For enthusiasts and potential owners, the roar of a Hellcat engine often overshadows a more practical question: what kind of gas mileage can you expect? While fuel efficiency might not be the primary concern for those drawn to the Hellcat’s legendary power, understanding real-world MPG is crucial for daily driving considerations. Let’s delve into what a Hellcat owner experienced during their regular commute.
Driving a Dodge Challenger Hellcat for a significant 12,000 miles, primarily using the red key which unleashes the full 700 horsepower, one driver meticulously tracked their fuel consumption. A substantial portion of their commute involved 200 miles round trip, a mix of two-lane country roads and interstate highway driving. Maintaining speeds between 60-70 mph on country roads and 80-90+ mph on the highway, the Hellcat achieved an impressive average of 19.8 MPG. This figure is based on actual miles driven and gallons consumed, not just the car’s computer estimations.
It’s worth noting that the Hellcat’s onboard information center tended to be slightly optimistic, showing fuel mileage that was 1.5-2.5 MPG higher than the calculated real-world figures. This observation aligns with experiences in other vehicles, where in-car MPG readings can sometimes be inflated. Switching to sport transmission mode was observed to decrease fuel economy by approximately 2-4 MPG, while eco mode didn’t demonstrate a significant improvement in mileage.
Compared to a more fuel-efficient commuter car, like a WRX which averaged 29.7 MPG for the same driver, the Hellcat naturally consumes more fuel. However, the owner emphasized the immeasurable enjoyment and comfort the Hellcat provides. Despite the fuel consumption, the sheer pleasure of driving a Hellcat, with its superior comfort and sound system, made the daily commute a highlight, proving that even a high-performance machine can offer surprising MPG for its class under real-world driving conditions.
