What the 2013 Charger delivers in real-world driving

The 2013 Dodge Charger came in three engine options, and which one you're looking at matters for fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. The base model used a 3.6-liter V6 that averaged 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 in the city. The mid-range 5.7-liter V8 dropped those numbers to 23 highway and 15 city. The high-performance 6.4-liter V8 SRT model managed 23 highway and 14 city. All three used regular unleaded gasoline, and the fuel tank held 18.5 gallons across the lineup.

These figures come from EPA testing, which measures emissions under controlled conditions and then estimates real-world performance. Your actual mileage will vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance — aggressive acceleration and highway speeds above 60 mph typically lower fuel economy by 10 to 15 percent compared to EPA estimates.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Charger V6 achieved the best fuel economy at 25 mpg highway and 16 mpg city, while the V8 models ranged from 23 to 15 mpg depending on engine size.
  • All three engines met 2013 federal emissions standards, which required lower nitrogen oxide and particulate output than 2008 models but were less stringent than 2016 standards.
  • The Charger's combined fuel economy ranged from 19 mpg (V6) to 17 mpg (5.7L V8) to 16 mpg (6.4L V8), making it less efficient than mid-size sedans but typical for full-size performance vehicles.
  • Real-world fuel consumption depends heavily on driving style — city driving with frequent stops produces lower mileage than highway cruising at steady speeds.

EPA emissions ratings for the 2013 model year

The 2013 Charger met Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards, the federal requirement that year. This standard limited nitrogen oxides (NOx) to 0.07 grams per mile and non-methane organic gases to 0.055 grams per mile. All three engine options in the 2013 lineup complied with these limits.

The Charger did not may have access to for any special emissions designation like "Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle" (SULEV) or "Zero Emission Vehicle" (ZEV). It was a conventional gasoline vehicle with a catalytic converter and emissions control systems, but no hybrid or electric components. The 6.4-liter V8 SRT model, despite its size, still met the same Tier 2 standards as the smaller engines because it used the same emissions technology.

How the 2013 Charger compares to other full-size sedans

The 2013 Chevrolet Impala V8 achieved similar fuel economy — 23 highway and 15 city — making it roughly equivalent to the Charger's 5.7-liter V8. The 2013 Chrysler 300 with a 5.7-liter V8 also posted 23 highway and 15 city. Among full-size performance sedans, these numbers were typical; the segment prioritized power and size over fuel efficiency.

Compared to mid-size sedans, the Charger consumed noticeably more fuel. A 2013 Honda Accord V6 achieved 34 highway and 25 city, and a 2013 Toyota Camry V6 managed 32 highway and 22 city. The Charger's larger frame, heavier curb weight (around 3,800 pounds for the V6), and performance-oriented engine tuning all contributed to lower efficiency. If fuel economy was a primary concern, a mid-size sedan would have been the better choice.

Understanding combined fuel economy ratings

The EPA combines city and highway test results into a single "combined" figure that weights city driving at 55 percent and highway at 45 percent. For the 2013 Charger V6, that calculation produced a combined rating of 19 mpg. The 5.7-liter V8 combined to 17 mpg, and the 6.4-liter V8 to 16 mpg. These combined numbers are what manufacturers display most prominently and what most fuel economy labels show.

The combined figure is useful for comparing vehicles, but it does not predict your personal fuel consumption. A driver who spends 80 percent of their time on the highway will see better mileage than the combined rating suggests. A driver stuck in stop-and-go city traffic will see worse. Tracking your own fuel consumption over several fill-ups gives you the most accurate picture of what the Charger will cost you to operate.

Fuel tank capacity and driving range

All 2013 Charger models carried an 18.5-gallon fuel tank. Using the EPA combined ratings, a full tank would take you approximately 296 miles in the V6 model, 314 miles in the 5.7-liter V8, and 296 miles in the 6.4-liter V8. These are theoretical maximums under ideal conditions; real-world range typically runs 10 to 15 percent lower.

The Charger did not offer a diesel engine option in 2013, and no plug-in hybrid or hybrid variant existed. Dodge positioned the Charger as a traditional gasoline performance sedan, not as a fuel-economy leader. If you were considering a 2013 Charger used today, understanding these range limitations matters for trip planning and fuel costs over the vehicle's lifetime.

Maintenance and emissions system durability

The 2013 Charger's emissions control system included a catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and an evaporative emissions system. These components typically lasted the life of the vehicle if maintained properly, though catalytic converters sometimes required replacement between 80,000 and 120,000 miles depending on driving conditions and fuel quality.

Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel system cleaning help maintain fuel economy and keep emissions systems functioning. A failing oxygen sensor or a clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent and trigger a check engine light. If you own or are considering a 2013 Charger, having the emissions system inspected during routine maintenance catches problems early and preserves both efficiency and compliance with state emissions testing.

State emissions testing and the 2013 Charger

In states that conduct emissions testing, a 2013 Charger will be subject to the standards in place for that state. Most states follow federal EPA standards, though California and a handful of others have stricter requirements. A 2013 Charger registered in California must meet California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards, which are more stringent than federal Tier 2 standards.

The 2013 Charger was not specifically certified to California LEV standards, which means it may not be street-legal in California without a special waiver or exemption. If you live in or plan to move to California and own a 2013 Charger, verify the vehicle's emissions certification before purchase. In most other states, the Charger's federal Tier 2 certification is sufficient for registration and inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gas mileage should I expect if I drive mostly on the highway?

Highway driving typically yields mileage close to or slightly better than the EPA highway rating. For the 2013 Charger V6, expect around 24 to 26 mpg on steady highway cruising at 60 mph. The V8 models will see 22 to 24 mpg under the same conditions. Speeds above 70 mph reduce these figures noticeably.

Does the 2013 Charger require premium gasoline?

No. All three engine options in the 2013 Charger run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Using premium fuel will not improve performance or fuel economy and is unnecessary. The engine's compression ratio and fuel system were designed for regular-grade fuel.

Can a 2013 Charger pass a modern emissions test?

Yes, in most states. The 2013 Charger meets federal Tier 2 emissions standards and will pass standard emissions testing in states that follow federal requirements. California and a few other states have stricter standards; verify your state's requirements before purchase if you live in one of those areas.

How much does it cost to fill up a 2013 Charger?

With an 18.5-gallon tank, the cost depends on current fuel prices. At $3.50 per gallon, a full tank costs about $64.75. At $4.00 per gallon, it costs $74. The V6 model will travel roughly 296 miles per tank, while the V8 models travel 296 to 314 miles, so fuel cost per mile varies by engine choice and driving conditions.

Is the 2013 Charger more or less efficient than newer Charger models?

Newer Chargers are more efficient. The 2024 Charger with a 3.6-liter V6 achieves 27 highway and 18 city mpg, a modest improvement over the 2013. However, the 2024 lineup also includes an electric Charger with significantly higher efficiency. If fuel economy is important, a newer model will cost less to operate.