What the 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack is and what it produces

The 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack is a four-door muscle sedan powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The Scat Pack trim sits above the base R/T model and includes performance upgrades like a performance suspension, upgraded brakes, and a functional hood scoop that feeds cooler air to the engine.

This vehicle is designed for straight-line acceleration and highway driving rather than fuel efficiency. The engine is naturally aspirated — it does not use a turbocharger or supercharger — which means it relies on displacement and high RPM to generate its power output.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined rating of 19 mpg.
  • The vehicle emits 523 grams of CO2 per mile driven, which is significantly higher than mid-size sedans but typical for large V8-powered vehicles in its class.
  • This model does not may have access to for federal tax credits or rebates because it is a gasoline-only vehicle with no hybrid or electric option.
  • The Scat Pack requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum) and has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank, giving it a range of approximately 370 miles on a full tank under mixed driving conditions.

EPA fuel economy ratings and real-world consumption

The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack at 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined miles per gallon. These numbers assume standard driving patterns: city driving at an average speed of 21.5 mph with frequent stops, and highway driving at 48.3 mph with minimal acceleration. Real-world mileage varies based on driving habits, road conditions, and how often the engine operates at high RPM.

Drivers who accelerate aggressively or spend time on the track will see fuel economy drop below the EPA city rating. Conversely, highway driving at steady speeds closer to 55 mph may approach or slightly exceed the EPA highway estimate. The 18.5-gallon fuel tank means a full tank provides roughly 296 miles of city driving or 462 miles of highway driving under EPA test conditions.

Carbon dioxide emissions and environmental impact

The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack produces approximately 523 grams of CO2 per mile, according to EPA data. This figure is calculated from fuel consumption: a vehicle that burns one gallon of gasoline produces roughly 19.6 pounds (or 8,887 grams) of CO2, so a car rated at 19 mpg combined produces about 468 grams per mile. The Scat Pack's actual output may vary slightly depending on fuel type and driving conditions.

For context, a typical mid-size sedan with a four-cylinder engine produces 250 to 300 grams of CO2 per mile. The Scat Pack's emissions are roughly double that figure because the larger engine consumes more fuel per mile. Over a year of average driving (12,000 miles), this vehicle would produce approximately 6.3 metric tons of CO2 — compared to roughly 3 to 3.6 metric tons for a conventional sedan.

Emissions standards and regulatory compliance

The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack meets the EPA Tier 2 emissions standards that were in effect for model year 2016. These standards regulate tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds — pollutants that contribute to smog and respiratory health problems. The vehicle also includes a catalytic converter and oxygen sensors to reduce harmful emissions before they leave the tailpipe.

This model does not meet the stricter Tier 3 standards that the EPA phased in starting with 2017 model year vehicles. Tier 3 standards reduced allowable NOx and particulate emissions by approximately 80 percent compared to Tier 2. The 2016 model year was the last year before these stricter requirements took effect for most vehicle classes.

Fuel type and octane requirements

The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knock — a pinging sound that occurs when fuel ignites prematurely in the combustion chamber — which may trigger the check engine light and reduce performance. Premium gasoline (91 or 93 octane) is not required but may provide slightly better performance and smoother operation, though the difference is minimal in this engine design.

The vehicle's fuel door is located on the driver's side rear quarter panel. The fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gallons. Filling the tank completely at current gasoline prices (which vary by region and time) typically costs between $55 and $75 depending on local fuel costs.

Comparison to other 2016 muscle cars and V8 sedans

The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack sits in the middle of the large V8 sedan market. The base 2016 Charger R/T (without the Scat Pack upgrade) produces 370 horsepower and achieves similar fuel economy of 16 city / 25 highway. The 2016 Chevrolet Impala SS, powered by a 6.2-liter V8, produces 455 horsepower and achieves 16 city / 25 highway — nearly identical efficiency despite slightly lower power output.

The 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, which shares the same engine and produces the same 485 horsepower, achieves 15 city / 24 highway because the two-door body style and different aerodynamics affect fuel consumption. The 2016 Cadillac CTS V-Sport, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6, produces 455 horsepower and achieves 16 city / 25 highway with significantly lower CO2 emissions due to the smaller displacement and turbocharger efficiency.

Maintenance and fuel system considerations

The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack requires an oil change every 10,000 miles using SAE 5W-20 motor oil. The engine has a 7.0-quart capacity. Spark plugs should be inspected at 30,000 miles and replaced if necessary; many owners report spark plug life of 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions. The air filter should be inspected annually and replaced when visibly dirty.

The fuel filter is integrated into the fuel pump assembly inside the tank and does not require routine replacement under normal conditions. However, using fuel from unreliable stations or allowing the tank to run very low frequently can introduce debris that clogs the filter prematurely. The fuel injectors benefit from periodic cleaning with fuel system cleaner additives, particularly if the vehicle sits unused for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack may have access to for any tax credits or rebates?

No. Federal tax credits for vehicles are limited to plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack is a gasoline-only vehicle and does not may have access to. Some states offer rebates for older vehicles that are scrapped, but these are not credits for purchasing a new or used vehicle.

What is the difference between the R/T and R/T Scat Pack?

Both use the same 485-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 engine and achieve the same fuel economy. The Scat Pack adds a performance suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, upgraded Brembo brakes, a functional hood scoop, unique exterior badging, and a performance-tuned exhaust. The Scat Pack is the higher trim level and costs more, but the engine and transmission are identical.

Can I improve the fuel economy by changing driving habits?

Yes, but the gains are modest. Avoiding rapid acceleration, maintaining steady highway speeds below 65 mph, and keeping tire pressure at the recommended PSI (found on the driver's door jamb) can improve fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. Aggressive driving can reduce it by 15 to 30 percent. The engine's design prioritizes power over efficiency, so even careful driving will not approach the economy of smaller vehicles.

What happens if I use premium gasoline instead of regular?

The engine will run smoothly and may produce slightly more power, but the difference is negligible — typically 2 to 5 additional horsepower. Premium gasoline costs 30 to 50 cents more per gallon, so the added expense outweighs the minimal performance gain. The engine is tuned for regular 87-octane fuel and does not require premium.

How does the Scat Pack's emissions compare to a hybrid or electric vehicle?

A hybrid sedan typically produces 150 to 200 grams of CO2 per mile. A fully electric vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions, though the electricity grid's fuel mix determines the overall carbon footprint of charging. The Scat Pack produces roughly 2.5 to 3.5 times more CO2 per mile than a hybrid and significantly more than an electric vehicle, even accounting for grid emissions.