What the 2011 Charger R/T emits and how much fuel it uses

The 2011 Dodge Charger R/T is a full-size sedan powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower. It comes with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The EPA rates this vehicle at 16 miles per gallon in the city, 25 miles per gallon on the highway, and 19 miles per gallon combined.

For emissions, the 2011 Charger R/T is classified as a Tier 2, Bin 8 vehicle under EPA standards. This means it meets federal emissions requirements for that model year but does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle. The car produces carbon dioxide at a rate of approximately 471 grams per mile, which is typical for large V8-powered sedans of that generation.

If you own this vehicle, you can find its specific emissions and fuel economy data on the EPA's fueleconomy.gov website by entering the year, make, model, and engine size. That site also shows how the 2011 Charger R/T compares to other vehicles in its class and provides estimates of annual fuel cost based on current gas prices in your region.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2011 Charger R/T gets 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined miles per gallon with its standard 5.7-liter V8 engine.
  • This vehicle meets EPA Tier 2, Bin 8 emissions standards but is not classified as a low-emission vehicle.
  • Carbon dioxide output is approximately 471 grams per mile, which reflects the size and power of the engine.
  • You can verify these figures and compare fuel economy to other vehicles using fueleconomy.gov.

Engine specifications and what they mean for emissions

The 5.7-liter V8 in the 2011 Charger R/T is the same engine used in other Chrysler Group vehicles of that era, including the Dodge Challenger and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Larger displacement engines burn more fuel to produce power, which directly increases both fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. The V8 configuration—eight cylinders firing in sequence—is less efficient than smaller four- or six-cylinder engines but delivers the performance the Charger R/T is designed for.

The transmission paired with this engine is a 5-speed automatic, not the 6-speed or 8-speed automatics found in newer vehicles. Fewer gears means the engine runs at higher RPMs during highway driving, which reduces fuel economy compared to modern multi-speed transmissions that keep the engine turning slower at cruising speeds.

Rear-wheel drive adds slightly more weight and mechanical complexity than front-wheel drive, but the difference in fuel economy is small—typically less than 1 mile per gallon. The real factor affecting emissions and fuel use in the 2011 Charger R/T is the engine size and transmission design.

How the 2011 Charger R/T compares to other vehicles

Among full-size sedans with V8 engines from 2011, the Charger R/T's fuel economy is typical. The Chrysler 300C with the same 5.7-liter V8 achieved similar numbers. The Chevrolet Impala with a 5.3-liter V8 got roughly 17 city / 26 highway, slightly better due to the smaller engine. The Ford Taurus with a 3.5-liter V6 achieved around 18 city / 27 highway, better overall but with less power output.

Compared to modern V8 sedans, the 2011 Charger R/T is less efficient. A 2023 Dodge Charger R/T with an updated 5.7-liter V8 and 8-speed transmission achieves approximately 16 city / 27 highway—the same city rating but better highway performance due to the newer transmission. Hybrid and electric vehicles in the sedan category use far less fuel and produce zero tailpipe emissions, though they cost more upfront.

Understanding EPA emissions classifications

The Tier 2, Bin 8 classification means the 2011 Charger R/T meets the federal emissions standards set by the EPA for that model year. "Tier 2" refers to the generation of standards; "Bin 8" refers to the specific emissions level within that tier. Lower bin numbers indicate stricter emissions limits. Bin 8 is in the middle-to-upper range, meaning the vehicle produces more nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than vehicles in lower bins.

This classification does not mean the vehicle is unsafe or illegal to drive. It straightforward describes where the vehicle falls within the federal regulatory framework. States like California have their own emissions standards and may classify vehicles differently. If you live in a state that follows California standards, check your state's environmental agency website to see how the 2011 Charger R/T is classified in your area.

Fuel economy ratings explained

The EPA tests vehicles in a laboratory using standardized driving cycles that simulate city and highway conditions. The city test involves frequent stops, starts, and lower speeds. The highway test uses steady speeds with less braking. Real-world fuel economy varies based on how you drive, road conditions, traffic, weather, and vehicle maintenance.

The 19 miles per gallon combined rating is a weighted average: 55 percent city driving and 45 percent highway driving. If you drive mostly on highways, you may see closer to 25 miles per gallon. If you drive mostly in stop-and-go city traffic, you may see closer to 16 miles per gallon or lower. Aggressive acceleration, idling, and poor tire pressure all reduce fuel economy below the EPA estimate.

The EPA also calculates an annual fuel cost estimate based on the national average gas price at the time of testing. This number changes year to year. You can find the current estimate for the 2011 Charger R/T on fueleconomy.gov, which updates fuel cost projections regularly.

Carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions

The 471 grams of CO2 per mile figure is derived from fuel consumption. Burning one gallon of gasoline produces approximately 19.6 pounds of carbon dioxide. Since the 2011 Charger R/T averages 19 miles per gallon combined, the math works out to roughly 471 grams per mile (or about 1 pound per mile). This is a direct relationship: better fuel economy means lower CO2 output.

The EPA assigns a greenhouse gas rating to every vehicle on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the cleanest. The 2011 Charger R/T typically receives a rating of 3 or 4, reflecting its higher emissions relative to the average vehicle. This rating helps consumers compare the climate impact of different vehicles at a glance.

If you are concerned about your vehicle's carbon footprint, the most direct action is to drive less, combine trips, maintain proper tire pressure, and avoid rapid acceleration. These habits can improve fuel economy by 10 to 15 percent. Over the life of the vehicle, these changes add up to meaningful fuel and emissions reductions.

Maintenance and emissions performance

A well-maintained 2011 Charger R/T will perform closer to its EPA emissions and fuel economy ratings. A clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or low tire pressure can reduce fuel economy by several miles per gallon and increase emissions. Regular oil changes, fuel filter replacement, and spark plug service keep the engine running efficiently.

If your check engine light is on, the vehicle may be running in a reduced-efficiency mode to protect the engine. Have the diagnostic trouble code read at a repair shop to identify the issue. Fixing emissions-related problems—such as a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter issue—can restore fuel economy and lower emissions.

Tire pressure is one of the easiest factors to control. The 2011 Charger R/T's recommended tire pressure is printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb. Keeping tires at the recommended PSI improves fuel economy and reduces wear. Check pressure monthly, especially before long trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2011 Charger R/T meet modern emissions standards?

No. The 2011 Charger R/T meets the EPA standards from 2011, which are less strict than current standards. Modern vehicles must meet Tier 3 standards, which are significantly tighter. However, the 2011 Charger R/T is still legal to own and drive in all 50 states.

Can I improve the fuel economy of a 2011 Charger R/T?

You can improve it modestly through maintenance and driving habits. Keep tires properly inflated, replace air filters on schedule, and avoid rapid acceleration. Expect improvements of 5 to 15 percent under ideal conditions. Aftermarket modifications that claim large fuel economy gains are typically not reliable.

What does "Tier 2, Bin 8" mean in plain language?

It means the vehicle meets federal emissions rules from that era but is not classified as a low-emission vehicle. Bin 8 is a middle-range classification—not the worst, but not the best. It straightforward describes where the vehicle falls within EPA regulations.

How does the 2011 Charger R/T compare to a hybrid sedan?

A hybrid sedan from 2011 would achieve 25 to 35 miles per gallon combined and produce significantly lower emissions. The trade-off is cost: hybrids cost more upfront. If you drive high mileage annually, the fuel savings over time can offset the higher purchase price.

Is the 2011 Charger R/T banned in any states?

No. The vehicle is legal to own and drive in all 50 states. Some states have stricter emissions testing requirements, but the 2011 Charger R/T can still be registered. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for specific emissions testing rules in your area.