The 2017 Dodge Charger comes in multiple engine options with different fuel economy ratings

The 2017 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan available with three different engines, and each one has its own fuel economy and emissions profile. The base model uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the mid-tier uses a 5.7-liter V8, and the high-performance R/T and SRT models use an 8.3-liter V8. Your fuel economy depends entirely on which engine you choose, and that choice also affects how much tailpipe emissions the car produces.

Fuel economy is measured in miles per gallon (MPG), which tells you how far the car travels on one gallon of gasoline. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) tests all new cars and publishes official estimates for city driving, highway driving, and a combined average. These numbers help you understand both the cost of fuel and the environmental impact of the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Charger's fuel economy ranges from 16 MPG combined for the V6 model to 15 MPG combined for the larger V8 engines, depending on transmission type.
  • The V6 engine produces lower tailpipe emissions than the V8 options, making it the more environmentally efficient choice if fuel economy is your priority.
  • All 2017 Chargers meet federal emissions standards set by the EPA, which regulate nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants.
  • Transmission type (manual or automatic) affects fuel economy slightly, with some automatic models performing marginally better in certain conditions.

Fuel economy by engine type for the 2017 Charger

The 2017 Charger with the 3.6-liter V6 engine achieves approximately 16 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 19 MPG combined when paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is the most fuel-efficient option in the Charger lineup. If you drive mostly on highways, you will see better fuel economy than the combined rating suggests.

The 5.7-liter V8 engine, found in the R/T model, delivers roughly 15 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highway, and 19 MPG combined with the same eight-speed automatic. The larger engine consumes more fuel per mile, but the difference between the V6 and this V8 is smaller than many drivers expect because the transmission is efficient.

The 8.3-liter V8 in the SRT model is the least fuel-efficient, rated at approximately 14 MPG in the city, 23 MPG on the highway, and 18 MPG combined. This engine is designed for maximum performance rather than efficiency, so the lower fuel economy reflects its power output and weight.

What emissions standards the 2017 Charger meets

All 2017 Dodge Chargers sold in the United States meet the EPA's Tier 2 emissions standards, which limit the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and other pollutants that can come out of the tailpipe. These standards have been in place since 2004 and explore to all new passenger vehicles. Meeting these standards means the car has been tested and certified to stay within legal pollution limits.

The V6 engine produces lower emissions per gallon of fuel burned than the V8 engines, straightforward because it is smaller and burns less fuel overall. However, all three engines in the 2017 Charger lineup meet the same federal standards, so none of them violates emissions regulations. The difference is one of degree, not legality.

The 2017 Charger does not have a hybrid or electric option, so there is no zero-emission variant available for that model year. If emissions reduction is a primary concern, comparing the V6 model to other sedans in its class or considering newer vehicle models with hybrid technology may be worth exploring.

How driving habits affect the fuel economy you actually see

The EPA ratings are estimates based on standardized test cycles, not guarantees of what you will see at the pump. Your actual fuel economy depends on how you drive, where you drive, and how well you maintain the vehicle. Aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, and driving in stop-and-go traffic all reduce fuel economy below the EPA estimate.

Highway driving at steady speeds typically yields better fuel economy than the EPA combined rating, especially for the 2017 Charger. Conversely, city driving with frequent stops and starts will be worse than the EPA city rating predicts. Cold weather also reduces fuel economy because the engine runs less efficiently until it reaches operating temperature, and winter fuel blends have slightly lower energy content than summer blends.

Regular maintenance—keeping the engine tuned, the air filter clean, and the tires properly inflated—helps the car achieve fuel economy closer to the EPA estimate. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can reduce fuel economy by several miles per gallon.

Comparing the 2017 Charger to other sedans in its class

The 2017 Charger's fuel economy is typical for a full-size performance sedan with a V8 engine. The Chevrolet Impala with a V8 achieves similar ratings, as does the Chrysler 300 with comparable engines. If you are comparing across different vehicle classes, compact sedans and midsize sedans will show better fuel economy because they weigh less and have smaller engines.

Hybrid sedans in the same price range, such as the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, achieve significantly better fuel economy—often in the low to mid-40s MPG combined—but they cost more upfront and have different performance characteristics. The trade-off between performance, price, and fuel economy is a personal decision based on your priorities and driving patterns.

Understanding the EPA fuel economy label on a 2017 Charger

When you look at a 2017 Charger window sticker or EPA label, you will see three MPG numbers: city, highway, and combined. The combined number is a weighted average that reflects real-world driving patterns—it counts city driving more heavily than highway driving because most people spend more time in city conditions. The label also shows an estimated annual fuel cost based on current gas prices at the time the label was printed, though actual costs will vary.

The label also displays a "Fuel Economy Guide" that compares the vehicle to others in its class and shows how much more or less you might spend on fuel over five years compared to the average vehicle. This comparison helps you understand whether the 2017 Charger is more or less efficient than similar cars you are considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2017 Charger have a diesel engine option?

No, the 2017 Dodge Charger is not available with a diesel engine. Dodge offers only gasoline engines for the Charger in that model year: the 3.6-liter V6, the 5.7-liter V8, and the 8.3-liter V8. Diesel engines were not part of the Charger lineup in 2017.

What is the difference between the EPA combined rating and what I actually get?

The EPA combined rating is an average based on standardized test conditions, not a may provide. Your actual fuel economy depends on your driving style, road conditions, weather, and vehicle maintenance. Most drivers see results within a few miles per gallon of the EPA estimate, but aggressive driving or frequent city driving can lower it significantly.

Does the 2017 Charger have any emissions control systems?

Yes, all 2017 Chargers have catalytic converters and other emissions control equipment that reduce tailpipe pollutants. These systems are required by law and help the vehicle meet EPA standards. The systems work automatically and do not require any action from you, though regular maintenance keeps them functioning properly.

Is the 2017 Charger considered a gas guzzler?

The 2017 Charger with the V8 engines falls into a category that may trigger a federal gas guzzler tax, which is an additional tax on vehicles with very low fuel economy. The V6 model typically does not trigger this tax. You can check the EPA label or the vehicle's documentation to see whether gas guzzler tax applies to the specific model you are considering.