What the 2016 Charger's fuel economy and emissions ratings mean for your wallet

The 2016 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that comes in several engine options, and each one has different fuel economy and emissions numbers. The base model uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine, while higher trims offer a 5.7-liter V8 or a 6.4-liter V8. The V6 version gets roughly 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 miles per gallon in the city, while the V8 models are less efficient — the 5.7-liter V8 averages around 23 highway and 15 city, and the 6.4-liter V8 drops to about 22 highway and 14 city. These numbers matter because they directly affect how often you fill up and how much you spend on gas over time.

Emissions ratings tell you how much nitrogen oxide and particulate matter the engine releases. The 2016 Charger meets federal emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but the V8 models produce more emissions per mile than the V6. If you drive in a state with stricter emissions rules — California, New York, and several others — you need to check whether the specific model year and engine you're considering meets those state standards. The EPA's website and the vehicle's window sticker both show these ratings.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger's fuel economy ranges from 14 to 25 miles per gallon depending on engine size, with the V6 being the most efficient option.
  • V8 models produce higher emissions per mile than the V6, which matters if you live in a state with stricter air quality rules.
  • The EPA window sticker on any used 2016 Charger you look at will show both fuel economy and emissions tier information.
  • Actual fuel economy depends on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance, so real-world numbers may differ from EPA estimates.

Engine options and what they cost you in fuel

The 2016 Charger came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 horsepower. This engine is the most fuel-efficient of the three and is the best choice if you drive mostly highway miles or want to minimize gas spending. The V6 is also the least expensive option upfront and tends to have lower maintenance costs over time.

The 5.7-liter V8 was available as an upgrade and produces 370 horsepower. It uses noticeably more fuel than the V6 — you'll see the difference at the pump every month. The 6.4-liter V8, available in the highest trims, produces 470 horsepower but is the thirstiest of the three, making it the most expensive to operate if fuel costs matter to your budget.

If you're comparing used 2016 Chargers, the engine size is usually listed in the title or description. You can calculate the long-term fuel cost difference by multiplying your annual miles by the EPA estimate, dividing by miles per gallon, and multiplying by your local gas price. Over five years, choosing the V6 over a V8 can save you thousands of dollars in fuel alone.

How emissions standards work and which states enforce them

The EPA sets federal emissions limits that all vehicles must meet. The 2016 Charger meets these baseline standards across all engine options. However, some states have adopted California's stricter emissions standards instead of the federal baseline. These states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, plus Washington D.C.

If you live in one of these states, you need to verify that the specific 2016 Charger you're considering is certified to meet that state's standards. The vehicle's emissions label, usually found under the hood or on the driver's door jamb, will show which standard it meets. A car certified only for federal standards may not pass inspection in a California-standard state. When shopping for a used 2016 Charger, ask the seller or dealer whether the vehicle has been certified for your state's emissions rules.

Reading the EPA window sticker and what the numbers mean

Every new vehicle sold in the United States comes with an EPA window sticker that shows fuel economy, estimated annual fuel cost, and emissions information. On a used 2016 Charger, you may not see the original sticker, but you can look up the same information on the EPA's website using the vehicle identification number (VIN). The sticker shows miles per gallon for city, highway, and combined driving, plus a fuel economy rating on a scale from 1 to 10.

The emissions section of the sticker shows the vehicle's tier rating — Tier 2, Tier 3, or another designation — which indicates how much nitrogen oxide and particulate matter it produces. A lower tier number means stricter emissions control. The sticker also notes whether the vehicle is certified for federal standards, California standards, or both. This information helps you understand not just how much gas you'll use, but also the environmental impact of the vehicle you're considering.

Real-world fuel economy versus EPA estimates

EPA fuel economy numbers are based on standardized testing in a laboratory, not actual driving. Your real-world fuel economy will vary depending on how you drive, road conditions, traffic, weather, and how well you maintain the vehicle. Aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, and driving mostly in stop-and-go city traffic will lower your fuel economy below the EPA estimate. Highway driving at steady speeds, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance will help you achieve numbers closer to the EPA's highway rating.

For a 2016 Charger, expect real-world city fuel economy to be somewhat lower than the EPA estimate, and highway fuel economy to be closer to or sometimes better than the estimate. If you drive a mix of city and highway miles, your actual fuel economy will fall somewhere between the two numbers. Keeping your engine tuned, replacing air filters on schedule, and using the manufacturer's recommended oil grade all help maintain fuel economy over time.

Comparing the 2016 Charger to other sedans in its class

The 2016 Charger competes with other full-size sedans like the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, and Ford Taurus. The Impala with a V6 engine achieves similar fuel economy to the Charger's V6 — around 25 highway and 16 city. The Chrysler 300, which shares the same platform as the Charger, has nearly identical fuel economy and emissions ratings. The Ford Taurus with a V6 is slightly more efficient, reaching up to 27 miles per gallon on the highway.

If fuel economy is your priority, the V6 Charger is competitive with other full-size sedans in its class. If you want better fuel economy overall, you might consider a mid-size sedan like a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, which typically achieve 30+ miles per gallon on the highway. However, the Charger offers more power and a sportier driving experience, which is why many buyers choose it despite the lower fuel economy.

Maintenance and how it affects emissions and fuel economy

A well-maintained 2016 Charger will perform closer to its EPA fuel economy and emissions ratings. The engine's oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, and emissions control systems all work together to keep fuel economy and emissions in check. If the check engine light is on or the vehicle hasn't had regular maintenance, these systems may not be working properly, which can lower fuel economy and increase emissions.

Before buying a used 2016 Charger, ask for maintenance records and have a mechanic inspect the vehicle. Look for evidence of regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug service. If the vehicle has been well cared for, you're more likely to see fuel economy numbers close to the EPA estimate. If maintenance has been neglected, you may see worse fuel economy and higher emissions, and you could face expensive repairs to bring the emissions systems back into compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a 2016 Charger in California if it's not certified for California emissions standards?

No. California and other strict-standard states require vehicles to be certified for their emissions rules. If your 2016 Charger is certified only for federal standards, it will not pass inspection in those states. When shopping for a used Charger, confirm the emissions certification matches your state's requirements before you buy.

What's the difference between the EPA's combined fuel economy and what I'll actually see?

The EPA's combined rating is an average of city and highway driving under controlled conditions. Your actual fuel economy depends on your driving habits, traffic, weather, and how well you maintain the vehicle. Most drivers see city numbers lower than the EPA estimate and highway numbers closer to or better than the estimate.

Does a 2016 Charger with higher mileage use more fuel?

Not necessarily, but it can if maintenance has been neglected. A well-maintained high-mileage Charger should achieve similar fuel economy to a lower-mileage one. However, worn spark plugs, a clogged air filter, or problems with the fuel injectors can reduce fuel economy over time, so maintenance history matters more than mileage alone.

Which 2016 Charger engine is best if I want to minimize emissions?

The V6 engine produces the lowest emissions per mile of the three options. If emissions are a concern, the V6 is your best choice. All three engines meet federal standards, but the V6's smaller size and lower fuel consumption mean it releases less pollution overall.

Where can I find the exact fuel economy and emissions numbers for a specific 2016 Charger?

The EPA's website has a tool where you can enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) and see the exact fuel economy and emissions ratings for that specific car. You can also check the vehicle's door jamb label or under-hood emissions label, which shows the certification standard and tier rating.