpipe emissions than sedans or crossovers in their price range, and both are subject to the same federal emissions standards as other new cars.

The real cost difference shows up at the pump and in your state's emissions testing, if your state requires it. A Charger or Challenger will consume roughly 50 percent more fuel than a mid-size sedan over the same distance. If you drive 12,000 miles per year at current fuel prices, the difference between a Charger and a comparable sedan can add $1,500 to $2,000 annually in fuel alone. Neither vehicle qualifies for federal tax credits or rebates tied to fuel economy or emissions performance.

Key Takeaways

  • Both the Charger and Challenger achieve 16 city and 25 highway miles per gallon with their standard V8 engines, well below the average for new vehicles.
  • These vehicles produce higher tailpipe emissions than most alternatives in their class and do not may have access to for any federal fuel economy or emissions incentives.
  • Annual fuel costs for a Charger or Challenger typically run $1,500 to $2,000 higher than a comparable mid-size sedan, depending on your driving and local fuel prices.
  • Both vehicles must pass your state's emissions test if required, though they meet current federal emissions standards for new cars.

Engine options and how they affect fuel consumption

Dodge offers the Charger and Challenger with three main engine choices, and fuel economy shifts noticeably between them. The base 5.7-liter V8 is the most common and delivers the 16/25 rating. A 3.6-liter V6 option (available on some Charger trims) improves to approximately 19 city and 30 highway, though Dodge has phased this option out on newer model years. The high-performance 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the R/T and SRT models drops to around 14 city and 23 highway.

The difference between the base V8 and the supercharged V8 amounts to roughly 2 miles per gallon across most driving conditions. Over a year of typical driving, that translates to an extra 300 to 400 gallons of fuel burned. If you are comparing these vehicles to a sedan or crossover with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the gap widens further—many modern four-cylinder vehicles achieve 28 to 35 miles per gallon combined.

How emissions testing works for these vehicles

If your state requires emissions testing, both the Charger and Challenger must pass the same test as any other vehicle. The test measures tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants. Both vehicles meet current federal emissions standards set by the EPA, which means they are legal to register and drive. However, they produce more of these pollutants per mile than smaller or more efficient vehicles.

The test itself does not penalize fuel economy—it only measures what comes out of the tailpipe at specific engine speeds. A Charger or Challenger will pass or fail based on emissions levels, not on how many gallons it burns. States that do not require testing do not track these emissions at all, though the vehicles still produce them. If you live in a state with testing requirements, plan for the vehicle to pass the test; if you live in a state without testing, the emissions are unmonitored but still present.

Comparing real-world fuel costs to other vehicles

The EPA estimates are based on a standardized test, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, frequent idling, and highway speeds above 60 miles per hour all reduce fuel economy on any vehicle. For a Charger or Challenger, real-world consumption can drop to 14 to 15 miles per gallon in heavy city driving, pushing annual fuel costs even higher.

A side-by-side comparison shows the scale of the difference. A 2024 Honda Accord with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine achieves approximately 28 city and 38 highway miles per gallon. Over 12,000 miles per year, the Accord would consume roughly 360 gallons, while a Charger would consume roughly 750 gallons. At an average fuel price of $3.50 per gallon, that is a difference of about $1,365 per year in fuel alone. Add maintenance costs—V8 engines require more frequent oil changes and typically cost more to service—and the total cost of ownership widens further.

Resale value and long-term ownership costs

Muscle cars hold resale value differently than practical sedans. A Charger or Challenger typically retains 50 to 60 percent of its purchase price after five years, while a comparable sedan might retain 55 to 65 percent. The difference is modest, but it reflects lower demand for high-fuel-consumption vehicles in the used market. Buyers shopping used are increasingly price-sensitive to fuel economy, which can work against you when you sell.

Insurance costs also run higher for these vehicles. A Charger or Challenger typically costs 15 to 25 percent more to insure than a mid-size sedan, depending on the trim level, your age, and your driving record. Over the life of ownership, insurance and fuel together can add $3,000 to $5,000 per year compared to a practical alternative. These are real costs that compound over time and should factor into your decision to purchase.

What happens if emissions standards tighten

Federal emissions standards have remained relatively stable since 2016, but future regulations could change. If standards tighten significantly, older Chargers and Challengers might face restrictions in certain states or higher registration fees. California and several other states have already announced plans to phase out new gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035, though this does not affect vehicles already on the road. A Charger or Challenger purchased today will likely remain legal to drive and register for its entire lifespan, but resale value in states with stricter emissions rules could decline.

Dodge has announced plans to discontinue the Charger and Challenger after 2024 in their current form, shifting toward electric and hybrid powertrains. This means the V8 versions you see today represent the final generation of these models. If you are considering purchase, understand that future model years may look and perform very differently, and the collector or enthusiast value of the current generation may shift over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Charger or Challenger fail emissions testing?

No. Both vehicles meet current federal emissions standards and will pass state emissions tests where required. The test measures specific pollutants at set engine speeds, not fuel economy. If the vehicle is properly maintained, it should pass without issue.

Can I get a tax credit or rebate for buying a Charger or Challenger?

No. Federal tax credits for vehicles are limited to electric and plug-in hybrid models. The Charger and Challenger, as gas-only vehicles, do not may have access to for any federal incentives based on fuel economy or emissions performance.

How much more does it cost to own a Charger compared to a sedan?

Fuel costs alone typically add $1,500 to $2,000 per year. Insurance runs 15 to 25 percent higher, and maintenance costs are also elevated. Over five years of ownership, the total difference can exceed $15,000 when all costs are combined.

What is the difference in fuel economy between the V6 and V8 options?

The V6 achieves roughly 19 city and 30 highway, compared to 16 city and 25 highway for the base V8. That is a difference of about 3 miles per gallon combined. However, the V6 option has been phased out on newer model years, so availability is limited.

Will my Charger or Challenger become illegal to drive if emissions rules change?

Unlikely. Emissions regulations typically explore to new vehicles, not existing ones. A Charger or Challenger you own today should remain legal to drive and register throughout its lifespan, even if new vehicle standards tighten significantly.