The 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona's engine options and what they mean for emissions

The 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona came with two engine choices: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8. The V6 produced 292 horsepower, while the V8 produced 370 horsepower. Your engine choice directly affects how much your car pollutes and how often you'll visit the gas pump.

Both engines met the emissions standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 2017 model year vehicles. The V6 engine was the more efficient option of the two, meaning it released fewer harmful pollutants per mile driven. The V8, while more powerful, consumed more fuel and produced higher emissions.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Charger Daytona offered a V6 engine (292 hp) and a V8 engine (370 hp), with the V6 delivering better fuel economy and lower emissions.
  • EPA fuel economy ratings for the V6 were approximately 17 city / 27 highway miles per gallon, while the V8 achieved around 16 city / 25 highway.
  • Both engines met 2017 EPA emissions standards, but the V8 produced higher tailpipe emissions due to greater fuel consumption.
  • The car's actual fuel economy depends on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance, so real-world numbers may differ from EPA estimates.

Fuel economy ratings for each engine

The EPA tested both engines and published official fuel economy estimates. The V6 model was rated at approximately 17 miles per gallon in city driving and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The V8 model achieved around 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

These are estimates based on standardized testing, not guarantees. Your actual mileage depends on how you drive—aggressive acceleration and highway speeding lower fuel economy—where you drive, and how well you maintain the vehicle. A car that hasn't had an oil change in 10,000 miles will burn more fuel than one serviced on schedule.

Emissions standards the 2017 Charger Daytona had to meet

In 2017, all passenger cars sold in the United States had to meet EPA Tier 2 emissions standards. These standards limit how much nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, and other harmful pollutants a vehicle can release through its tailpipe. The 2017 Charger Daytona met these requirements for both the V6 and V8 engines.

The standards were the same whether you bought a sedan, a truck, or a sports car—the EPA didn't give muscle cars a pass. However, larger, heavier vehicles like the Charger were held to slightly different standards than smaller cars because they naturally consume more fuel to move their weight.

How the V6 and V8 compare on environmental impact

The V6 engine produced lower tailpipe emissions and used less fuel per mile, making it the more environmentally friendly choice. Over a year of typical driving, a V6 Charger would consume roughly 10 to 15 percent less gasoline than a V8 and release proportionally fewer emissions.

The V8's higher power output came at an environmental cost. More fuel burned means more carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. If you drove the V8 for 100,000 miles, it would produce several tons more CO2 than the V6 over that same distance. For drivers concerned about their carbon footprint, the V6 was the better option.

Maintenance and how it affects emissions performance

A well-maintained 2017 Charger Daytona will continue to meet emissions standards throughout its life. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug service keep the engine running efficiently. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel, which increases both emissions and your gas costs.

The catalytic converter is the component most responsible for reducing tailpipe emissions. If it becomes damaged or clogged, emissions will rise sharply. If your check engine light comes on, having the vehicle scanned for trouble codes can identify problems before they worsen. Ignoring warning lights often leads to higher emissions and lower fuel economy.

What the window sticker told buyers about environmental impact

When the 2017 Charger Daytona was new, the Monroney label (the window sticker) displayed the EPA fuel economy estimate and an annual fuel cost estimate. It also included an "estimated annual emissions" figure, usually shown in tons of CO2 per year. This number helped buyers understand the environmental cost of their choice.

The sticker also showed how the vehicle compared to other cars in its class. A V8 Charger might have been rated as producing more emissions than a midsize sedan but fewer than a large SUV. This comparison gave shoppers a sense of where the car fell on the spectrum of environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2017 Charger Daytona have a hybrid option?

No. Dodge did not offer a hybrid version of the Charger Daytona in 2017. Your only choices were the V6 and V8 gasoline engines. If fuel economy was a priority, the V6 was the most efficient option available for that model.

What happens if my 2017 Charger fails an emissions test?

Emissions testing requirements vary by state. If your vehicle fails, the test report will identify which pollutants exceeded limits. Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, a damaged catalytic converter, or a misfire in the engine. A mechanic can diagnose the specific problem and repair it.

Can I improve fuel economy on a 2017 Charger Daytona?

Yes, within limits. Keeping tires properly inflated, removing excess weight from the trunk, and avoiding aggressive driving can improve mileage by 5 to 10 percent. Regular maintenance also helps. However, the engine itself determines your baseline—a V8 will never match a V6's efficiency.

Is the 2017 Charger Daytona considered a gas guzzler?

The V8 model falls into the EPA's "gas guzzler" category, which means it triggers a federal gas guzzler tax. This tax was added to the purchase price when the car was new. The V6 model typically did not trigger this tax because its fuel economy was higher.

How do I find the emissions information for my specific 2017 Charger Daytona?

Your vehicle's original Monroney label should be in your owner's documentation. You can also look up your car's specific emissions data on the EPA's website by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN appears on your registration and on the driver's side of the windshield.