Dodge Charger on a Full Tank How many miles can it go [ANSWERED]

Dodge Charger on a Full Tank: How many miles can it go? [ANSWERED]

Despite being called the Dodge Charger, this 4-door bad boy only lives and breathes on high-octane fuel as it tears up miles and miles of asphalt, though exactly how many miles is the question.

With years worth of trim levels and tech under its belt, it can be quite tricky to tell just how far you can push the Charger’s gas tank and how many more gas stations you can skip along the way.

But instead of testing it out yourself and calling a towing service after, we’ve done all the homework for you so you know what to expect by the time that low fuel light turns on in your Dodge Charger.

How many miles can a Dodge Charger go on a full tank?

A Dodge Charger can go for 425 miles or more on a full tank. It does so with an 18 to 19.5-gallon gas tank capacity, with 2 to 2.5 gallons of it being the reserve tank.

However, the Dodge Charger’s driving range also depends on the trim, engine option, driving habits, and weather/road conditions.

How many miles can a Dodge Charger go on a full tank

If you’re ever concerned if a performance car like the Dodge Charger can last a few hundred miles of driving on a single tank, then you’ll be surprised what it’s capable of.

Considering that it’s no econobox or hybrid, the Dodge Charger is known to go past the 400-mile mark when you really stretch out its gas tank, with some even going more than 425 miles.

However, there are still a lot of things that come into play to even come close to that range. Needless to say, the heavier your foot is on average, the smaller the number you’ll see on your Charger’s range.

Thus, even if you do see over 400 miles indicated on the gauge, your own driving habits as well as the current weather and road conditions can easily make that fluctuate.

Furthermore, let’s not forget about the engine on your specific model. If you have a V6 Charger and do more highway than city driving, then that kind of range will be a lot easier to accomplish.

In contrast, if you have the Hellcat model with its thirstier 707-hp supercharged V8, then expect that range to almost get cut in half. You’ll be getting somewhere between the 200 and 300-mile range most owners have reported. 

What is the gas tank size/capacity of a Dodge Charger?

The Dodge Charger has a gas tank size of 18 to 19.5 gallons (68.1 to 73.8 liters) depending on the generation, model year, and trim level.

2006 to 2010 Dodge Chargers have 18 to 19-gal (68.1 to 72 l) gas tanks, while 2011 to 2023/present Dodge Chargers have 18 to 19.5-gal (68.1 to 73.8 l) gas tanks.

What is the gas tank sizecapacity of a Dodge Charger

Regardless of the Dodge Charger model that you go for, you’ll be getting a fairly sizeable 18 to 19.5-gallon gas tank paired with either a V6 or V8 powerplant.

In general, the V8 Charger models tend to be fitted with slightly bigger gas tanks compared to the V6s, though there are still a few factors that determine the gas tank size.

Such factors include the specific generation, trim level, model year, and even drivetrain layout, or in other words, whether your Dodge Charger has an RWD (rear-wheel-drive) or AWD (all-wheel-drive) system.

For instance, Dodge Charger models made between 2006 and 2010, also known as the “LX” Chargers, have 18-gallon tanks for most of their RWD V6 trims (e.g. SE, SXT), while their AWD versions and all the V8 trims (e.g. R/T, SRT8) have 19-gallon tanks.

In comparison, the gas tank sizes for the Dodge Charger “LD” generation made from 2011 up until now are more dependent on the exact model year rather than the engine or trim level.

2011 Chargers all have 19.1-gallon tanks, 2012 to 2014 Chargers have 19.5-gallon tanks, 2015 to 2020 Chargers have 18.5-gallon tanks and 2021 to 2023/present Chargers have 18-gallon tanks.

What is the reserve gas tank size of a Dodge Charger?

The Dodge Charger has a reserve gas tank size of 2 to 2.5 gallons (7.5 to 9.5 liters), which is already part of its main 18 to 19.5-gallon gas tank.

Rather than having a physical separate reserve tank, the Dodge Charger allots about 2 to 2.5 gallons of fuel from the gas tank as the “reserve fuel”.

What is the reserve gas tank size of a Dodge Charger

Now, unlike the main gas tank of the Dodge Charger, there isn’t really any difference between the size of the “reserve tank” per se between each trim level.

This is because there simply is no separate reserve tank for the Dodge Charger, but rather the “reserve tank” people talk about is really just the amount of fuel labeled as the “reserve” fuel.

The amount of reserve fuel on the Dodge Charger has been observed to be between 2 and 2.5 gallons, which also happens to be the fuel level range that the low fuel light or warning turns on.

As for why there is a range in the first place, this is where the difference between each trim level and engine option comes into play.

For instance, the Hellcat trim with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is known to have the smallest range compared to the lower trims, so you’ll most likely have about 2 gallons left in reserve rather than 2.5 once that low fuel light comes on.

And of course, it’s important to mention that we don’t recommend making it a habit to run your Dodge Charger with the low fuel light on, as you can potentially damage engine and fuel system components by always running it with low fuel.

How many miles can a Dodge Charger go on its reserve gas tank?

The Dodge Charger is capable of going an extra 25 to 50 miles on its 2 to 2.5-gallon (7.5 to 9.5-liter) reserve gas tank once the low fuel light turns on.

However, this reserve fuel range is dependent on the engine option and your driving habits and only serves as an estimate for your Dodge Charger.

Now that you know that your Dodge Charger has about 2 to 2.5 gallons of fuel left in the tank as the low fuel light illuminates, the next question is how many miles do you have left before it actually grinds to a halt?

According to a combination of owners’ experiences and the DTE (Distance to Empty) readings on different models, the Dodge Charger can go for about 25 to 50 miles more after getting the low fuel light.

But as with its maximum range, the Charger’s DTE can fluctuate according to your own driving habits and the current driving conditions.

Furthermore, once the fuel light turns on and you switch over to the car’s reserve fuel, the DTE reading will also disappear, so you can’t always rely on its last reading to judge how many more miles you can go before completely running out of gas. 

When does the low fuel light on a Dodge Charger come on?

The Dodge Charger’s low fuel light can turn on when the fuel level sensor detects that there are only about 2 to 2.5 gallons left in the tank.

Once the low fuel light comes on in the Dodge Charger, it means that you’re already using the 2 to 2.5 gallons of reserve fuel in the tank.

When does the low fuel light on a Dodge Charger come on

Like many other modern vehicles, the Dodge Charger comes with its own fuel light that turns on once you reach a certain threshold or level of fuel left in the tank, and that level is about 2 to 2.5 gallons.

The fuel level sensor inside the fuel tank utilizes a float that moves up and down to detect changes in fuel levels. Once it detects that the level went below the threshold, it will send a low fuel light warning. 

With that said, it’s not always a perfect mechanism, which is why not every Dodge Charger turns on the fuel light at exactly the same point as others.

The ambient conditions, temperature changes, and the amount of wear and tear on the fuel level sensor can all affect its accuracy in reading the current fuel level, and that includes when you’re already using the reserve fuel.

Dodge Charger Gas Mileage Per Generation

The Dodge Charger has a combined gas mileage of 15 to 21 mpg for 2006 to 2010 (LX) models and 15 to 23 mpg for 2011 to 2023/present (LD) models.

The Dodge Charger’s gas mileage is also dependent on other factors such as the engine option, drivetrain, and specific model year.

2006 to 2010 Dodge Charger (LX)

2006 to 2010 Dodge Charger (LX)
Engine OptionMPG (City)MPG (Highway)MPG (Combined)
2.7L V618 mpg26 mpg21 mpg
3.5L V616 to 17 mpg23 to 25 mpg19 to 20 mpg
3.5L V6 AWD15 to 17 mpg22 to 23 mpg18 to 19 mpg
5.7L V815 to 16 mpg23 to 25 mpg18 to 19 mpg
5.7L V8 AWD15 to 16 mpg22 to 23 mpg18 mpg
6.1L V813 mpg18 to 19 mpg15 mpg

2011 to 2014 Dodge Charger (LD) (Pre-Facelift)

2011 to 2014 Dodge Charger (LD) (Pre-Facelift)
Engine OptionMPG (City)MPG (Highway)MPG (Combined)
3.6L V618 to 19 mpg27 to 30 mpg21 to 23 mpg
3.6L V6 AWD18 mpg27 mpg21 mpg
3.6L V6 (E-85/Flex-Fuel)13 to 14 mpg18 to 22 mpg15 to 17 mpg
3.6L V6 AWD (E-85/Flex-Fuel)13 mpg20 mpg16 mpg
5.7L V815 to 16 mpg24 to 25 mpg18 to 19 mpg
5.7L V8 AWD15 mpg23 mpg18 mpg
6.4L V8 (SRT8)14 mpg23 mpg17 mpg

2015 to 2023/Present Dodge Charger (LD) (Facelift)

2015 to 2023Present Dodge Charger (LD) (Facelift)
Engine OptionMPG (City)MPG (Highway)MPG (Combined)
3.6L V619 mpg30 mpg23 mpg
3.6L V6 AWD18 mpg27 mpg21 mpg
3.6L V6 (E-85/Flex-Fuel)14 mpg22 mpg17 mpg
3.6L V6 AWD (E-85/Flex-Fuel)13 to 14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg
5.7L V816 mpg25 mpg19 mpg
6.4L V815 mpg24 to 25 mpg18 mpg
6.2L Supercharged V8 (Hellcat)
13 mpg

22 mpg

16 mpg 
6.2L Supercharged V8 (Hellcat Widebody)
12 mpg

21 mpg

15 mpg

What is the gas tank size/capacity of a Dodge?

The gas tank size/capacity for a Dodge varies between 13.2 and 19.5 gallons for sedan/sports car models and 20 to 35 gallons for SUV, van, and truck models.

The Dodge Dart has one of the smallest gas tank sizes at 13.2 to 15.8 gallons, while the Ram 1500 has one of the largest at 23 to 35 gallons.

Dodge ModelGas Tank Size
Avenger16.9 gal (63.9 l)
Caliber13.5 to 13.6 gal (51.1 to 51.5 l)
Challenger18 to 19.5 gal (68.1 to 73.8 l)
Charger18 to 19.5 gal (68.1 to 73.8 l)
Dakota20 to 24 gal (75.7 to 90.8 l)
Dart13.2 to 15.8 gal (50 to 59.8 l)
Durango24 to 27 gal (90.8 to 102.2 l)
Journey20.5 to 21.1 gal (77.6 to 79.9 l)
Ram 150023 to 35 gal (87.1 to 132.5 l)
Viper16 to 19 gal (60.6 to 71.9 l)

Do Dodges come with a DTE (Distance to Empty)?

Dodge models usually come with a DTE (Distance to Empty) meter/indicator displayed when selecting the “Fuel Economy” section on the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC).

Dodge’s Distance to Empty meter can also be labeled as “Range to Empty”, like in the case of the Ram pickup truck.

Do Dodges come with a DTE (Distance to Empty)

One of the most useful features that you could ever have on a vehicle is a meter that gives you an estimate of how many miles you have left before you get stranded with no fuel.

For Dodge, this meter is called the DTE (Distance to Empty), otherwise labeled as “Range to Empty”, which calculates the number of miles you can still go depending on the current fuel level and driving conditions.

But this is where the DTE’s main limitation also becomes evident. For one, it’s merely an “estimate”, which means you shouldn’t be expecting it to have pinpoint accuracy down to the last mile.

Another caveat to the DTE reading is that it automatically switches off once the low fuel light turns on and you start digging into your reserve fuel.

Hence, you’ll be technically on your own to gauge how many miles you have left before you run dry once the DTE turns off. 

Luckily for you, we already made a list below of different Dodge models with their respective average miles left after the low fuel light illuminates!

How many miles can a Dodge go with the fuel light on?

A Dodge can go anywhere between 30 miles and 93 miles more after the low fuel light has turned on depending on the exact model and engine option.

The Dodge Dart has one of the longest ranges even with the fuel light on at 72 to 93 miles, while the Dodge Journey has one of the shortest at 30 miles.

Dodge ModelReserve Gas Tank SizeAverage Miles Left

Caliber

2 gal (7.5 l)
52 miles (1.8L I4) 48 miles (2.0L I4) 44 miles (2.4L I4)

Challenger

2 gal (7.5 l)
46 miles (3.6L V6) 38 miles (5.7L V8) 36 miles (6.4L V8) 32 miles (6.2L S/C V8)

Charger

2 gal (7.5 l)
46 miles (3.6L V6) 38 miles (5.7L V8) 36 miles (6.4L V8) 32 miles (6.2L S/C V8)

Dakota

2.75 gal (10.4 l)
47 miles (3.7L V6 2WD) 44 miles (4.7L V8 2WD) 41 miles (3.7L V6/4.7L V8 4WD)

Dart

3 gal (11.4 l)
93 miles (1.4L I4 Turbo) 81 miles (2.0L I4) 72 miles (2.4L I4)
Durango2 gal (7.5 l)42 miles (3.6L V6) 34 miles (5.7L V8) 30 miles (6.4L V8)
Grand Caravan1.85 gal (7 l)37 miles (All engines/trims)
Journey1.5 gal (5.7 l)30 miles (All engines/trims)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a Dodge Charger gas last?

The Dodge Charger can last around 425 miles or more with a full tank of gas. It has a gas tank capacity of about 18 to 19.5 gallons depending on the specific generation, model year, and trim level.

As part of its 18 to 19.5-gallon tank capacity, the Dodge Charger also allocates 2 to 2.5 gallons for its “reserve tank” capacity, which can last an average of 25 to 50 miles.

However, bear in mind that the maximum range for the Dodge Charger can vary depending on the particular model that you have. 

Bigger and more powerful engine options such as the V8s will generally have shorter ranges compared to their V6 counterparts.

How many miles can a 2008 Dodge Charger go on a full tank?

A 2008 Dodge Charger with a full gas tank can go for 378 to 399 miles with the 2.7-liter V6, 324 to 380 miles with the 3.5-liter V6, 324 to 342 miles with the 5.7L V8, and 270 to 285 miles with the 6.1L V8.

Are Dodge Chargers fuel efficient?

The Dodge Charger is generally not known for being a fuel-efficient car, but you can still achieve respectable gas mileage by opting for the newer model years with the 3.6-liter V6.

The 2015 to 2023/present Dodge Charger SXT fitted with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and an RWD system can achieve 19 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway), and 23 mpg (combined), making it your best bet for the most fuel-efficient trim of the 4-door muscle car.

Which Dodge is fuel efficient?

Several Dodge vehicles are notable for being fuel efficient, such as the newer Dodge Charger and Challenger models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. They are both capable of achieving a combined mileage of 23 mpg.

If you’re in the market for a used Dodge with a smaller engine and good fuel economy, then you can consider the Dodge Avenger midsize sedan and Dodge Caliber compact hatchback.

The  2.4-liter “World” I4 in the Dodge Avenger can get 21 mpg (city) and 30 mpg (highway), while its smaller 2-liter version in the Dodge Caliber can achieve 23 mpg (city) and 27 mpg (highway).