The 2013 Dodge Charger's fuel economy and emissions ratings

The 2013 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that came in several engine options, each with different fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. The base model used a 3.6-liter V6 engine, while higher trims offered a 5.7-liter V8 or a 6.4-liter V8. Your fuel economy depends entirely on which engine your specific car has, so check your owner's manual or the window sticker from when it was sold to know your model's numbers.

The V6 version achieved approximately 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 17 miles per gallon in city driving. The 5.7-liter V8 got around 23 highway and 15 city. The most powerful 6.4-liter V8 was the least efficient, rated at roughly 22 highway and 14 city. These are EPA estimates, and your actual mileage will vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and how well the engine is maintained.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Charger came with three engine options: a 3.6L V6, a 5.7L V8, and a 6.4L V8, each with different fuel economy ratings.
  • The V6 engine is the most fuel-efficient option, while the 6.4L V8 uses the most fuel per mile driven.
  • Emissions standards for 2013 model year vehicles were set by the EPA under regulations that applied nationwide.
  • Regular maintenance like oil changes, air filter replacements, and proper tire inflation can help your Charger meet its rated fuel economy.

How the 2013 Charger meets federal emissions standards

All 2013 Dodge Chargers sold in the United States met the EPA's Tier 2 emissions standards, which set limits on pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that come from the tailpipe. The car's catalytic converter and emissions control system work together to reduce these pollutants before they leave the exhaust. Dodge had to design and test each engine to prove it stayed within those limits across the car's expected lifespan.

The 2013 model year was the last before the EPA tightened standards further for 2014 and beyond. This means your 2013 Charger meets the rules that were current when it was built, but those rules are less strict than what newer cars must meet today.

What the window sticker tells you about your specific car

When the 2013 Charger was new, it came with a Monroney label (the window sticker) that showed the EPA fuel economy estimate, the estimated annual fuel cost, and how that car compared to other vehicles in its class. If you are buying a used 2013 Charger, you can find this information on the original window sticker if the dealer still has it, or you can look up your car's exact specifications using the VIN on fueleconomy.gov.

The window sticker also included a letter grade for smog-forming emissions and greenhouse gas emissions. A 2013 Charger would have received a letter grade based on how much it polluted compared to other cars that year. This grade does not change over time — it reflects the car's design, not its current condition.

Maintenance that affects fuel economy and emissions

A well-maintained 2013 Charger will stay closer to its original fuel economy rating than one that has been neglected. The oxygen sensors, which tell the engine computer how much fuel to burn, can wear out and cause the car to run rich (burning too much fuel). A clogged air filter makes the engine work harder and wastes fuel. Worn spark plugs and a failing catalytic converter both reduce efficiency and increase emissions.

Keeping your tires inflated to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb (not the maximum pressure on the tire itself) can improve fuel economy by a few percent. Regular oil changes with the correct viscosity oil help the engine run smoothly. If your check engine light comes on, have the code read as soon as you can — it often points to a problem that affects both fuel use and emissions.

How the 2013 Charger compares to other sedans from that year

In 2013, the Charger was one of the larger sedans on the market, so its fuel economy was lower than smaller four-cylinder sedans but comparable to other V8-powered full-size cars. The Chevrolet Impala with a V8 had similar ratings. The Chrysler 300, which shared the same platform as the Charger, had nearly identical fuel economy. If fuel economy is a priority, a mid-size sedan or a car with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine would have been more efficient in 2013.

The Charger's emissions performance was typical for its class and year. It was not designed to be an especially clean car — it was designed to be a powerful, spacious sedan that met the minimum federal standards.

Understanding the difference between city and highway ratings

The EPA tests cars in two separate ways: city driving (with frequent stops, starts, and lower speeds) and highway driving (at steady speeds with fewer stops). The city test is harder on fuel economy because the engine burns fuel even when the car is idling at red lights and accelerating from stops. Highway driving lets the engine run at a steady, efficient speed.

Your actual fuel economy will fall somewhere between the city and highway numbers, depending on how much of each type of driving you do. If you drive mostly on highways, you will see numbers closer to the highway rating. If you spend most of your time in stop-and-go traffic, your mileage will be closer to the city number. Cold weather, hilly terrain, and aggressive driving all push fuel economy down.

What happens to emissions as a 2013 Charger ages

A 2013 Charger that is properly maintained will continue to meet the emissions standards it was designed for throughout its life. However, as the car ages, parts wear out. A failing oxygen sensor, a deteriorating catalytic converter, or a malfunctioning emissions control valve can cause the car to emit more pollutants than it did when new. This is why the check engine light exists — it alerts you when a sensor detects that something is wrong.

Some states require emissions testing for older vehicles. If your state does, a 2013 Charger should pass as long as the engine is running well and the emissions system is intact. If it fails, the test report will tell you which system is not working correctly, and you can have it repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel tank size on a 2013 Charger?

The 2013 Charger has an 18-gallon fuel tank. With the V6 engine and highway driving, that gives you a range of roughly 450 miles per tank. The V8 models have a shorter range per tank because they burn fuel faster.

Does the 2013 Charger have a hybrid or electric option?

No. The 2013 Charger was available only with gasoline engines. Dodge did not offer a hybrid Charger until much later. If fuel economy is important to you, the V6 engine is your best option among the 2013 models.

Can I improve the fuel economy of my 2013 Charger?

You can improve it somewhat through maintenance and driving habits. Keep the engine tuned, the air filter clean, and the tires properly inflated. Avoid aggressive acceleration and idling. However, you cannot dramatically change the car's fuel economy — it is limited by the engine design and weight of the vehicle.

What does the smog rating on the window sticker mean?

The smog rating measures how much the car contributes to ground-level ozone and smog. A higher number is better. The 2013 Charger received a rating based on its nitrogen oxide emissions. This rating does not change as the car ages — it reflects the design of the engine, not its current condition.

Is the 2013 Charger considered a gas guzzler?

The 2013 Charger V8 models fall into a category that triggers the federal gas guzzler tax, which is a small tax added to the purchase price of cars that get very low fuel economy. The V6 model does not trigger this tax. The tax was meant to discourage the purchase of the least efficient vehicles.