What the 2017 Dodge Charger offers in fuel economy and emissions

The 2017 Dodge Charger comes with four engine choices, each with different fuel consumption and emissions profiles. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 horsepower and achieves an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 mpg in the city. The mid-range option is a 5.7-liter V8 that gets 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city. The high-performance 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T and SRT models delivers the same fuel economy. The most powerful choice is the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the Hellcat, which achieves 22 mpg highway and 13 mpg city.

All 2017 Chargers meet current EPA emissions standards and carry a standard catalytic converter and particulate filter. The vehicle's emissions rating depends on which engine you choose — the V6 produces the lowest tailpipe emissions, while the supercharged V8 produces the highest. Dodge does not offer a hybrid or electric version of the Charger for the 2017 model year.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Charger V6 achieves the best fuel economy at 25 mpg highway and 16 mpg city, while the Hellcat's supercharged V8 gets 22 mpg highway and 13 mpg city.
  • All four engine options meet EPA emissions standards with catalytic converters and particulate filters as standard equipment.
  • Real-world fuel economy often runs 1 to 3 mpg lower than EPA estimates, depending on driving habits and road conditions.
  • The transmission type — automatic or manual — affects fuel consumption slightly, with automatics generally performing better in city driving.

Engine options and their fuel consumption differences

The 3.6-liter V6 is the most fuel-efficient engine available in the 2017 Charger. It produces 292 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg according to EPA testing. The V6 is the only engine option that comes with an eight-speed transmission; all V8 models use a five-speed automatic.

The 5.7-liter V8 appears in the SE, SXT, and R/T trim levels and produces either 370 horsepower (in the SE and SXT) or 375 horsepower (in the R/T). Both versions achieve 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined mpg with the automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is available on the R/T and delivers the same fuel economy figures.

The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the Hellcat produces 707 horsepower and is paired only with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieves 13 city / 22 highway / 17 combined mpg. The supercharger increases power output but reduces fuel economy compared to the naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8.

Understanding EPA fuel economy ratings versus real-world performance

EPA fuel economy numbers represent laboratory testing under controlled conditions. Real-world driving typically produces lower numbers — often 1 to 3 mpg less than the EPA estimate, depending on your driving style, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. Aggressive acceleration, highway driving at speeds above 65 mph, and cold-weather operation all reduce fuel economy below EPA estimates.

The 2017 Charger's actual fuel economy also depends on transmission type and driving conditions. City driving with frequent stops and starts produces the lowest fuel economy. Highway driving at steady speeds produces the best results. If you drive mostly in the city, expect to see numbers closer to the city rating or slightly below it. If you drive mostly on the highway, you may approach or match the highway rating.

Emissions standards and what they mean

The 2017 Dodge Charger meets the EPA Tier 2 emissions standards that were in effect for that model year. All models include a three-way catalytic converter that reduces nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons. The V6 and V8 engines also include a particulate filter that captures soot and other particles from the exhaust.

Emissions testing measures tailpipe output of harmful pollutants, not fuel consumption. A vehicle with lower fuel economy does not necessarily produce higher emissions if it meets the same emissions standard. However, burning more fuel does produce more carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas but not regulated as a pollutant under the EPA's emissions standards.

Transmission choices and their effect on fuel economy

The 2017 Charger offers either an automatic or manual transmission depending on the engine and trim level. The V6 comes only with an eight-speed automatic. The 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T comes with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The Hellcat comes only with an eight-speed automatic.

In general, automatic transmissions in modern vehicles achieve better fuel economy than manual transmissions, particularly in city driving where the automatic can shift more efficiently than a driver can. The difference is usually small — 1 to 2 mpg — but it adds up over time. If fuel economy is your primary concern, the automatic transmission is the better choice across all engine options.

Comparing the 2017 Charger to other full-size sedans

The 2017 Charger's fuel economy is typical for a full-size sedan with a V6 engine. The V6 model achieves 25 mpg highway, which is competitive with other large sedans in its class. The V8 models achieve 23 mpg highway, which is respectable for a vehicle with that much power and weight.

Full-size sedans with V6 engines typically achieve 24 to 26 mpg on the highway. Full-size sedans with V8 engines typically achieve 22 to 24 mpg on the highway. The Charger falls within these ranges for both engine types. If you are comparing the Charger to a mid-size sedan or a sedan with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, you should expect higher fuel economy numbers from those vehicles.

Maintenance and how it affects fuel economy

Regular maintenance helps the 2017 Charger maintain its EPA fuel economy ratings. A clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or low tire pressure can each reduce fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent. Keeping tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure (found on the driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall) is one of the easiest ways to maintain fuel economy.

Using the correct grade of motor oil also matters. The 2017 Charger requires either 5W-20 or 10W-30 motor oil depending on the engine. Using a heavier oil than recommended can slightly reduce fuel economy. Keeping the engine properly tuned — with clean fuel injectors and a functioning oxygen sensor — helps the engine run at its most efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the actual fuel tank size of the 2017 Charger?

The 2017 Charger has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank across all models and engine options. This means a V6 model with a 25 mpg highway rating can travel approximately 462 miles on a full tank under ideal highway conditions, while a Hellcat with a 22 mpg highway rating can travel approximately 407 miles.

Does the 2017 Charger have a hybrid or electric option?

No. Dodge did not offer a hybrid or fully electric version of the Charger for the 2017 model year. The four gasoline engines described above are the only powertrain options available.

What happens to fuel economy if I add aftermarket parts?

Aftermarket modifications can change fuel economy in either direction. A cold-air intake or performance exhaust may slightly improve fuel economy by reducing engine strain, while lowering the vehicle or adding weight can reduce it. Modifications that increase horsepower typically reduce fuel economy because they alter the engine's tuning.

Is the 2017 Charger's fuel economy better than older model years?

The 2017 Charger's fuel economy is similar to the 2015 and 2016 model years, which used the same engines and transmissions. The 2015 V6 achieved the same 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg. Older Chargers from 2010 and earlier typically achieved 1 to 2 mpg lower across all engine options.

Can I improve the 2017 Charger's fuel economy through driving habits?

Yes. Smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and avoiding rapid braking can improve fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent compared to aggressive driving. Removing excess weight from the vehicle and reducing highway speeds from 75 mph to 65 mph also improves fuel economy noticeably.