What the 2018 Scat Pack Charger emits and how it compares

The 2018 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is a high-performance muscle car powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 645 horsepower. Because of that engine size and power output, it falls into the heaviest emissions category for passenger vehicles and has lower fuel economy than standard sedans. The EPA rates it at 14 miles per gallon in the city, 23 on the highway, and 17 combined — numbers that reflect the trade-off between performance and environmental impact that buyers of this class of vehicle accept.

The Scat Pack meets the emissions standards required for 2018 model year vehicles sold in the United States, which means it passed federal tailpipe testing for nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other regulated pollutants. However, it does not meet California's stricter Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards, and it is not sold in states that follow California's rules unless the buyer specifically requests it and accepts the limitations.

Compared to other V8-powered performance cars from that year, the Scat Pack's emissions profile is typical for its class. A 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 6.2-liter V8 has nearly identical EPA ratings. The real difference in environmental impact comes when you compare any of these to a standard four-cylinder sedan or hybrid, which produce roughly one-third the emissions per mile.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Scat Pack Charger is rated at 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined miles per gallon by the EPA.
  • The vehicle meets federal emissions standards for 2018 but does not may have access to as a Low Emission Vehicle under California standards.
  • The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine produces higher tailpipe emissions than smaller-displacement engines, which is typical for high-performance vehicles in its class.
  • Actual fuel economy and emissions can vary based on driving habits, maintenance, and whether the vehicle is driven in city or highway conditions.

EPA fuel economy ratings and what they mean

The EPA tests every new vehicle sold in the United States using a standardized procedure that simulates city driving, highway driving, and a mix of both. For the 2018 Scat Pack Charger, those tests produced three separate numbers: 14 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The combined figure is the one most commonly used for comparison and regulatory purposes.

These numbers are estimates, not guarantees. Your actual fuel economy depends on how you drive — aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and idling all reduce efficiency. Cold weather, low tire pressure, and a heavy load also lower mpg. Conversely, steady highway driving at moderate speeds can sometimes beat the EPA highway estimate. The EPA's testing procedure has become more realistic over the years, but real-world results still vary by 10 to 20 percent in either direction.

The combined 17 mpg rating places the Scat Pack in the bottom tier of fuel economy for any vehicle sold that year. For context, a 2018 Honda Accord gets 33 combined mpg, and a 2018 Toyota Prius gets 56. The performance and power of the Scat Pack come at a direct cost in fuel consumption and the emissions that result from burning more gasoline.

Emissions standards the 2018 model meets and does not meet

The 2018 Dodge Charger Scat Pack meets Tier 2 Bin 8 federal emissions standards, which is the category for large, powerful vehicles. This standard limits tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Every vehicle sold in the United States must meet at least the federal standard for its model year.

The vehicle does not meet California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard, which is stricter than the federal requirement. California and several other states have the authority under the Clean Air Act to set their own vehicle emissions rules, and they have chosen to require lower emissions than the federal government. If you live in California, New York, Massachusetts, or another state that follows California's standards, a 2018 Scat Pack Charger cannot be registered unless it was specifically built to LEV specifications — which Dodge did not offer for this model.

The difference between Tier 2 Bin 8 and LEV standards is measurable but not enormous for a vehicle of this type. A supercharged V8 straightforward cannot meet California's requirements without significant engine modifications that would reduce power and increase cost. Dodge chose not to make those modifications for the Scat Pack line.

Supercharged V8 engine and its environmental impact

The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the Scat Pack is the core reason for its environmental profile. Supercharging forces more air into the engine, which allows it to burn more fuel per cycle and produce more power — but it also produces more emissions per mile driven. A supercharger is mechanically driven by the engine itself, so it consumes some of the engine's power output, which is why the Scat Pack's fuel economy is lower than a naturally aspirated V8 of similar size.

The engine is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), though Dodge recommends premium (91 octane or higher) for best performance and efficiency. Using regular fuel can reduce power output and increase fuel consumption slightly. The engine has a catalytic converter and emissions control systems that reduce pollutants before they leave the tailpipe, but these systems cannot eliminate the fundamental fact that burning more fuel produces more emissions.

Compared to modern turbocharged engines, which are smaller and more efficient, the supercharged V8 is less fuel-efficient. However, the Scat Pack was designed for maximum performance, not environmental efficiency, and buyers of this vehicle typically prioritize power and driving experience over emissions or fuel economy.

Real-world fuel economy and emissions variation

The EPA's 17 combined mpg estimate is an average, and your actual fuel economy can differ significantly based on driving patterns. Highway driving at steady speeds — say, 55 to 65 mph — can achieve the EPA highway estimate of 23 mpg or even slightly better. City driving with frequent stops, acceleration, and idling typically falls short of the 14 mpg city estimate, sometimes dropping to 12 mpg or lower.

Performance driving — the kind many Scat Pack owners engage in — reduces fuel economy further. Hard acceleration, high engine RPM, and sustained high speeds can lower combined fuel economy to 10 to 12 mpg. Conversely, gentle acceleration and moderate speeds can push it toward 18 to 20 mpg combined. The difference between conservative and aggressive driving can easily be 30 to 40 percent.

Emissions scale with fuel consumption: the more fuel you burn, the more tailpipe emissions you produce. A Scat Pack driven conservatively on the highway produces fewer emissions per mile than one driven aggressively in the city. Maintenance also matters — a well-tuned engine with fresh spark plugs and a clean air filter runs more efficiently and produces lower emissions than a neglected one.

How the 2018 Scat Pack compares to other performance vehicles

The 2018 Charger Scat Pack sits in the middle of the high-performance V8 market in terms of emissions and fuel economy. A 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T with a 5.7-liter V8 gets 16 combined mpg and produces lower emissions because the engine is smaller. A 2018 Camaro SS with a 6.2-liter V8 gets 17 combined mpg — identical to the Scat Pack — because the engines are the same size and power output is similar.

Turbocharged performance cars like the 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost get better fuel economy (around 21 to 23 combined mpg) because the engine is smaller and more efficient, though they produce less power. Hybrid performance vehicles did not exist in 2018, so there was no middle ground between traditional V8 performance and fuel-efficient economy cars.

If environmental impact is a concern, the Scat Pack is not the right vehicle. If you want a high-performance American muscle car and are willing to accept the fuel economy and emissions that come with it, the Scat Pack is competitive with its direct rivals and offers more power than smaller-engine alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 2018 Scat Pack Charger be registered in California?

No, not without special circumstances. The 2018 Scat Pack does not meet California's LEV emissions standards, so it cannot be registered in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, or other states that follow California's rules. If you already own one and move to California, you may be able to register it as a used vehicle under a grace period, but rules vary by state and change over time.

What octane fuel should I use in a 2018 Scat Pack?

Dodge recommends premium fuel (91 octane or higher) for best performance and efficiency. Regular 87-octane fuel will work, but the engine may produce less power and slightly lower fuel economy. Premium fuel costs more per gallon, so the choice depends on whether you prioritize performance or cost.

Does the Scat Pack have any emissions control technology?

Yes. The engine includes a catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and an emissions control system that reduces nitrogen oxides and particulate matter before they exit the tailpipe. These systems are standard on all 2018 vehicles sold in the United States. However, no emissions control system can overcome the fundamental fact that a large supercharged engine burns more fuel and produces more emissions than a smaller engine.

Will my fuel economy improve if I drive more conservatively?

Yes, noticeably. Gentle acceleration, moderate speeds, and steady highway driving can improve fuel economy by 20 to 40 percent compared to aggressive driving. If you typically see 14 to 16 mpg combined, conservative driving might push you toward 18 to 20 mpg. However, you will still not approach the EPA estimates unless you drive in ideal conditions.

How does the Scat Pack's environmental impact compare to a standard sedan?

A 2018 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry produces roughly one-third the emissions per mile of a Scat Pack because they burn one-third the fuel. Over a year of typical driving, a Scat Pack produces significantly more carbon dioxide and other pollutants. The difference is one of the trade-offs inherent in choosing a high-performance vehicle.