What the 2009 Charger R/T delivers in fuel economy and emissions

The 2009 Dodge Charger R/T came with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine rated at 25 mpg highway and 16 mpg city by the EPA, with a combined rating of 19 mpg. That combined figure assumes regular gasoline and automatic transmission operation under EPA test conditions — actual mileage varies based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. The vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 4,730 pounds, and it produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.

Emissions compliance for the 2009 model year placed the Charger R/T in the Tier 2, Bin 5 category under EPA standards. This means it met federal tailpipe standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that were in effect for that model year. The vehicle is not a zero-emission vehicle and does not may have access to for HOV lane access in states that restrict lanes to low-emission or electric vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2009 Charger R/T achieves 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine under EPA test conditions.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically runs lower than EPA estimates, especially in city driving or with aggressive acceleration.
  • The vehicle meets Tier 2, Bin 5 federal emissions standards but does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle for HOV lane purposes.
  • Maintenance items like air filter condition, tire pressure, and fuel system cleanliness directly affect both fuel economy and emissions output.

How the HEMI V8 engine affects fuel consumption

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is a large-displacement engine designed for power rather than efficiency. It uses a hemispherical combustion chamber design that allows for larger valves and better airflow, which improves combustion efficiency at high RPMs but increases fuel consumption at steady speeds. The engine produces maximum torque at 4,250 RPM, so driving at highway speeds in overdrive gear (where RPM is lower) yields better fuel economy than city driving, where the engine operates at higher RPMs and under more variable load.

The 2009 model uses a four-speed automatic transmission (545RFE) that locks the torque converter at highway speeds to reduce engine RPM and improve fuel economy. However, the transmission's gear ratios are optimized for acceleration rather than fuel savings, which is why the Charger R/T's highway rating (25 mpg) is notably better than its city rating (16 mpg). Driving at steady speeds below 60 mph on the highway will yield better results than frequent acceleration or highway speeds above 70 mph.

Actual fuel economy versus EPA ratings

EPA test cycles do not reflect real-world driving for a performance vehicle like the Charger R/T. The EPA test uses moderate acceleration and does not account for the way drivers typically operate a 370-horsepower muscle car. Real-world reports from owners show combined fuel economy ranging from 15 to 22 mpg depending on driving style, with aggressive drivers reporting 13 to 15 mpg and highway-focused drivers reporting 22 to 24 mpg.

Cold starts, short trips, and idling all reduce fuel economy below EPA estimates. A vehicle driven primarily in stop-and-go traffic or with frequent cold starts may see combined economy closer to 14 to 16 mpg. Conversely, a driver who maintains steady highway speeds and avoids rapid acceleration can approach or exceed the EPA highway rating. Tire pressure, wheel alignment, and engine load (cargo weight) also affect results — underinflated tires can reduce economy by 3 percent or more.

Emissions standards and what they mean

The 2009 Charger R/T meets Tier 2, Bin 5 standards, which were the federal baseline for passenger cars and light trucks in 2009. Bin 5 allows higher NOx emissions than lower bins (Bin 4, Bin 3, Bin 2) but lower than higher bins. The vehicle does not meet California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards, which are stricter than federal Tier 2 standards. If you register the vehicle in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington, it must still meet federal Tier 2 standards — California's LEV standards explore only to vehicles certified to those standards at manufacture.

Tailpipe emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), which is measured but not regulated under Tier 2 standards. The 2009 Charger R/T's CO2 output is approximately 470 grams per mile based on its fuel economy — a direct function of burning gasoline. Vehicles with better fuel economy produce lower CO2 emissions per mile driven.

Maintenance that affects fuel economy and emissions

A well-maintained 2009 Charger R/T will perform closer to EPA ratings than a neglected one. The engine air filter should be inspected every 15,000 miles and replaced when visibly dirty; a clogged filter reduces airflow and increases fuel consumption. The fuel filter (located in the fuel tank as part of the pump assembly) should be replaced every 50,000 miles or as recommended in your owner's manual. A degraded fuel filter can cause the engine to run rich (too much fuel, not enough air), which increases both fuel consumption and emissions.

Spark plugs in the 2009 Charger R/T are rated for 100,000 miles, but worn plugs increase fuel consumption and emissions. Tire pressure should be checked monthly and maintained at the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb (not the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall); underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce economy by 1 to 3 percent per 5 psi below specification. Engine oil viscosity matters as well — using the manufacturer-recommended grade (5W-20 for the 2009 HEMI) reduces internal friction compared to heavier oils.

Comparing the 2009 Charger R/T to other performance vehicles

The 2009 Charger R/T's 19 mpg combined rating is typical for large V8-powered sedans of that era. The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, which uses the same engine and transmission, achieves identical EPA ratings. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (LS3 V8) rates 16 city / 26 highway / 20 combined — slightly better highway economy due to a six-speed transmission. The 2009 Chrysler 300C with the 5.7L HEMI achieves the same 16/25/19 ratings as the Charger R/T.

Compared to non-performance vehicles, the Charger R/T's fuel economy is lower. A 2009 Honda Accord V6 achieves 18 city / 27 highway / 22 combined, and a 2009 Toyota Camry V6 achieves 19 city / 28 highway / 23 combined. The trade-off is power: the Charger R/T produces 370 horsepower versus 244 hp in the Accord and 268 hp in the Camry. Modern performance vehicles (2020 and later) with turbocharged engines and eight-speed or ten-speed transmissions achieve better fuel economy at similar power levels.

Understanding your vehicle's environmental impact rating

The 2009 Charger R/T receives an EPA Smog Rating of 5 out of 10 and a Greenhouse Gas Rating of 4 out of 10. The Smog Rating reflects tailpipe emissions of NOx and particulate matter; a rating of 5 means the vehicle produces moderate smog-forming emissions compared to the fleet average. The Greenhouse Gas Rating reflects CO2 emissions per mile; a rating of 4 means the vehicle produces above-average CO2 for its class. These ratings are relative to 2009 model-year vehicles, not to current standards.

The vehicle's total environmental impact also depends on how long it remains in service and how many miles are driven. A well-maintained 2009 Charger R/T driven 10,000 miles per year for ten more years will produce lower total emissions than a newer vehicle driven 15,000 miles per year, because manufacturing a new vehicle requires significant energy and produces emissions before the vehicle is ever driven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve the fuel economy of my 2009 Charger R/T?

Modest improvements are possible through maintenance and driving habits. Keeping the engine properly tuned, maintaining correct tire pressure, and avoiding rapid acceleration can add 1 to 2 mpg to combined economy. Aftermarket intake or exhaust systems may improve power but typically do not improve fuel economy. Transmission tuning or engine remapping can reduce economy further by optimizing for performance rather than efficiency.

Will my 2009 Charger R/T pass emissions testing?

Yes, provided the vehicle is properly maintained and the emissions control systems (catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system) are functioning. A vehicle with a check engine light, a missing or damaged catalytic converter, or disconnected emissions equipment will fail testing. Some states perform visual inspections of emissions equipment in addition to tailpipe testing.

Is the 2009 Charger R/T allowed in HOV or carpool lanes?

No. HOV lane access is restricted to zero-emission vehicles (electric or hydrogen fuel cell), plug-in hybrids with sufficient electric range, or vehicles certified to California LEV standards. The 2009 Charger R/T meets federal Tier 2 standards only and does not may have access to for HOV access in any state.

What octane fuel should I use in the 2009 Charger R/T?

The 2009 HEMI V8 is designed for 89-octane fuel (mid-grade) but can run on 87-octane regular gasoline without damage. Using 91 or 93-octane premium fuel will not improve fuel economy or performance unless the engine is modified for higher compression. The owner's manual recommends 89-octane as the minimum; using lower octane may cause engine knock under heavy load.

How does the 2009 Charger R/T compare to modern electric vehicles in terms of emissions?

A modern electric vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions and significantly lower lifetime emissions even when accounting for electricity generation. A 2009 Charger R/T produces approximately 470 grams of CO2 per mile; a Tesla Model 3 produces roughly 150 to 200 grams of CO2 per mile when charged from the U.S. average electrical grid. Over 100,000 miles, the difference is substantial, though the Charger R/T's total environmental impact depends on how long it remains in service.