The 2016 Dodge Charger's EPA ratings and real-world performance

The 2016 Dodge Charger comes with three engine options, and each has different fuel economy and emissions ratings. The base model uses a 3.6-liter V6 that the EPA rates at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway when paired with an automatic transmission. The mid-range 5.7-liter V8 gets 16 city and 25 highway. The high-performance 6.2-liter SRT model rates at 14 city and 23 highway — the least efficient of the three.

These are EPA estimates, which means real-world mileage depends on how you drive, road conditions, and how well you maintain the vehicle. Aggressive acceleration, highway speeds above 60 mph, and stop-and-go city driving all lower fuel economy compared to the EPA figures. Regular maintenance — keeping the engine tuned, tires properly inflated, and the fuel system clean — helps you stay closer to the rated numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger's fuel economy ranges from 14 city/23 highway for the 6.2L SRT to 19 city/30 highway for the 3.6L V6, depending on which engine you choose.
  • All 2016 Chargers meet federal emissions standards for that model year, which were less strict than current standards.
  • Actual fuel economy will be lower than EPA estimates if you drive in heavy traffic, accelerate quickly, or regularly exceed highway speed limits.
  • Keeping your Charger well-maintained — regular oil changes, clean air filters, and proper tire pressure — helps it perform closer to its EPA rating.

How the 2016 Charger compares to other sedans from that year

In 2016, the Charger was one of the larger, heavier sedans on the market, which affects its fuel economy. Smaller sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry achieved better highway mileage — typically 30 to 38 mpg — because they weigh less and have smaller engines. The Charger's weight and muscle-car design prioritize performance and interior space over fuel efficiency.

If fuel economy is your main concern, the V6 Charger is the better choice within the Charger lineup. It delivers noticeably better mileage than either V8 option while still providing the size and power most Charger buyers want. Comparing it to competitors, the V6 Charger sits in the middle range for full-size performance sedans of that era.

Understanding the emissions standards the 2016 Charger meets

The 2016 Dodge Charger was built to meet the EPA's Tier 2 emissions standards, which were the federal requirement for that model year. These standards limit how much nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants a vehicle can emit. All three engine options in the 2016 Charger meet these standards, though the larger engines produce more emissions per gallon of fuel burned.

Tier 2 standards were less restrictive than the Tier 3 standards that took effect in 2017 and beyond. This means a 2016 Charger produces more emissions than a 2017 model with the same engine size. If you're comparing used Chargers and emissions matter to you, a newer model year will have stricter controls in place.

What affects your 2016 Charger's fuel economy in daily driving

Several factors under your control change how much fuel your Charger uses. Tire pressure is one of the biggest: underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire itself. A drop of just 5 psi in all four tires can reduce fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg.

Your driving habits matter more than you might expect. Rapid acceleration, frequent hard braking, and idling all burn fuel without moving you forward. Steady speeds on the highway, gentle acceleration, and removing excess weight from the trunk improve economy. If you drive mostly in stop-and-go city traffic, expect to see numbers closer to the EPA city rating or even lower.

Engine maintenance directly affects fuel economy. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work harder to pull in air, reducing efficiency. Spark plugs that are worn out or the wrong type can cause misfires, which waste fuel. Following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual — oil changes, air filter replacement, and fuel system cleaning — keeps your Charger running at its best.

Emissions testing and what happens if your Charger fails

In states that require emissions testing, your 2016 Charger will need to pass every one to two years, depending on where you live. The test measures tailpipe emissions and checks that your emissions control systems are working. Most 2016 Chargers pass without issue if they're well-maintained and the check engine light is off.

If your Charger fails an emissions test, the most common causes are a faulty oxygen sensor, a problem with the catalytic converter, or a loose gas cap. A mechanic can read the diagnostic code from your vehicle's computer to pinpoint the issue. Repairs range from replacing a $20 gas cap to replacing a catalytic converter, which costs several hundred dollars. Addressing the problem quickly is important because a vehicle that fails emissions testing cannot be registered in most states.

Fuel type and octane rating for the 2016 Charger

The 2016 Dodge Charger runs on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) for the V6 and 5.7L V8 models. The high-performance 6.2L SRT engine requires premium fuel (91 or 92 octane, depending on your location). Using regular fuel in an SRT will cause engine knock and reduce performance, and it may trigger the check engine light.

Using a higher octane than required does not improve fuel economy or performance in the V6 or standard V8 — it straightforward costs more. Stick with the octane rating listed in your owner's manual or on the fuel door. Some drivers report slightly better fuel economy with Top Tier gasoline brands (like Shell, Chevron, or Mobil), which contain more detergents, but the difference is usually small.

How to read your Charger's fuel economy display

The 2016 Charger's instrument cluster shows instantaneous fuel economy (how many miles per gallon you're getting right now) and average fuel economy (your overall mileage since you last reset it). The instantaneous reading fluctuates constantly and is most useful for learning how your driving habits affect efficiency — you'll see it drop when you accelerate hard and rise when you coast. The average reading is more reliable for tracking your true fuel economy over a week or month of driving.

To get an accurate picture of your real-world mileage, reset the average fuel economy display at the gas pump when you fill up, then reset it again at your next fill-up. Divide the miles driven by the gallons used to calculate your actual mpg. This number will often be lower than the EPA highway estimate because most driving includes city streets, traffic, and idling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 2016 Charger need premium fuel?

Only the 6.2L SRT engine requires premium (91–92 octane). The V6 and standard 5.7L V8 run on regular 87-octane fuel. Using regular in an SRT will cause engine knock and may damage the engine over time.

Why is my 2016 Charger getting worse fuel economy than the EPA rating?

EPA estimates assume moderate driving conditions. City driving, highway speeds above 65 mph, rapid acceleration, and underinflated tires all lower your actual mileage. Check your tire pressure and review your driving habits to see where you can improve.

What does it mean if my Charger fails an emissions test?

A failure usually points to a faulty oxygen sensor, catalytic converter problem, or loose gas cap. A mechanic can read your vehicle's diagnostic code to identify the issue. You'll need to fix it before your vehicle can be registered in most states.

Can I improve my Charger's fuel economy with aftermarket parts?

Cold air intakes and performance chips are marketed as fuel-economy boosters, but results are inconsistent and often minimal. Regular maintenance — clean air filters, proper tire pressure, and quality oil — delivers more reliable improvements than aftermarket modifications.