What the 2014 Charger SRT8 emits and how much fuel it uses

The 2014 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a full-size performance sedan powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 470 horsepower. The EPA rates it at 14 miles per gallon in the city, 23 miles per gallon on the highway, and 17 miles per gallon combined. These figures place it in the lowest fuel economy tier for passenger vehicles sold that year.

The vehicle's tailpipe emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. The SRT8 was certified to meet 2014 federal emissions standards under the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards, which set limits on CO2 output. The combined city-highway CO2 rating is approximately 525 grams per mile, though this varies slightly depending on transmission type and whether the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive.

Because the SRT8 is a high-performance muscle car rather than a fuel-efficient sedan, its environmental footprint per mile driven is substantially larger than mid-size or compact vehicles from the same model year. Owners should expect higher fuel costs and more frequent fill-ups than drivers of comparable non-performance models.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2014 Charger SRT8 achieves 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined miles per gallon according to EPA testing.
  • The vehicle's CO2 emissions are approximately 525 grams per mile, which is above the average for passenger cars in 2014.
  • The 6.4-liter V8 engine meets 2014 federal emissions standards but produces higher NOx and particulate matter than smaller engines.
  • Real-world fuel economy may be lower than EPA estimates, especially in city driving or with aggressive acceleration typical of performance driving.

Engine specifications and emissions certification

The 2014 Charger SRT8 uses a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine with a displacement of 392 cubic inches. It produces 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite) as standard equipment.

The vehicle was certified under the EPA's Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards (49 CFR Part 86, Subpart B). It meets Tier 2, Bin 8 standards for criteria pollutants including NOx and particulate matter. The SRT8 does not meet California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards, which are stricter than federal standards, so it cannot be registered in California or other states that have adopted California's emission rules unless it was originally sold there.

The engine uses a conventional gasoline fuel system with port fuel injection and a three-way catalytic converter. It does not include hybrid technology, turbocharging, or direct injection, all of which can reduce fuel consumption and emissions in modern vehicles.

How EPA fuel economy testing works for the SRT8

The EPA tests fuel economy using two standardized driving cycles: the Federal Test Procedure (FTP), which simulates city driving, and the Highway Fuel Economy Test (HFET), which simulates highway driving. The city test includes 23 stops, speeds up to 56 mph, and an average speed of 21.2 mph. The highway test runs at constant speeds between 48 and 60 mph with minimal braking.

The EPA then applies a mathematical adjustment to account for the difference between laboratory conditions and real-world driving. For 2014 model year vehicles, the adjustment reduced the city result by 10 percent and the highway result by 22 percent before publishing the official window sticker. The combined rating is a weighted average: 55 percent city and 45 percent highway.

The SRT8's 14 city rating reflects the engine's high fuel consumption during the stop-and-go portions of the test. The 23 highway rating reflects the engine's efficiency at steady speeds, where it can operate closer to its optimal fuel consumption point. Real-world results depend heavily on driving habits, road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and tire pressure.

Comparing the SRT8 to other 2014 sedans

The 2014 Charger SRT8 ranks among the least fuel-efficient sedans of its model year. For comparison, the 2014 Dodge Charger R/T (with a 5.7-liter V8) achieved 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg. The 2014 Charger SE (with a 3.6-liter V6) achieved 19 city / 31 highway / 24 combined mpg. The 2014 Charger with a 2.7-liter V6 achieved 19 city / 32 highway / 24 combined mpg.

Among performance vehicles, the SRT8 was competitive with other American muscle cars. The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS (with a 6.2-liter V8) achieved 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg. The 2014 Ford Mustang GT (with a 5.8-liter V8) achieved 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg. The SRT8's 6.4-liter engine and higher horsepower output resulted in lower fuel economy than these competitors.

Hybrid and electric vehicles from 2014 achieved substantially better fuel economy. The 2014 Toyota Prius achieved 51 city / 48 highway / 50 combined mpg. The 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid achieved 44 city / 47 highway / 45 combined mpg. The gap illustrates the trade-off between performance and efficiency that defines the SRT8's design.

Emissions standards the SRT8 meets and does not meet

The 2014 Charger SRT8 meets federal Tier 2, Bin 8 emissions standards, which set limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and non-methane organic gas (NMOG). Tier 2 standards explore nationwide and were in effect from 2004 through 2014 for most vehicles. Bin 8 is one of the higher-emission bins within Tier 2, meaning the vehicle is permitted to emit more NOx and NMOG than vehicles certified to lower bins.

The SRT8 does not meet California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards or the stricter Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards. California standards are more restrictive than federal Tier 2 standards. Vehicles that do not meet LEV standards cannot be registered in California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington unless they were originally sold in one of those states before the owner purchased them.

The vehicle does not may have access to for any federal or state emissions-based tax credits or rebates. It does not meet the criteria for "clean vehicle" designation under any state program. Some states and municipalities impose higher registration fees or restrict driving privileges during air quality alerts for vehicles that do not meet LEV standards.

Real-world fuel economy and factors that affect it

Owners of 2014 Charger SRT8 vehicles typically report fuel economy between 12 and 16 miles per gallon in mixed driving, which is lower than the EPA's combined rating of 17 mpg. City driving often produces results closer to 12 mpg, while highway driving at steady speeds can approach the EPA's 23 mpg estimate. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and high-speed driving all reduce fuel economy significantly.

Several factors affect real-world fuel economy beyond driving habits. Cold engine starts consume more fuel because the engine runs in a richer fuel mixture until it reaches operating temperature. Idling consumes fuel without producing any miles traveled. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent per 5 psi below the recommended pressure. A heavy load or roof rack increases weight and aerodynamic drag, both of which reduce fuel economy.

Engine maintenance also affects fuel economy. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and reduces efficiency. Worn spark plugs or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run too rich. Using the recommended SAE 5W-30 motor oil instead of a heavier grade can improve fuel economy slightly. Regular tune-ups and proper wheel alignment help maintain the manufacturer's fuel economy estimates.

What these emissions mean for owners and the environment

The 2014 Charger SRT8 produces approximately 525 grams of CO2 per mile driven. Over a year of typical driving (12,000 miles), this amounts to roughly 6.3 metric tons of CO2 emissions from the vehicle alone. For comparison, the average passenger vehicle in 2014 produced about 411 grams of CO2 per mile, or roughly 4.9 metric tons per 12,000 miles of driving.

The vehicle's NOx emissions contribute to ground-level ozone formation and smog, particularly in urban areas and during warm months. Particulate matter from the exhaust can affect air quality and respiratory health, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions. These local air quality impacts are most significant in areas with high vehicle traffic and limited air circulation.

Owners who want to reduce their environmental impact can consider driving the SRT8 less frequently, combining trips to reduce total miles, maintaining proper tire pressure and engine condition, and avoiding aggressive acceleration. Some owners choose to offset emissions through carbon offset programs, though the effectiveness and legitimacy of such programs varies widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a 2014 Charger SRT8 in California?

Only if it was originally sold in California or another state with California emission standards. If it was originally sold in a federal emissions state, it cannot be registered in California without a waiver, which is rarely granted. Check the vehicle's title or contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles to determine its original registration state.

What is the actual fuel tank size and range of the SRT8?

The 2014 Charger SRT8 has an 18.5-gallon fuel tank. At the EPA combined rating of 17 mpg, the theoretical range is approximately 314 miles per tank. Real-world range is typically 200 to 250 miles depending on driving conditions and habits, which means more frequent fill-ups than mid-size sedans.

Does the SRT8 have any emissions control systems I should know about?

Yes. The vehicle uses a three-way catalytic converter to reduce NOx and hydrocarbon emissions, an evaporative emissions control system to prevent fuel vapors from escaping, and a positive crankcase ventilation system. These systems require proper maintenance and can fail, causing the check engine light to illuminate and emissions to increase.

How do 2014 SRT8 emissions compare to newer performance cars?

Newer performance vehicles (2020 and later) typically achieve better fuel economy and lower emissions due to turbocharging, direct injection, and more efficient transmissions. A 2023 Dodge Charger R/T with a 5.7-liter V8 achieves approximately 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg, similar to the SRT8 despite having less horsepower, because of improved engine technology.

What should I do if my SRT8 fails an emissions test?

First, have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes at a repair shop. Common causes of emissions test failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or a loose gas cap. Repair the identified problem and have the vehicle retested. If the catalytic converter is damaged, replacement is expensive but necessary for both emissions compliance and engine performance.