What the 2009 Dodge Charger offers in fuel economy and emissions

The 2009 Dodge Charger came with three engine choices, each with different fuel consumption and emissions profiles. The base model used a 2.7-liter V6 that achieved 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway. The mid-range 3.5-liter V8 delivered 16 city and 24 highway. The high-performance 5.7-liter V8 (standard in the R/T trim) returned 15 city and 23 highway. All three engines ran on regular unleaded gasoline.

Emissions standards for 2009 vehicles were set by the EPA under regulations that applied nationwide. The 2009 Charger met those standards across all engine options, though the larger engines produced higher tailpipe emissions per gallon burned. None of the 2009 Charger models may have access to as low-emission vehicles or earned special environmental ratings.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2009 Charger offered three engines: a 2.7L V6 (17/25 mpg), a 3.5L V8 (16/24 mpg), and a 5.7L V8 (15/23 mpg), with city mileage listed first.
  • All three engines met 2009 EPA emissions standards but produced higher emissions than smaller, more efficient vehicles.
  • The V6 was the most fuel-efficient option if you prioritized lower fuel consumption and emissions.
  • Real-world fuel economy often ran 1 to 3 miles per gallon lower than EPA estimates, depending on driving habits and conditions.

Engine specifications and what they mean for fuel use

The 2.7-liter V6 produced 178 horsepower and was the lightest-duty engine in the lineup. It was standard on the SE and SXT trims. This engine consumed less fuel per mile than either V8, making it the choice for buyers concerned about gas costs or emissions impact. However, it also had the least power, which meant the transmission worked harder during acceleration, sometimes offsetting efficiency gains.

The 3.5-liter V8 sat between the base V6 and the performance R/T engine. It generated 250 horsepower and came standard on the SXT Plus trim. This engine offered a middle ground: more power than the V6 but better fuel economy than the 5.7L. The difference in real-world mileage between the 3.5L and 5.7L was usually 1 to 2 miles per gallon.

The 5.7-liter V8 produced 370 horsepower and was the engine in the R/T and SRT8 models. It consumed the most fuel and produced the highest emissions per gallon burned. Drivers who chose this engine prioritized performance over efficiency. The SRT8 variant added a supercharger and pushed output to 425 horsepower, worsening fuel economy further.

How to find the emissions rating for your specific 2009 Charger

The EPA's official emissions data for any 2009 vehicle is available through fueleconomy.gov, the government's fuel economy and emissions database. You can search by year, make, model, and engine size to see the exact tailpipe emissions rating (measured in grams of CO2 per mile) and the fuel economy estimate for your configuration.

Your vehicle's door jamb label also lists the model year and engine size. Match that information to the fueleconomy.gov database to confirm which engine you have. The label itself does not show emissions data, but it does show the EPA fuel economy estimate and the fuel type required.

If you are buying a used 2009 Charger, the seller's window sticker (if still present) will show the original EPA estimates. Keep in mind that actual emissions depend on engine condition, maintenance, and driving patterns—a poorly maintained engine will emit more than EPA estimates.

Comparing the 2009 Charger to other 2009 sedans

The 2009 Charger was a full-size, performance-oriented sedan. Compared to mid-size sedans from the same year, it consumed more fuel and produced higher emissions because of its larger size and heavier weight. A 2009 Honda Accord V6, for example, achieved roughly 19 city and 28 highway—better than any Charger engine option.

However, the Charger was not designed to compete on efficiency. It was built for buyers who wanted a large, powerful American sedan. If fuel economy was the priority, a smaller sedan or hybrid would have been a better choice in 2009. The Charger's appeal lay in its 370-horsepower V8 and distinctive styling, not its environmental footprint.

What changed in later model years

The 2009 Charger remained largely unchanged through 2010. In 2011, Dodge introduced a new generation with updated engines and slightly improved efficiency across the board. The 2011 and later models also benefited from incremental improvements in emissions control technology, though the fundamental trade-off between power and efficiency remained.

If you are considering a used Charger and fuel economy matters to you, a 2011 or later model will perform somewhat better than a 2009. The difference is modest—typically 1 to 2 miles per gallon—but it compounds over years of ownership.

Understanding EPA fuel economy estimates versus real-world driving

The EPA estimates shown on fueleconomy.gov are laboratory tests, not real-world results. Most drivers see 10 to 20 percent lower fuel economy than the EPA estimate, depending on driving conditions. Highway driving at steady speeds comes closer to EPA numbers. City driving with frequent stops, cold starts, and idling typically produces worse results.

A 2009 Charger with the 2.7L V6 rated at 17 city and 25 highway might deliver 15 to 16 city and 23 to 24 highway in typical use. The larger engines see similar percentage drops. Aggressive acceleration, towing, and driving in mountainous terrain all worsen fuel economy further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2009 Charger have a hybrid option?

No. Dodge did not offer a hybrid version of the 2009 Charger. All models used conventional gasoline engines. If you wanted a hybrid sedan in 2009, you would have needed to look at Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, or similar models from other manufacturers.

What octane fuel does the 2009 Charger require?

The 2.7L and 3.5L V8 engines run on regular unleaded (87 octane). The 5.7L V8 in the R/T also runs on regular, though some owners use premium fuel believing it improves performance. The SRT8 supercharged model recommends premium (91 octane) for optimal performance, though it will run on regular.

How do I improve fuel economy on a 2009 Charger?

Keep the engine properly maintained: fresh air filter, clean fuel injectors, and correct tire pressure all help. Avoid aggressive acceleration and idling. Remove excess weight from the trunk. Highway driving at steady speeds will always yield better mileage than city driving. No modifications will dramatically improve a Charger's efficiency—the vehicle's size and weight work against it.

Is the 2009 Charger considered a gas guzzler?

The 5.7L V8 models fall into the EPA's gas guzzler category, which means they trigger a federal excise tax at purchase. The 2.7L and 3.5L models do not. Check your purchase documents or fueleconomy.gov to confirm whether your specific model was subject to the gas guzzler tax.