The 2018 Dodge Charger GT fuel economy and emissions basics
The 2018 Dodge Charger GT is a full-size sedan powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower. The EPA rates this model at 16 miles per gallon in the city, 25 miles per gallon on the highway, and 19 miles per gallon combined. These figures assume regular gasoline and standard driving conditions.
The Charger GT meets current EPA emissions standards for its model year. Like all vehicles sold in the United States, it was tested for tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants before it reached the market. The actual emissions your vehicle produces depend on maintenance, driving habits, and fuel quality.
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Charger GT's EPA combined fuel economy rating is 19 miles per gallon, with 16 city and 25 highway.
- The V8 engine requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
- Proper tire pressure, regular oil changes, and engine maintenance directly affect both fuel economy and emissions performance.
- Real-world fuel economy often differs from EPA estimates depending on driving style, traffic conditions, and vehicle load.
How the EPA tests fuel economy for the 2018 Charger GT
The EPA uses a standardized test procedure that simulates both city and highway driving. The city test runs the vehicle through stop-and-go cycles at speeds up to 56 miles per hour. The highway test maintains steady speeds between 45 and 60 miles per hour with minimal braking. Both tests are conducted in a controlled laboratory environment using a dynamometer, which is a machine that measures engine power and fuel consumption without the vehicle actually moving.
The EPA then adjusts the laboratory results downward to reflect real-world driving, because actual conditions are typically less efficient than the controlled test. This is why your personal fuel economy may be lower than the posted rating. Aggressive acceleration, idling, cold starts, and short trips all reduce efficiency compared to the standardized test.
Factors that affect your 2018 Charger GT's actual fuel economy
Tire pressure has one of the largest impacts on fuel economy. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire itself. The 2018 Charger GT typically calls for 18 to 20 pounds per square inch depending on trim level.
Engine maintenance directly affects emissions and efficiency. A clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or low-quality oil all reduce fuel economy and increase emissions. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, which typically calls for an oil change every 10,000 miles and an air filter replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Driving behavior matters more than any other factor you control. Rapid acceleration, speeding, and excessive idling all reduce fuel economy significantly. Steady speeds on the highway and smooth acceleration in city driving can improve your fuel economy by 10 to 15 percent compared to aggressive driving patterns.
Understanding the emissions standards the 2018 Charger GT meets
The 2018 Charger GT was manufactured to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards, which were the federal requirement for that model year. These standards limit the amount of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds that can be released from the tailpipe. The vehicle also has a catalytic converter and oxygen sensors that monitor and reduce harmful emissions in real time.
Some states, including California, have stricter emissions standards than the federal baseline. If you live in one of these states, your 2018 Charger GT must meet those higher standards. The vehicle's emissions control system is designed to work with regular unleaded gasoline; using lower-octane fuel or poor-quality gasoline can cause the engine to run less efficiently and produce higher emissions.
What the window sticker tells you about fuel economy and emissions
The Monroney label, which is the sticker on the window of a new vehicle, displays the EPA fuel economy estimate, the estimated annual fuel cost, and the vehicle's emissions rating. For the 2018 Charger GT, this label shows the 19 miles per gallon combined rating along with the city and highway breakdowns. The label also includes a comparison to other vehicles in the same class and an estimate of how much fuel you might use in a year based on 15,000 miles of driving.
The emissions rating on the window sticker uses a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 is the cleanest. The 2018 Charger GT typically receives a rating of 4 or 5 on this scale, reflecting that it is a large V8-powered sedan. This rating is relative to other vehicles sold that year, not an absolute measure of environmental impact.
Comparing the 2018 Charger GT to other V8 sedans
Among full-size V8 sedans sold in 2018, the Charger GT's fuel economy is typical. The Chrysler 300C with the same 5.7-liter V8 achieves similar ratings. The Dodge Challenger with the 5.7-liter V8 also rates at 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined. Smaller V6-powered sedans in the same class achieve 20 to 23 miles per gallon combined, while turbocharged four-cylinder alternatives can reach 25 to 28 miles per gallon combined.
If fuel economy is a priority, a V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder engine will reduce your fuel costs and emissions. However, the V8 engine in the Charger GT provides significantly more power and acceleration, which some drivers prioritize over efficiency. The choice depends on your driving needs and budget for fuel.
Maintenance steps that protect fuel economy and emissions performance
Keep your engine tuned by replacing spark plugs at the interval listed in your owner's manual, typically every 30,000 miles for the 2018 Charger GT. Worn spark plugs cause incomplete combustion, which wastes fuel and increases emissions. Use the correct oil grade specified in your manual, usually 5W-20 or 10W-30 depending on climate, because thicker oil creates more drag on the engine.
Have your fuel injectors cleaned professionally every 50,000 to 100,000 miles if you notice a drop in fuel economy or rough idling. A clogged fuel injector causes uneven fuel distribution, which reduces efficiency and increases emissions. Replace your cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles to may support the engine breathes properly and the air conditioning system works efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What octane gasoline should I use in a 2018 Charger GT?
The 2018 Charger GT requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knock, which reduces power and increases emissions. Premium 91 or 93 octane fuel is not necessary and will not improve performance or fuel economy.
Why is my fuel economy lower than the EPA estimate?
Real-world driving almost always produces lower fuel economy than EPA estimates because the test is conducted under ideal laboratory conditions. Frequent short trips, heavy traffic, cold weather, and aggressive driving all reduce efficiency. If your fuel economy drops suddenly, check your tire pressure and have your engine inspected for maintenance issues.
Does the 2018 Charger GT have a hybrid or electric option?
No. The 2018 Charger GT is available only with the 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine. Dodge did not offer a hybrid or electric version of the Charger in 2018. If you want a more efficient sedan from that model year, consider a V6-powered Charger or a different manufacturer's hybrid sedan.
How often should I check my emissions system?
Your emissions system is monitored continuously by the engine computer. If a problem is detected, the check engine light will illuminate on your dashboard. Have the system scanned with a diagnostic tool to identify the issue. Most emissions components are covered under a federal warranty for eight years or 80,000 miles.
Can I improve fuel economy by using fuel additives?
Fuel additives marketed as fuel economy improvers typically provide minimal benefit, usually less than 1 percent improvement. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, and smooth driving habits will have a much larger impact on your fuel economy than any additive.