What the 2018 Dodge Charger Scat Pack delivers in power and fuel consumption

The 2018 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is a four-door muscle sedan powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The EPA rates its fuel economy at 16 miles per gallon in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined, making it one of the thirstier vehicles in the full-size sedan class.

The Scat Pack sits between the base R/T model and the high-performance 707-horsepower Hellcat variant. It was designed to deliver serious acceleration—0 to 60 mph in roughly 3.9 seconds—while remaining more affordable and slightly more practical than its more extreme sibling. The trade-off is that this performance comes at a real cost in fuel consumption compared to four-cylinder or turbocharged competitors.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Scat Pack uses a 5.7-liter V8 with 485 hp and returns 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg according to EPA estimates.
  • It requires premium (91 octane) gasoline to run properly and achieve rated performance; regular fuel can trigger knock and reduce power output.
  • Annual fuel costs and emissions are significantly higher than mid-size sedans or vehicles with smaller engines, which matters if you drive frequently or live in an emissions-testing state.
  • The vehicle meets federal emissions standards for its model year but does not may have access to for any fuel-economy or emissions-based tax credits or rebates.

Engine specifications and what they mean for your wallet

The 5.7-liter displacement means the engine draws in a large volume of air and fuel per combustion cycle, which is why it produces so much power but burns fuel quickly. Dodge rates this engine for premium unleaded gasoline only—that is, 91 octane or higher. Using regular 87-octane fuel can cause engine knock (a pinging sound under acceleration), reduce horsepower by 5 to 10 percent, and potentially damage the engine over time if done repeatedly.

Premium fuel typically costs 30 to 50 cents more per gallon than regular, depending on your region and current market conditions. Over a year of typical driving—say 12,000 miles—that premium fuel surcharge alone can add $300 to $500 to your annual fuel bill. The Scat Pack's thirst for fuel means you will spend roughly $1,800 to $2,200 per year on gasoline at current national average prices, assuming you drive 12,000 miles annually and premium fuel costs 50 cents more per gallon than regular.

Emissions standards and testing requirements

The 2018 Charger Scat Pack meets the federal Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standard, which was the requirement for that model year. It produces higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter than smaller, more efficient engines, but it does not violate federal law. In states that follow California's stricter emissions rules—including New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Oregon—the 2018 Scat Pack still meets the standards required for registration and inspection.

If you live in a state or county that conducts emissions testing, your Scat Pack will need to pass that test every one or two years, depending on local rules. A well-maintained vehicle with no check-engine light should pass without issue. However, if the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors fail, repairs can cost $500 to $1,500, and the vehicle will not pass inspection until those parts are fixed.

Fuel economy compared to other 2018 sedans

The 19 mpg combined rating places the Scat Pack at the lower end of the sedan spectrum. For comparison, a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS (also a V8 muscle car) achieves 17 mpg combined, while a 2018 Chrysler 300C with the same 5.7-liter engine achieves 18 mpg combined. A 2018 Toyota Camry with a four-cylinder engine achieves 28 to 32 mpg combined, and even a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu with a turbocharged four-cylinder reaches 26 to 28 mpg combined.

Real-world fuel economy depends heavily on driving habits. Aggressive acceleration, highway speeds above 65 mph, and frequent idling all reduce efficiency. Drivers who focus on smooth acceleration and steady speeds may see numbers closer to the EPA highway rating of 25 mpg, while those who drive in heavy city traffic or accelerate hard regularly may see 14 to 16 mpg or lower.

Maintenance costs tied to emissions and engine performance

The Scat Pack's high-performance engine requires more frequent oil changes than economy cars. Dodge recommends synthetic oil and an oil change interval of 10,000 miles, which is standard for modern vehicles but means you will change oil more often in terms of calendar time if you drive less than 10,000 miles per year. Synthetic oil costs $60 to $100 per change, compared to $30 to $50 for conventional oil in smaller engines.

Spark plugs, air filters, and fuel filters also wear faster under the stress of high horsepower and frequent acceleration. Replacing spark plugs typically costs $150 to $300 at a dealership. The catalytic converter, which is critical for emissions control, can fail prematurely if the engine runs too rich (too much fuel, not enough air) or if the vehicle is driven hard without proper maintenance. A replacement catalytic converter for the Scat Pack costs $800 to $1,500 installed.

Insurance and registration costs for a high-performance sedan

Insurance companies classify the Scat Pack as a high-performance vehicle, which means higher premiums than a base Charger or comparable family sedan. Your actual rate depends on your age, driving record, location, and coverage choices, but expect to pay 20 to 40 percent more for full coverage on a Scat Pack than on a standard four-door sedan. A 35-year-old driver with a clean record might pay $1,200 to $1,600 per year for full coverage; a younger driver or one with violations could pay significantly more.

Registration and title fees vary by state but are typically based on the vehicle's value and weight. Some states charge higher registration fees for vehicles with engines above a certain displacement or horsepower threshold. Check your state's DMV website or contact your local registration office for the exact fee for a 2018 Charger Scat Pack in your area.

Resale value and long-term ownership considerations

The Scat Pack has held its value reasonably well in the used market, partly because it occupies a specific niche—buyers who want V8 power without the extreme cost of a Hellcat. A 2018 Scat Pack with average mileage (around 60,000 to 80,000 miles) typically sells for $28,000 to $35,000, depending on condition and local market demand. That represents a depreciation of roughly 40 to 50 percent from its original MSRP of around $48,000 to $52,000.

If you plan to own the vehicle long-term, budget for higher fuel costs, more frequent maintenance, and the possibility of expensive repairs to the engine, transmission, or emissions system. The Scat Pack is not a practical daily driver for someone focused on minimizing costs; it is a choice made for performance and driving enjoyment, with the understanding that those benefits come with real financial trade-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular 87-octane fuel in a 2018 Scat Pack?

Technically yes, but Dodge does not recommend it. Regular fuel can cause engine knock and reduce horsepower by 5 to 10 percent. Repeated use of regular fuel may damage the engine over time. Premium fuel is required to achieve the rated 485 horsepower and avoid potential long-term damage.

What is the actual real-world fuel economy most owners report?

Owner reports typically range from 17 to 22 mpg combined, depending on driving style and conditions. Aggressive drivers see numbers closer to 16 to 18 mpg, while those who drive conservatively on the highway may approach 23 to 25 mpg. EPA estimates of 19 mpg combined are a reasonable middle ground.

Will a 2018 Scat Pack pass emissions testing?

Yes, provided the vehicle is well-maintained and has no check-engine light. It meets federal Tier 2 Bin 5 standards and California standards (where applicable). A failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensor will cause it to fail inspection, but routine maintenance should keep it compliant.

How much more does insurance cost for a Scat Pack versus a regular Charger?

Insurance premiums are typically 20 to 40 percent higher for a Scat Pack than a base Charger, depending on your age, driving record, and location. Exact rates vary by insurer, so request quotes from multiple companies before purchasing.

Is the Scat Pack worth the fuel and maintenance costs?

That depends on your priorities. If you value performance, driving engagement, and V8 power, the Scat Pack delivers genuine thrills at a lower price point than the Hellcat. If your primary concern is minimizing fuel and maintenance expenses, a turbocharged four-cylinder sedan or hybrid will cost significantly less to own and operate.