2016 Dodge Charger fuel economy and emissions basics

The 2016 Dodge Charger comes with three engine options, and each one has different fuel economy and emissions ratings. The base model uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the mid-range uses a 5.7-liter V8, and the high-performance R/T and SRT models use an 8.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8. Your actual fuel economy will depend on which engine you have, whether you drive on highways or in the city, and your driving habits.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) tests all new vehicles and publishes fuel economy estimates on a label attached to every new car. For the 2016 Charger, these estimates range from about 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway for the V6 model, down to 14 city and 23 highway for the larger V8 engines. Real-world driving often produces different numbers than the EPA estimate, usually lower in city driving and sometimes higher on highways.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger's fuel economy depends on which engine you choose, ranging from the V6 at roughly 16 city/25 highway to the V8 models at roughly 14 city/23 highway.
  • The EPA label on the window sticker shows the official fuel economy estimate and the annual fuel cost estimate for that specific model and engine combination.
  • Emissions ratings for the 2016 Charger vary by engine size and model year, with all versions meeting federal emissions standards in effect at the time of manufacture.
  • Your actual fuel economy will differ based on driving conditions, maintenance, and driving style — highway driving typically yields better mileage than city driving.
  • The 2016 Charger does not have a hybrid or electric option, so fuel consumption is determined entirely by engine size and driving patterns.

Understanding the EPA fuel economy label

When you look at a 2016 Charger, the window sticker shows several pieces of information about how much fuel it uses. The most prominent numbers are the city and highway miles per gallon (MPG). The label also shows an estimated annual fuel cost, which is calculated based on the national average gas price at the time the label was printed — this number changes as gas prices change and should not be treated as a prediction of what you will actually spend.

The label includes a small number called the "combined" MPG, which blends city and highway driving into a single estimate. This combined number is often what people refer to when they talk about a car's fuel economy. For the 2016 Charger V6, the combined estimate is around 20 MPG; for the V8 models, it drops to around 18 MPG.

Engine options and their fuel consumption differences

The 2016 Charger V6 model is the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup. It produces 292 horsepower and is designed for drivers who prioritize fuel economy over performance. This engine typically achieves the best fuel economy numbers across the Charger range.

The 5.7-liter V8 engine, found in the R/T model, produces 370 horsepower and uses noticeably more fuel than the V6. The 6.2-liter V8 in the SRT model produces 645 horsepower and has the highest fuel consumption of the lineup. The larger the engine, the more fuel it burns to produce power, which is why performance-focused models always show lower fuel economy numbers.

Emissions standards and what they mean

All 2016 Dodge Chargers meet the federal emissions standards that were in effect when the vehicle was manufactured. Emissions standards limit how much nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants a vehicle can release through its exhaust. The EPA and state environmental agencies set these standards, and manufacturers must design engines to stay within the legal limits.

The 2016 Charger does not carry special emissions certifications like "CARB compliant" or "Tier 2" on its window sticker the way some other vehicles do. This means it meets the baseline federal standards. If you live in a state with stricter emissions rules — such as California, New York, or Massachusetts — you should check whether a specific 2016 Charger model is registered as meeting that state's standards before purchasing.

How driving habits affect real fuel economy

The EPA estimates printed on the window sticker are based on standardized test cycles, not real-world driving. Your actual fuel economy will vary based on several factors you control. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking use more fuel than smooth, gradual speed changes. Idling in traffic burns fuel without moving the car. Driving at highway speeds above 60 miles per hour increases wind resistance and lowers fuel economy compared to driving at 55 miles per hour.

Maintenance also affects fuel economy. A 2016 Charger with low tire pressure, a clogged air filter, or old spark plugs will use more fuel than one that is well-maintained. Keeping 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 percentage points.

Comparing the 2016 Charger to other vehicles in its class

The 2016 Charger is a full-size sedan, and fuel economy in this category is generally lower than in smaller sedans or compact cars. Other full-size sedans from that model year, such as the Chevrolet Impala or Chrysler 300, have similar fuel economy ranges. If fuel economy is your primary concern, a mid-size sedan or compact car will deliver better mileage, though you will sacrifice interior space and trunk capacity.

Performance-focused vehicles like the Charger R/T and SRT are not designed to compete on fuel economy. Buyers of these models typically prioritize acceleration and handling over miles per gallon. If you are choosing between a Charger and another vehicle primarily based on fuel costs, a sedan with a smaller engine or a hybrid vehicle will lower your annual fuel spending.

Finding the fuel economy and emissions information for a specific 2016 Charger

If you are looking at a used 2016 Charger, the original window sticker may no longer be available. You can find the fuel economy and emissions information by entering the vehicle's details into the EPA's fueleconomy.gov website. You will need to know the engine size and transmission type. The website will show you the original EPA estimates for that specific configuration.

The vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can also help you find detailed specifications. A mechanic or the dealership can decode the VIN to confirm the exact engine and transmission, which you can then use to look up the official fuel economy numbers. This information is useful for budgeting fuel costs and understanding the vehicle's environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between city and highway MPG on the 2016 Charger?

City driving involves frequent stops, starts, and lower speeds, which burns more fuel per mile than highway driving. Highway driving at steady speeds is more efficient. The 2016 Charger V6 shows this difference clearly: 16 city MPG versus 25 highway MPG. The difference exists because the engine works harder during acceleration and idling in city conditions.

Does the 2016 Charger have a hybrid or electric version?

No. The 2016 Charger lineup consists only of gasoline-powered engines. There is no hybrid option or electric variant for this model year. If you are interested in lower fuel consumption, the V6 engine is your best option within the Charger lineup.

Will my 2016 Charger pass emissions testing in my state?

Most states accept vehicles that meet federal emissions standards, and all 2016 Chargers meet those standards. However, some states like California have stricter rules. Check your state's emissions testing requirements and confirm with the seller or dealership that the specific Charger you are considering meets your state's standards before purchasing.

How can I improve the fuel economy of my 2016 Charger?

Keep your tires properly inflated, maintain regular oil changes and air filter replacements, and avoid aggressive acceleration. Removing unnecessary weight from the trunk and roof also helps. Driving at steady speeds below 60 miles per hour on highways will improve fuel economy compared to faster speeds, though this may not be practical for all trips.

Where can I find the exact fuel economy for the specific 2016 Charger I am considering?

Visit fueleconomy.gov and enter the model year, make, model, and engine size. The EPA website will display the official fuel economy estimates for that exact configuration. If you have the VIN, a dealership or mechanic can decode it to confirm the engine type, which you can then use to look up the correct information.