What the 2016 Charger R/T emits and how far it goes on a gallon

The 2016 Dodge Charger R/T is a full-size sedan powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower. The EPA rates its combined fuel economy at 16 miles per gallon — 14 mpg in city driving and 18 mpg on the highway. These figures reflect real-world testing under standardized conditions and are the baseline for understanding what this vehicle costs to operate and what it releases into the air.

Because the Charger R/T is a gasoline-powered vehicle with no hybrid or electric option, its emissions profile is determined entirely by how completely the engine burns fuel and how much fuel it consumes. The 2016 model year falls under EPA Tier 2 standards, which set limits on nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants. The vehicle meets those standards, but it does not fall into the cleanest category — that distinction goes to vehicles rated as SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) or ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle).

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger R/T achieves 16 mpg combined (14 city, 18 highway) according to EPA testing.
  • The vehicle's 5.7-liter V8 engine meets EPA Tier 2 emissions standards but is not classified as a low-emission vehicle.
  • Annual fuel cost depends on local gas prices and driving patterns, but the low fuel economy means operating costs are higher than mid-size sedans.
  • The Charger R/T produces more carbon dioxide per mile than most other sedans in its class, a direct result of its large displacement engine and fuel consumption rate.

How the EPA measures fuel economy for the 2016 Charger R/T

The EPA tests every vehicle using a standardized cycle that simulates city and highway driving. For the Charger R/T, the city test involves 23 stops and starts over 5.8 miles at an average speed of 21.2 mph. The highway test runs at higher speeds with fewer stops, covering 10.3 miles at an average of 48.3 mph. The results are then adjusted downward by about 20 percent to reflect real-world conditions, because most drivers do not maintain perfect tire pressure or follow ideal driving patterns.

The 16 mpg combined rating is the number you will see on the window sticker and in most references. It is calculated by weighting the city and highway results: 55 percent city, 45 percent highway. This weighting reflects how the average American drives, though your own mileage will vary based on whether you spend more time in stop-and-go traffic or on open roads.

The EPA also calculates an annual fuel cost estimate, which varies year to year based on the national average gas price at the time of testing. For the 2016 model year, that estimate was published in the vehicle's documentation, but the actual cost you pay depends on your local fuel prices and how many miles you drive each year.

Emissions standards the 2016 Charger R/T must meet

The 2016 Charger R/T is certified to meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 8 standards. This means the vehicle's tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides, non-methane organic gases, and particulate matter fall within the limits set for that bin. Tier 2 standards are less stringent than Tier 3 standards, which the EPA began phasing in during 2017 for new vehicles. The Charger R/T does not meet Tier 3 limits.

The vehicle also must comply with the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard. For 2016, the CAFE target for large cars was approximately 27.5 mpg. Individual vehicles do not have to meet this number — manufacturers meet it by averaging across their entire fleet. The Charger R/T's low fuel economy is offset by other vehicles in Dodge's lineup that achieve higher ratings.

Carbon dioxide emissions are not limited by EPA standards in the way that tailpipe pollutants are, but they are tracked and reported. The 2016 Charger R/T produces approximately 490 grams of CO2 per mile, which is higher than most sedans because of its engine size and fuel consumption.

Real-world fuel economy and what affects it

The EPA's 16 mpg rating is a useful baseline, but your actual fuel economy will depend on several factors. Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving reduce fuel economy significantly — the Charger R/T's V8 engine is responsive, and using that responsiveness costs fuel. Idling, short trips, and cold starts also reduce efficiency because the engine does not reach its optimal operating temperature.

Tire pressure, wheel alignment, and engine maintenance all play a role. A vehicle with underinflated tires or a dirty air filter will see worse fuel economy than one that is well-maintained. The weight you carry in the vehicle and the aerodynamic drag from roof racks or open windows also matter, though their effect is smaller on a large sedan than on a lighter car.

Drivers who focus on steady acceleration, highway driving, and proper maintenance often report fuel economy closer to the EPA highway estimate of 18 mpg. Those who drive primarily in cities with frequent stops and acceleration may see numbers closer to 14 mpg or lower.

How the 2016 Charger R/T compares to other large sedans

The 2016 Charger R/T is one of the least fuel-efficient sedans on the road, by design. Its V8 engine prioritizes power over economy. A 2016 Dodge Charger with the 3.6-liter V6 engine achieves 19 mpg combined. A 2016 Chevrolet Impala with a V8 achieves 17 mpg combined. A 2016 Chrysler 300 with a V8 achieves 17 mpg combined. The Charger R/T's 16 mpg rating places it at the lower end of the large sedan category.

Hybrid and electric vehicles in the sedan category achieve dramatically higher fuel economy or produce zero tailpipe emissions. A 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid achieves 28 mpg combined. A 2016 Tesla Model S produces no tailpipe emissions at all, though its overall environmental impact depends on the electricity grid's fuel mix in your region.

The trade-off is power and driving character. The Charger R/T's 370 horsepower and 0-to-60 acceleration of approximately 4.7 seconds are not available in most fuel-efficient sedans. Buyers of the Charger R/T are making a deliberate choice to prioritize performance over fuel economy.

Understanding the window sticker and fuel economy label

When the 2016 Charger R/T was new, it carried an EPA Fuel Economy and Environment Label on the window. This label displayed the 16 mpg combined rating prominently, along with the city and highway breakdowns. It also showed an annual fuel cost estimate and a comparison to the average new vehicle for that year.

The label included a greenhouse gas rating and a smog rating, both on a scale of 1 to 10. The Charger R/T typically received a low rating on both scales — usually 3 or 4 for greenhouse gas emissions and 4 or 5 for smog-forming emissions — because of its large engine and fuel consumption. A rating of 10 represents the cleanest vehicles; a rating of 1 represents the dirtiest.

If you are considering a used 2016 Charger R/T, you can find this label information in the vehicle's original window sticker or in EPA databases. The label gives you a quick visual sense of how this vehicle compares to others on environmental grounds.

What happens to emissions as the vehicle ages

A well-maintained 2016 Charger R/T will continue to meet its original emissions standards throughout its life, provided the engine and emissions control systems remain in good working order. The catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and engine control computer all work together to keep emissions within legal limits. If any of these components fail or become degraded, emissions can increase significantly.

Fuel economy typically declines slightly as a vehicle ages, because engine wear, carbon buildup, and worn fuel injectors reduce efficiency. A 2016 Charger R/T with 100,000 miles might achieve 15 mpg combined instead of 16, depending on maintenance history. Regular oil changes, air filter replacement, and fuel system cleaning help preserve both emissions compliance and fuel economy.

Some states conduct emissions testing as part of vehicle registration. If you live in a state that tests emissions, your 2016 Charger R/T must pass that test to remain registered. The test checks for proper operation of the emissions control system, not for fuel economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2016 Charger R/T considered a gas guzzler?

The EPA does not use the term "gas guzzler" for modern vehicles, but it does impose a gas guzzler tax on vehicles that achieve less than a certain fuel economy threshold. The 2016 Charger R/T, at 16 mpg combined, likely triggered a gas guzzler tax when it was new, though the amount varies by model year and EPA calculations. You can check the original window sticker or EPA documentation to confirm.

Can I improve the fuel economy of a 2016 Charger R/T?

You can improve fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent through maintenance and driving habits: keep tires properly inflated, replace air filters on schedule, avoid aggressive acceleration, and maintain steady speeds on the highway. Aftermarket modifications like cold air intakes or performance chips typically reduce fuel economy rather than improve it, because they optimize the engine for power, not efficiency.

What is the difference between the Charger R/T and the Charger SRT?

The 2016 Charger R/T has a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower. The Charger SRT (Super Bee) has a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and achieves approximately 15 mpg combined. Both are high-performance vehicles; the SRT is more powerful and less fuel-efficient.

Does the 2016 Charger R/T meet current emissions standards?

The 2016 Charger R/T meets the emissions standards that were in effect when it was manufactured. It does not meet current Tier 3 standards, which took effect in 2017. If you live in a state that has adopted California's stricter emissions standards, your 2016 Charger R/T must still pass that state's inspection to remain registered.

What should I know about fuel costs if I own a 2016 Charger R/T?

At 16 mpg combined, a 2016 Charger R/T driven 12,000 miles per year will consume approximately 750 gallons of fuel annually. At $3 per gallon, that is $2,250 per year in fuel costs. At $4 per gallon, it is $3,000 per year. Budget accordingly if you are considering purchasing one.