We at AutoAlmanac just love the Dodge Challenger and its ability to unapologetically break the necks of unsuspecting passengers faster than they can chant “U-S-A!” Just ask one of our writers that were strapped to a Hellcat on the dragstrip last week.
However, this was only possible because we fed this beast of a car with the right food. Take it from us, it’s not going to be happy if you end up using the wrong fuel, and neither would your wallet.
So if you’d also like to find out what it feels like to get launched into orbit except forward, be sure to feed your Dodge Challenger with the right types of gas we’ll be enumerating in this guide, and it’ll live long enough to show you that!
What kind of gas does a Dodge Challenger take?
Dodge Challenger 3.5L V6, 3.6L V6, and 5.7L V8 automatic models can take regular 87-octane gasoline, though 89-octane gasoline is recommended for the best performance.
Dodge Challenger models with the 5.7L V8 manual, 6.1L V8, 6.4L V8, and 6.2L supercharged V8 take premium 91-octane gasoline instead.
The Dodge Challenger is a bit particular when it comes to the octane rating of the gasoline that you should use for it, though it can actually be summarized by looking at the engine option and, in some instances, the transmission of the model.
We’ve found that Dodge Challengers equipped with either a 3.5-liter V6, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, or an automatic 5.7-liter V8 all have the same 87-octane fuel requirement, based on the owner’s manual.
Such models, however, are able to extract every bit of horsepower out of their engines when switching to 89-octane gasoline.
On the other hand, the manual transmission version of the 5.7-liter V8 actually requires premium 91-octane gasoline at minimum.
The use of premium 91-octane fuel is also required for Challengers that boast even bigger and sportier engines, such as the 6.1-liter V8, 6.4-liter V8, and most especially the supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
Dodge Challenger Gas Type by Model and Engine Option
All Dodge Challenger 3.5L V6, 3.6L V6, and automatic 5.7L V8 models require 87-octane gas, though 89-octane gas is recommended for the best performance and fuel economy.
Dodge Challenger models with the manual 5.7L V8, 6.1L V8, 6.4L V8, and supercharged 6.2L V8 require premium 91-octane gas.
2008 to 2014 Dodge Challenger (Pre-Facelift)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.5L SOHC V6(2009 to 2010) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6(2011 Onwards) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (Automatic)(2009 Onwards) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (Manual)(2009 Onwards) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
| 6.1L HEMI V8(2008 to 2010) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
| 6.4L HEMI V8(2011 Onwards) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
The first modern iteration of the Dodge Challenger debuted in the automotive market back in 2008, making it actually the 3rd generation of the vehicle to use the “Challenger” nameplate.
Pre-facelift (2008 to 2014) Dodge Challengers initially only came with a 6.1-liter HEMI V8, which was the main power plant of the “SRT8” trim until the 2010 model year.
But shortly after, Dodge started rolling out other smaller engine options such as the 3.5-liter SOHC V6, which was replaced by the now-popular 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 after just two model years.
The 3.5-liter V6 and the 3.6-liter V6 engines are what power the SE and SXT base models of the Challenger, respectively.
Contrary to the bigger 6.1-liter HEMI V8 option that was designed to run on premium 91-octane fuel, both the 3.5-liter and 3.6-liter V6 can run on regular 87-octane gasoline just fine.
However, if you really want to get the best out of the Challenger V6s in terms of performance and gas mileage, Dodge recommends filling them up with “midgrade” 89-octane gasoline instead.
As for the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, there is actually a difference in fuel requirements between those equipped with a manual transmission and those with an automatic instead.
Automatic 5.7-liter V8s only require regular 87-octane fuel just like the V6s, while manual 5.7-liter V8s require premium 91-octane fuel.
Regardless of the transmission, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is what powers the “R/T” trim of the Dodge Challenger, which is a modern homage to the original R/T series of the classic 70s model.
But if “bigger is better” is your motto, then the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is just what you need, which is what replaced the previous 6.1-liter HEMI V8 for the Challenger SRT8 trim.
Just keep in mind that, as the most powerful engine on the pre-facelift Challenger, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 demands to be fed premium 91-octane fuel.
2015 to 2023/Present Dodge Challenger (Facelift)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (Automatic) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(89-Octane Recommended) |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (Manual) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
| 6.2L Hellcat Supercharged HEMI V8(2015 to 2023/Present) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
| 6.2L Demon Supercharged HEMI V8(2018) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium)(100+ Octane Race Gas for 840 hp) |
After the Dodge Challenger underwent a facelift in 2015, the bonafide muscle car started receiving even more bonkers engine options amid the significantly tamer alternatives that the lower trims have.
For 2015 and up, we can see the same 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 used in so many vehicles made by the Chrysler/Stellantis group also used for the facelift Challenger “SXT” trim.
As with its pre-facelift counterpart, the facelift SXT’s 3.6-liter V6 also requires a minimum of 87-octane gasoline but performs optimally when bumping the octane up to 89.
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 of the facelift R/T trims also follow the same fuel requirements as the earlier pre-facelift version, which is 87-octane for the automatic version and 91-octane for the manual version.
The same 6.4-liter HEMI V8 of the SRT8 from previous model years was carried over to the newer “SRT 392” and had a slight increase in power from 470 to 485 hp to the crank.
Now nicknamed the “Apache”, the hungry 6.4-liter HEMI V8 still needs a minimum of 91-octane premium fuel to satisfy its 18.5-gallon stomach (or gas tank, in this case).
But as every Dodge enthusiast knows, the Challenger lineup doesn’t end there. Things got a lot more interesting when the manufacturer started putting a supercharger on a special 6.2-liter version of the HEMI V8.
Thus, the supercharged 6.2-liter “Hellcat” HEMI V8 engine was born, which makes a monstrous 707 hp even for the early 2015 model and up to 797 hp for later models like the “Hellcat Redeye”.
As you’d expect, a beast of an engine like the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 requires no less than premium 91-octane gasoline to give you the full beans.
By 2018, Dodge took the same engine and added another 10 hp to create the limited-edition 807-hp Dodge Challenger “Demon”, which is blisteringly quick on a drag strip.
While the Demon’s engine can work with premium 91-octane fuel from the pump, it can also make up to 840 hp when fed with 100-octane or higher race fuel, as if the standard 807 hp wasn’t already an unholy amount of power.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger can be filled up with TOP TIER detergent gasoline, reformulated gasoline, and up to 10 or 15% ethanol blends (E-10/E-15).
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
Dodge, along with many other car manufacturers, specifically recommends TOP TIER-branded fuel for its formulation of high-quality detergent additives, which are the only kind of additives that you’ll ever need to keep your engine clean.
TOP TIER gasoline has a higher percentage of such detergent additives that have been found to be pretty effective and safe in preventing the buildup of engine debris or gunk.
As we know, a cleaner engine will perform to its full potential better than one that is filled with carbon deposits, which is something that’s especially important to keep in mind for a performance car like the Dodge Challenger.
Since TOP TIER gasoline is sold in all octane ratings, be sure to still follow the minimum required octane rating for your specific Dodge Challenger.
Reformulated Gasoline
Another type of fuel that’s viable for use in the Dodge Challenger is reformulated gasoline, which is an alternative type of fuel that makes up over 30% of all gasoline sold in North America.
Compared to conventional gasoline, reformulated gasoline (RFG for short) is specifically formulated with less toxic ingredients and is geared towards reducing the emission of harmful gases out of your exhaust.
Because reformulated gasoline burns cleaner, it is highly recommended and, in some cases, even mandated in areas that have higher concentrations of air pollution and smog.
Just be sure to ask retailers at your local pump if they actually sell reformulated gasoline, as it can be hard to differentiate them from conventional gasoline without any specific labels.
Up to 10 or 15% Ethanol Blends (E-10/E-15)
Gasoline that’s blended with the oxygenate “ethanol” is also another type of fuel that’s compatible with the Dodge Challenger’s fuel system.
However, the exact percentage of ethanol that’s compatible with the Dodge Challenger can vary from one model year to another, and we advise that you take note of such differences.
| The 2008 to 2015 model years of the Dodge Challenger can take gasoline mixed with up to 10% ethanol (E-10), while the 2016 and newer models can take up to 15% ethanol (E-15). |
Since ethanol has a natural tendency to attract water, using higher percentages of it than what your fuel system is designed for can corrode and damage various metal and rubber components.
Vehicles that can only take up to 10 or 15% ethanol blends (E-10/E-15) are equipped with an ordinary black gas cap that most vehicles on the road have.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Dodge Challenger
Avoid filling up the Dodge Challenger with gasoline containing MMT, E-85/Flex-Fuel (stock models), CNG or LPG fuels, methanol (stock models), and any kind of diesel fuel.
Gasoline Containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
Using any type of fuel that contains the additive “MMT” is a big no-no when it comes to the Dodge Challenger and the majority of cars today for reasons we’ll explain now.
MMT has been used as an octane booster for both leaded and unleaded gasoline for the past several decades, but it’s also quite toxic when emitted from your vehicle’s exhaust.
Moreover, MMT is notoriously known for fouling your spark plugs prematurely and causing damage to multiple components of your fuel system and emission control system.
With such detrimental downsides to both your car, the environment, and the lungs of people around you, it’s no wonder that MMT is banned in most areas and strictly limited to about 1/32 grams per gallon of manganese in remaining places that still allow it.
E-85/Flex-Fuel (Stock/Factory Dodge Challenger)
E-85, also popularly known as “Flex-Fuel”, can contain up to 85% ethanol that can only be handled by vehicles with flex-fuel systems, something that the Dodge Challenger doesn’t come with from the factory.
Using E-85 in a non-FFV (Flex-Fuel Vehicle) can corrode parts of your fuel system. In the case of the Dodge Challenger, you may even feel that the engine is struggling to perform normally.
Since E-85 is quite a popular choice of fuel for performance applications, the only way to make it safe for use on a performance car like the Dodge Challenger is to install an aftermarket flex-fuel kit.
Other than that, flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can run E-85 from the factory are the only ones equipped with a special yellow gas cap instead of a regular black one.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)
The Dodge Challenger owner’s manual advises against doing any sort of modifications that can make the engine run on either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane gas (LPG).
Using CNG or LPG on the Dodge Challenger can cause damage to parts of the engine, fuel system, and emissions system.
The manufacturer also states that any kind of damage or issue caused by the use of CNG or LPG on the Dodge Challenger will not be covered under its “New Vehicle Limited Warranty.”
Methanol (Stock/Factory Dodge Challenger)
Apart from E-85, methanol is also another type of fuel that boosts vehicle performance. But like the former, you can’t just use methanol on a bone-stock Dodge Challenger without running into issues.
The Dodge Challenger wasn’t specifically designed to take methanol, regardless of the engine option. So you’ll be needing a custom methanol injection kit to actually make it run safely on methanol in your quest for more power.
As with any kind of major modification, be sure to do your due diligence before deciding to run your car with fuel that it wasn’t originally designed for.
Using methanol on an unmodified Dodge Challenger can cause starting issues, reduced engine performance, and even damaged components of the fuel system.
Diesel Fuel
Not a single Dodge Challenger model in existence has ever been equipped with a diesel engine, so you shouldn’t be touching any sort of diesel fuel with a ten-foot barge pole.
It’ll be a completely different story, however, if you were to swap a Cummins engine into one. By all means, go read our Dodge Engine Swap Compatibility guide to find out if you even physically can.
In general, putting diesel fuel in a gasoline/petrol engine is a surefire way to clog your internals and get your engine to seize, as diesel is too thick and dense to properly move throughout a gas engine’s fuel system.
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong gas type, such as using fuel with too low of an octane rating for your vehicle, can result in reduced performance, an engine knocking sound, and potential damage to parts of the engine and fuel system.
Dodge Challenger Gas Mileage
2008 to 2014 Dodge Challenger models can achieve a combined gas mileage of 15 to 21 mpg depending on the engine, transmission, and model year.
2015 to 2023/present Dodge Challenger models can achieve a combined gas mileage of 15 to 23 mpg depending on the engine, transmission, and model year.
2008 to 2014 Dodge Challenger Gas Mileage (Pre-Facelift)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 3.5L SOHC V6 | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI V8(5-Speed Automatic) | 15 to 16 mpg | 24 to 25 mpg | 18 to 19 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI V8(6-Speed Manual) | 15 to 16 mpg | 23 to 24 mpg | 18 to 19 mpg |
| 6.1L HEMI V8(5-Speed Automatic) | 13 mpg | 18 to 19 mpg | 15 mpg |
| 6.1L HEMI V8(6-Speed Manual) | 14 mpg | 22 mpg | 16 mpg |
| 6.4L HEMI V8(SRT8)(5-Speed Automatic) | 14 mpg | 22 to 23 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg |
| 6.4L HEMI V8(SRT8)(6-Speed Manual) | 14 mpg | 23 mpg | 17 mpg |
2015 to 2023/Present Dodge Challenger Gas Mileage (Facelift)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 19 mpg | 30 mpg | 23 mpg |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 (GT) | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 (AWD) | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI V8(8-Speed Automatic) | 16 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI V8(6-Speed Manual) | 15 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg |
| 6.4L HEMI V8(8-Speed Automatic) | 15 mpg | 24 to 25 mpg | 18 mpg |
| 6.4L HEMI V8(6-Speed Manual) | 14 mpg | 23 mpg | 17 mpg |
| 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8(8-Speed Automatic) | 13 mpg | 21 to 22 mpg | 15 to 16 mpg |
| 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8(6-Speed Manual) | 13 mpg | 21 mpg | 16 mpg |
What is the gas tank size/capacity of a Dodge Challenger?
2008 to 2014 Dodge Challenger models have a gas tank size/capacity of 18 to 19.1 gallons (68.1 to 72.3 liters) depending on the trim and model year.
2015 to 2023/Present Dodge Challenger models have a gas tank size/capacity of 18.5 gallons (70 liters).
| Dodge ChallengerGeneration/Model Years | Engine/Trim Level | Gas Tank Size/Capacity (US Gallon/Liter) |
2008 to 2014 (Pre-Facelift) | 3.5L V6 (SE)(2009) | 18.5 gal (70 l) |
| 3.5L V6 (SE)(2010) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 3.6L V6(2011) | 19.1 gal (72.3 l) | |
| 3.6L V6 (SXT)(2012 to 2014) | 19.1 gal (72.3 l) | |
| 5.7L V8 (R/T)(2009 to 2010) | 19 gal (72 l) | |
| 5.7L V8 (R/T)(2011 to 2014) | 19.1 gal (72.3 l) | |
| 6.1L V8 (SRT8)(2008 to 2010) | 19 gal (72 l) | |
| 6.4L V8 (SRT8)(2011 to 2012, 2014) | 19.1 gal (72.3 l) | |
| 6.4L V8 (SRT8)(2013) | 19 gal (72 l) | |
| 6.4L V8 (SRT8 Core)(2013) | 19 gal (72 l) | |
| 6.4L V8 (SRT8 Core)(2014) | 19.1 gal (72.3 l) | |
2015 to 2023/Present (Facelift) | 3.6L V6(SXT/SXT Plus) | 18.5 gal (70 l) |
| 3.6L V6(SXT AWD) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 3.6L V6(GT/GT AWD) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 5.7L V8(All R/T Trims) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 5.7L V8 (T/A) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 5.7L V8 (T/A Plus) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.4L V8(R/T Scat Pack) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.4L V8(R/T Scat Pack Widebody) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.4L V8(R/T Scat Pack Shaker) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.4L V8(R/T Scat Pack 50th Anniversary)(2020) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.4L V8(R/T Scat Pack 50th Anniversary Widebody)(2020) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.4L V8(392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.4L V8 (T/A 392) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.4L V8 (SRT 392) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8(SRT Hellcat) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8(SRT Hellcat Widebody)(2018 Onwards) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8(SRT Demon)(2018) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8(SRT Hellcat Redeye)(2019 Onwards) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8(SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody)(2020 Onwards | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8(SRT Hellcat Jailbreak)(2020 to 2022) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8(SRT Super Stock)(2020 to 2023) | 18.5 gal (70 l) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
