Types Of Gas A Dodge Challenger Takes (Explained)

We’ve already written extensively about the Dodge Challenger and its various capabilities, such as its towing capablities, on this blog. Today we’re going to take an in-depth look at the kind of gas this beast of a car uses. Let’s start with a quick answer to get that out of the way:

Dodge Challengers with a 3.6L, 3.7L engine and the 5.7L engine with an automatic transmission take gas with an octane of 87 – 89, where 89 is advised for optimal performance. Challengers with a 5.7L engine and automatic transmission or the 6.2L and 6.4L engine take gas with an octane of 91 or higher.

However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ll first take a deeper dive into the fuel requirements per generation and engine type. We’ll discuss the various forms of gasoline to see which are suitable and which aren’t ideal for the Challenger. Furthermore, we’ll discuss fuel mileage, tank size, and the total cost of filling the Challenger up. Read on!

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Fuel Requirements By Generation

2007 – 2010

The 2007 – 2010 Dodge Challengers with a 3.7L and 5.7L engine with an automatic transmission are designed for gas with an octane rating of 87 – 89, whereas 89 is advised for optimal performance. The 5.7L with a manual transmission and the 6.1L engine take gas with an octane rating of 91 or higher.

2010 – 2015

The 2010 – 2015 Dodge Challengers with a 3.6L engine take gas with an octane rating of 87. The 5.7L engine with an automatic transmission takes 87 – 89 octane, whereas 89 is advised for optimal performance. The 5.7L with a manual transmission and the 6.4L engines take gas with an octane of 91 or higher.

2015 – Present-day

The 2015 – Present-day Dodge Challengers with a 3.6L engine take gas with an octane rating of 87. The 5.7L engine with an automatic transmission takes 87 – 89 octane, whereas 89 is advised for optimal performance. The 5.7L with a manual transmission, the 6.2L supercharged, and the 6.4L engines take gas with an octane of 91 or higher.

Types Of Fuel And Usage

Reformulated Gasoline

For all generations of the Dodge Challenger, the use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Reformulated gasoline is a specific type of gasoline that’s mandatory in some parts of the United States. The reason for this is the fact that this type of gasoline burns cleaner and thereby reduces emissions. This is especially important in areas of the country where air quality is a problem.

Using reformulated gasoline whenever it’s available is recommended by Dodge for the Challenger. No extra precautions or maintenance have to be taken into account when using this fuel.

Materials Added To Fuel

Using fuel with detergents, corrosion, and stability additives already mixed into it is recommended for all generations of the Dodge Challenger. These additives increase the lifespan of the fuel system while also making sure the engine runs more efficiently. Dodge advises you to use TOP TIER gasoline, which can be bought at certified retail places. Visit toptiergas.com to find these places.

Adding fuel system cleaning agents that contain harmful chemicals is not recommended. Some cleaning agents contain active solvents or similar ingredients (like metallics or silicon), damaging the fuel system gasket and diagram materials. Avoiding such damage is important for making your Dodge Challenger last more miles.

However, there may be instances in which TOP TIER gas is not available in your region. In this case, you likely fill up at BP, Amoco, Walmart, or 7-Eleven. All these brands aren’t TOP TIER retailers and you need to add a detergent to your gasoline to keep your engine clean or deposits will build-up, reducing MPG and the lifespan of your fuel system.

In this case, we recommend you go with a product like Hot Shot’s Gasoline Extreme and Stiction Eliminator. Gasoline Extreme cleans the complete fuel system whereas Stiction Eliminator focuses on the sticky, gummy residue of burnt oil in the engine.

Furthermore, these products don’t contain metallics or silicon and are guaranteed to not void any warranty. It’s the best option if you can’t fill up with TOP TIER gas in the first place.

Oxygenated Blends And E-85

Some fuel suppliers mix regular unleaded gasoline with ethanol. Dodge Challengers manufactured between 2007 – 2015 can take gas with a maximum of 10% ethanol (E-10), whereas Challengers manufactured from 2015 onwards can take fuel with a maximum of 15% ethanol (E-15). No generation of the Dodge Challenger can use methanol.

The use of E-85 is strictly forbidden in all Dodge Challengers since none of them are so-called Flex-Fuel Vehicles. Using fuel that has more than 15% ethanol will result in the following symptoms:

Operate in a lean mode.
OBD II Malfunction Indicator Light on.
Poor engine performance.
Poor cold start and cold drivability.
Increased risk for fuel system component
corrosion.
Damage to the fuel system and engine that is not covered under warranty.

If the vehicle is inadvertently filled with E-85 or another fuel that’s too high in ethanol, the following procedure has to be followed:

Drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer).
Change the engine oil and oil filter.
Disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the engine controller memory.
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged exposure to E-85 fuel.

MMT In Gasoline

Using MMT is not recommended for any Dodge Challenger. MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane. The use of gasoline with MMT reduces the lifespan of the spark plug and reduces emission system performance, which can cause other problems with your car.

The percentage of MMT is not always indicated at the pump, and you’ll have to ask your gas supplier about the use of MMT in the fuel. However, MMT is already prohibited in reformulated gasoline by Californian and Federal law.

CNG And LP Modifications

Modifying the Dodge Challenger to run on compressed natural gas or liquid propane is not recommended. Doing so will most likely cause damage to the engine and the fuel system. Furthermore, the damage that’s done is not covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.

What If I Hear A Knocking Sound After Refueling?

Hearing a slight knocking noise after refueling is entirely regular, given that you’ve filled the Challenger with fuel that has the recommended octane level. Using fuel with a lower than recommended octane rating will result in a loud knocking noise. If you hear a light knocking noise, it’s recommended to stop the car and call your dealer immediately. The car most likely needs to be drained. Continuing to drive with improper fuel will result in significant engine damage that’s not covered under the warranty.

Dodge Challenger Fuel Mileage

It will be no surprise that the fuel mileage of the Dodge Challenger is not something Dodge has focussed on throughout the years. Especially the 5.7, 6.1, 6.2, and 6.4-liter engines aren’t designed for fuel economy. Let’s have a quick look at the chart!

Year	Engine	Combined MPG	City MPG	Highway MPG
2007 – 2010	3.5	20	17	25
	5.7	19	16	25
	6.1	15	13	19
2010 – 2015	3.6	21	18	27
	5.7	18	15	24
	6.4	17	14	23
2015 – Present-day	3.6	23	19	30
	5.7	19	16	25
	6.2	18	15	25
	6.4	16	13	22

Tank Size Per Generation

2007 – 2010 Dodge Challengers with a 3.5L engine have a tank size of 18 gallons (68 liters), and the 5.7L and 6.1L engines have a tank size of 19 gallons (72 liters). 2010 – 2015 Challengers with a 3.6L, 5.7L, or 6.4L engine have a tank size of 19 gallons (72 liters). 2015 – Present-day Challengers with a 3.6L, 5.7L, 6.2L, or 6.4L engine have a tank size of 18.5 gallons (70 liters).

Cost Of Filling Up

At an average gas price of $3.385 per gallon, a 2007 – 2010 Dodge Challenger costs $60.93 (3.5L) or $64.32 (5.7/6.1L) to fill up. The 2010 – 2015 Challenger also costs $64.32 to fill up. The 2015 – Present-day Challenger costs $62.62 to fill up completely.

Conclusion

The Dodge Challenger, undeniably a marvel of automotive engineering, not only captivates with its design and power but also has specific needs when it comes to fuel. As we’ve detailed, the choice of gasoline, with its varying octane levels, plays a crucial role in ensuring the car’s optimal performance and longevity. Whether it’s the 3.6L, 3.7L, or the more robust 5.7L engine, each has its own ideal fuel type for best performance outcomes. In short, while the Challenger promises an exhilarating drive, it’s imperative to fuel it right to keep this beast purring smoothly on the roads.

Sources

Stefan K.

Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.

I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.

Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!

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