What the 2018 Dodge Charger Hellcat's fuel economy actually is

The 2018 Dodge Charger Hellcat, powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, gets an EPA-estimated 12 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway, for a combined rating of 14 mpg. This is among the lowest fuel economy in the sedan class, which reflects the engine's 707 horsepower output and the vehicle's weight of over 4,400 pounds.

Real-world fuel economy often runs lower than EPA estimates, especially if you drive aggressively or in stop-and-go traffic. Drivers report seeing 11 to 13 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. Highway driving at steady speeds may approach the EPA estimate, but city driving typically falls short because the supercharger engages more frequently during acceleration.

The Hellcat requires premium-grade gasoline (91 octane minimum, 93 recommended), which costs more per gallon than regular fuel. Over a year of typical driving—around 12,000 miles—you can expect to spend significantly more on fuel than you would with a standard sedan or even a non-supercharged V8 muscle car.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Charger Hellcat is rated at 12 city / 20 highway / 14 combined mpg by the EPA, making it one of the least fuel-efficient sedans available.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically ranges from 11 to 13 mpg in mixed driving, with highway driving closer to the EPA estimate if you maintain steady speeds.
  • The vehicle requires premium gasoline (93 octane recommended), which increases fuel costs compared to regular unleaded.
  • The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine produces 707 horsepower but consumes fuel rapidly, especially during acceleration and in city driving.

Emissions standards the 2018 Hellcat meets

The 2018 Dodge Charger Hellcat meets the EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standard, which was the federal requirement for that model year. This standard limits tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and other pollutants, but it is less stringent than the Tier 3 standards that began phasing in around 2017 for some vehicles and became mandatory for all new cars by 2020.

The Hellcat also complies with state-level emissions rules in California and other states that have adopted California's stricter standards under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. However, the vehicle's high horsepower and large displacement engine mean it produces more total emissions per mile driven than smaller, more efficient vehicles, even though it meets the legal limits.

If you live in a state or region with emissions testing (smog checks), the 2018 Hellcat should pass as long as the engine is properly maintained and the emissions control systems—including the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors—are functioning correctly.

How the supercharger affects fuel consumption and emissions

The supercharger is a mechanical air compressor driven by the engine's crankshaft. It forces more air into the combustion chamber, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and produce more power. This design choice is what makes the Hellcat capable of 707 horsepower, but it also means the engine consumes fuel much faster than a naturally aspirated V8 of similar size.

The supercharger engages whenever you accelerate, and it draws power directly from the engine to operate. This parasitic load reduces overall efficiency. In highway cruising at constant speed, the supercharger is not working as hard, which is why highway fuel economy is better than city fuel economy on this vehicle. In city driving, where you accelerate frequently, the supercharger is active more often, and fuel consumption rises.

From an emissions standpoint, more fuel burned means more carbon dioxide (CO2) produced. The supercharger does not change the emissions control systems, so the Hellcat still meets federal standards, but the total volume of emissions per gallon burned is determined by the combustion process itself.

Comparing the Hellcat to other 2018 V8 sedans

The 2018 Charger R/T, which uses a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 without a supercharger, achieves 16 mpg combined (14 city / 25 highway). The Hellcat's 14 mpg combined rating is 2 mpg lower, a meaningful difference over time. The R/T produces 370 horsepower compared to the Hellcat's 707, so the fuel economy trade-off reflects the significant power increase.

The 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T, a muscle car with the same 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V8, also achieves 16 mpg combined. The Challenger Hellcat (also available in 2018) has the same 6.2-liter supercharged engine and the same 14 mpg combined rating as the Charger Hellcat, though the Challenger is slightly heavier and may see marginally lower real-world numbers.

Among luxury sedans with large V8 engines, the 2018 BMW M550i xDrive achieves 17 mpg combined with a turbocharged V8, and the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S achieves 16 mpg combined. Both vehicles prioritize efficiency more than the Hellcat does, though they also produce less horsepower.

What affects your actual fuel economy in a Hellcat

Driving habits have the largest impact on fuel economy in a supercharged vehicle. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and high-speed driving all reduce mpg significantly. If you drive the Hellcat conservatively—avoiding rapid acceleration and maintaining steady highway speeds—you may approach the EPA highway estimate. If you drive it as the engine is designed to be driven, expect fuel economy in the 11 to 12 mpg range.

Tire pressure, wheel alignment, and engine maintenance also matter. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent. A dirty air filter or fouled spark plugs can reduce efficiency slightly. Regular maintenance—oil changes, filter replacements, and fuel system cleaning—keeps the engine running at its intended efficiency level.

Ambient temperature affects fuel economy too. Cold weather increases fuel consumption because the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature and the fuel mixture runs richer. Winter driving in a Hellcat may see fuel economy drop to 10 to 11 mpg in mixed conditions.

Fuel tank size and driving range

The 2018 Dodge Charger Hellcat has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank. At the EPA combined rating of 14 mpg, this gives a theoretical driving range of about 259 miles on a full tank. In real-world mixed driving at 12 mpg, the range drops to around 222 miles. On the highway at 20 mpg, you could travel approximately 370 miles before refueling.

These ranges assume you drive until the tank is empty, which is not recommended. Most drivers refuel when the tank reaches one-quarter full to avoid running out of fuel. In practice, you will refuel every 150 to 200 miles in city driving, or every 250 to 300 miles on the highway.

The requirement for premium gasoline means you cannot straightforward pull into any gas station and fill up with the cheapest option. You must find a station that offers 93-octane fuel, which is widely available but not universal in all areas.

Maintenance costs tied to fuel consumption and engine design

The Hellcat's large supercharged engine requires premium oil and more frequent oil changes than smaller engines. Dodge recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Premium synthetic oil costs more than conventional oil, and the Hellcat's large capacity means you need more of it per change.

Spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filters also wear faster in a high-performance engine. The supercharger itself is a complex mechanical component that can require expensive repairs if it fails. Brake wear is accelerated by the vehicle's weight and the frequent hard stops that come with spirited driving.

Insurance premiums for a Hellcat are typically higher than for a standard Charger because of the vehicle's power, performance classification, and higher repair costs. This is not a direct fuel cost, but it is part of the total cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some modifications—like upgrading to low-rolling-resistance tires, removing excess weight, or adjusting driving habits—may improve fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg. Aftermarket supercharger pulleys or tuning can increase power but typically worsen fuel economy. The fundamental design of the engine limits how much improvement is possible without compromising performance.

Is the 2018 Hellcat more efficient than older Hellcat models?

The 2018 Hellcat has the same 6.2-liter supercharged engine and the same 14 mpg combined rating as the 2015 to 2017 Hellcats. Dodge made no significant efficiency improvements to the Hellcat line during this period. The 2019 and later models received minor updates but no major fuel economy gains.

What happens if I use regular gasoline instead of premium?

Using regular 87-octane gasoline in a Hellcat can cause engine knock (detonation), which damages the engine over time and triggers the check engine light. The engine's computer will retard the ignition timing to prevent knock, which reduces power output and fuel economy. Always use 93-octane premium fuel as recommended by Dodge.

How does the Hellcat's fuel economy compare to a hybrid sedan?

A 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid achieves 51 mpg combined, more than three times the Hellcat's 14 mpg. A 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid achieves 48 mpg combined. The Hellcat is designed for performance, not efficiency, so the comparison reflects a fundamental difference in engineering priorities rather than a flaw in the Hellcat's design.

Will hypermiling techniques improve my Hellcat's fuel economy?

Techniques like coasting in neutral, drafting behind trucks, or avoiding the brakes may marginally improve fuel economy but are unsafe and not recommended. The safest way to improve fuel economy is to accelerate smoothly, maintain steady speeds, and avoid unnecessary idling. You will still see 12 to 14 mpg in real-world driving.