What the 2013 Charger R/T delivers in fuel economy and emissions

The 2013 Dodge Charger R/T, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, is rated at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway by the EPA. Combined, that works out to 19 mpg. These figures reflect the car's muscle-car design: the engine produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, which means fuel consumption reflects that performance capability rather than efficiency.

For emissions, the 2013 Charger R/T meets the EPA's Tier 2 Bin 5 standard, which was the federal requirement for that model year. The car's tailpipe emissions include nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon dioxide. The specific CO2 output is approximately 470 grams per mile, which translates to roughly 23.5 tons per year based on average driving of 12,000 miles annually.

Real-world fuel economy often runs lower than EPA estimates, particularly in city driving or with aggressive acceleration. Owners report ranges between 14 and 22 mpg depending on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Highway driving at steady speeds tends to approach or meet the EPA estimate more closely.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Charger R/T is rated at 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg by the EPA, reflecting its 370-horsepower V8 engine.
  • The car meets Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards and produces approximately 470 grams of CO2 per mile under EPA test conditions.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically ranges from 14 to 22 mpg depending on driving style, with city driving producing lower numbers than highway driving.
  • The 2013 model uses a 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, both affecting fuel consumption.

Engine specifications and how they affect fuel consumption

The 2013 Charger R/T's 5.7-liter V8 engine is a naturally aspirated design without turbocharging or supercharging. This engine architecture prioritizes power delivery over fuel efficiency. The displacement and cylinder count mean the engine burns more fuel at idle and under light throttle than a smaller, turbocharged engine would.

Transmission choice matters for real-world economy. The standard 5-speed automatic transmission shifts at lower RPMs than a modern 8-speed or 10-speed unit would, which increases fuel consumption on the highway. The optional 6-speed manual transmission allows drivers to hold gears longer and potentially achieve slightly better highway economy if driven conservatively, though most manual drivers report similar or slightly worse overall economy due to driving style.

The Charger R/T does not include cylinder deactivation, variable valve timing, or direct injection—technologies that became standard on performance cars after 2013. These omissions reflect the car's design philosophy and contribute to its higher fuel consumption compared to newer V8 models.

Comparing the 2013 Charger R/T to other muscle cars of that era

The 2013 Charger R/T's 19 mpg combined rating places it in the middle of the muscle-car segment for that year. The 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 6.2-liter V8 was rated at 16 combined mpg. The 2013 Ford Mustang GT with a 5.0-liter V8 achieved 17 combined mpg. The Charger's larger displacement engine and heavier curb weight (around 4,100 pounds) explain why it does not achieve better economy than these competitors despite having less horsepower than the Camaro.

The 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T, which shares the same engine and transmission options, was rated at 17 combined mpg—two points lower than the Charger. The Challenger's additional weight and aerodynamic drag account for the difference. Among full-size sedans with V8 engines, the Charger R/T was competitive; the 2013 Chrysler 300C with a 5.7-liter V8 achieved 17 combined mpg.

What affects real-world fuel economy in the 2013 Charger R/T

Driving style is the largest variable. Rapid acceleration, frequent hard braking, and sustained high speeds all reduce fuel economy significantly. A driver who accelerates gently and maintains steady highway speeds may see 21 to 23 mpg on the highway. A driver who uses the engine's full power regularly may see 14 to 16 mpg even on the highway.

Maintenance condition directly impacts economy. A clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or low tire pressure all increase fuel consumption. The 2013 Charger R/T requires premium (91 octane) gasoline; using regular fuel can cause engine knock and reduce efficiency. Wheel and tire choices also matter—larger wheels and performance tires with higher rolling resistance reduce economy compared to the original equipment.

Ambient temperature and driving conditions play a role. Cold starts consume more fuel, so short trips in winter produce worse economy than the same distance driven in warm weather. Idling, traffic congestion, and hilly terrain all reduce the fuel economy figures you will see compared to highway cruising.

Understanding the EPA test cycle and real-world differences

The EPA's test for the 2013 Charger R/T uses a standardized driving cycle that does not reflect how most people actually drive. The city test includes stops and starts but at moderate speeds and accelerations. The highway test runs at a constant 48 mph average with no traffic or hills. Real-world driving includes higher speeds, more aggressive acceleration, and varied conditions.

The EPA's numbers are also based on premium gasoline and a properly maintained vehicle. If you use regular fuel or have deferred maintenance, your actual economy will be lower. The EPA rates the Charger R/T at 19 combined mpg, but this is a laboratory result, not a promise of what you will see at the pump.

Owners who track their fuel economy carefully report that the EPA's highway estimate of 25 mpg is achievable on long, flat stretches at moderate speeds, but the city estimate of 16 mpg is often optimistic. Most owners report 17 to 20 mpg combined under normal driving conditions.

Emissions standards the 2013 Charger R/T meets

The 2013 Charger R/T meets the EPA's Tier 2 Bin 5 standard for light-duty vehicles. This standard limits emissions of nitrogen oxides, non-methane organic gases, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. The car also meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's fuel economy standards for its class.

The Charger R/T does not meet California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards, which are stricter than federal Tier 2 standards. If you live in California or a state that has adopted California's emissions rules, a 2013 Charger R/T registered there would be a Tier 2 vehicle, not a LEV. This distinction matters if you are considering purchasing a used 2013 Charger R/T and plan to move to or register it in California.

The car's CO2 emissions of approximately 470 grams per mile are typical for a V8 muscle car of that era. For context, a 2013 Honda Civic with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces roughly 250 grams of CO2 per mile. The difference reflects the Charger R/T's engine size and weight.

Fuel tank capacity and driving range

The 2013 Charger R/T has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank. At the EPA's combined rating of 19 mpg, this provides a theoretical range of approximately 351 miles per tank. In practice, most owners report a usable range of 300 to 330 miles before the fuel warning light comes on, because the last gallon or so in the tank is not fully accessible.

Highway driving extends range significantly. At 25 mpg highway, a full tank provides roughly 462 miles of range. City driving reduces it to around 296 miles. These figures assume you fill the tank completely and drive until empty, which is not recommended for engine longevity or fuel pump health.

The fuel door is located on the driver's side rear quarter panel. The car uses a standard fuel cap, not a capless fuel door system. Premium gasoline (91 octane minimum) is required; the engine is tuned for premium fuel and may experience knock or reduced performance on regular fuel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve the fuel economy of a 2013 Charger R/T?

Modest improvements are possible through maintenance and driving habits. Keep tire pressure at the recommended PSI, replace air filters on schedule, use premium fuel as specified, and avoid aggressive acceleration. Switching to lower-rolling-resistance tires may save 1 to 2 mpg. Modifications like cold air intakes or exhaust systems typically reduce economy slightly by encouraging harder driving.

Is the 2013 Charger R/T more fuel-efficient than the 2012 model?

The 2012 and 2013 Charger R/T models are rated identically at 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg. No significant changes to the engine, transmission, or aerodynamics occurred between these model years, so fuel economy is the same.

What octane fuel does the 2013 Charger R/T require?

The 2013 Charger R/T requires premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using regular 87-octane fuel can cause engine knock, reduce power output, and lower fuel economy. The fuel door is labeled with the minimum octane requirement.

How do I check the fuel economy on my 2013 Charger R/T?

The instrument cluster displays average fuel economy and estimated range on a digital readout. You can also calculate it manually by dividing the miles driven by the gallons used to refill the tank. Manual calculation is more accurate than the car's display, which can vary by a few tenths of a mile per gallon.

Does the transmission choice affect fuel economy significantly?

The 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual are both rated at 19 mpg combined. In practice, the automatic typically achieves slightly better highway economy due to lower RPMs at cruising speed, while the manual may achieve better economy in the hands of a driver who uses higher gears at lower speeds. Real-world differences are usually within 1 to 2 mpg.