What the 2019 Charger's fuel economy and emissions ratings mean

The 2019 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that comes with three engine options, and each one has different fuel economy and emissions numbers. The base model uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the mid-range uses a 5.7-liter V8, and the high-performance R/T and SRT models use larger V8 engines. The EPA rates these engines differently because they burn fuel at different rates and produce different amounts of tailpipe emissions.

Fuel economy for the 2019 Charger ranges from about 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway for the V6 model, down to roughly 14 city and 23 highway for the V8 models. These numbers assume regular driving patterns and can vary based on how you drive, road conditions, and how well you maintain the vehicle. The emissions ratings reflect how much nitrogen oxide and particulate matter each engine produces when running.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Charger's fuel economy depends on which engine you choose, ranging from 16/25 mpg for the V6 to 14/23 mpg for the V8 models.
  • All 2019 Charger models meet federal emissions standards set by the EPA, though V8 engines produce more tailpipe emissions than the V6.
  • Real-world fuel economy often differs from EPA estimates because driving habits, traffic conditions, and vehicle maintenance all affect how much fuel the engine uses.
  • The 2019 Charger does not have a hybrid or electric option, so it relies entirely on gasoline combustion for power.

How the V6 engine compares to the V8 options

The 3.6-liter V6 engine in the base 2019 Charger is the most fuel-efficient choice in the lineup. It produces 292 horsepower and delivers the best EPA fuel economy ratings of any Charger model that year. If fuel economy is your main concern and you do not need maximum performance, the V6 is the most economical option.

The 5.7-liter V8 engine in the R/T model produces 370 horsepower and uses more fuel because it has more cylinders and burns gasoline at a higher rate. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models use even larger V8 engines with higher horsepower ratings, which means even lower fuel economy. The trade-off is clear: more power means more fuel consumption and higher emissions.

EPA emissions classifications and what they measure

The EPA assigns each vehicle a tier rating based on how much pollution it produces. The 2019 Charger meets Tier 2 emissions standards, which were the federal requirement for that model year. This means the vehicle's tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter fall within the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Emissions testing measures what comes out of the exhaust pipe during standardized driving cycles in a laboratory. The test does not measure carbon dioxide directly as a pollutant (though CO2 is tracked separately as a greenhouse gas), but rather focuses on smog-forming compounds and fine particles that affect air quality and human health. Meeting the standard means the vehicle is legal to sell and drive on public roads.

Real-world fuel economy versus EPA estimates

The EPA fuel economy numbers you see on the window sticker are based on laboratory testing under controlled conditions. In real driving, your actual fuel economy will likely be lower than these estimates, especially if you drive in stop-and-go city traffic, use air conditioning frequently, or carry heavy loads. Highway driving at steady speeds tends to come closer to EPA estimates.

Several factors affect how much fuel your 2019 Charger actually uses. Aggressive acceleration and speeding both reduce fuel economy significantly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower efficiency. Cold weather reduces fuel economy because the engine needs more time to warm up. Regular maintenance—keeping the engine tuned, replacing air filters, and using the correct motor oil viscosity—helps the vehicle perform closer to its rated efficiency.

Comparing the 2019 Charger to other sedans from that year

The 2019 Charger is a large, heavy sedan, so its fuel economy is lower than smaller or mid-size sedans. A 2019 Honda Accord with a four-cylinder engine, for example, achieves around 30 mpg highway, while the Charger V6 reaches 25. The Charger's weight and aerodynamic design prioritize performance and interior space over fuel efficiency.

If you are comparing the Charger to other full-size performance sedans, the fuel economy numbers are competitive. The 2019 Chevrolet Impala with a V8 engine has similar ratings. The Charger's V8 models are not designed to be fuel-efficient; they are built for power and acceleration. If fuel economy is your priority, a smaller sedan or a hybrid vehicle would be a better choice.

How to find the official 2019 Charger emissions and fuel economy data

The EPA publishes official fuel economy and emissions data on fueleconomy.gov. You can search by year, make, and model to find the exact ratings for each engine option. The site also shows you how the vehicle compares to others in its class and provides estimates of annual fuel cost based on national average gas prices.

Your vehicle's owner manual also contains emissions and fuel economy information specific to your engine and transmission combination. If you are buying a used 2019 Charger, the Monroney label (the window sticker) from when it was new should still be available from the dealer or seller. This label shows the EPA estimates, annual fuel cost, and emissions tier that applied when the vehicle was manufactured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2019 Charger have a hybrid or electric version?

No. The 2019 Charger lineup includes only gasoline-powered engines. Dodge did not offer a hybrid or fully electric Charger until later model years. If you want a hybrid sedan from that era, you would need to look at other manufacturers like Toyota or Honda.

What does Tier 2 emissions mean?

Tier 2 is a federal emissions standard that sets limits on how much nitrogen oxide and particulate matter a vehicle can release from its tailpipe. All vehicles sold in the United States in 2019 had to meet at least Tier 2 standards. It does not mean the Charger is exceptionally clean; it means it meets the legal minimum requirement for that year.

Will my 2019 Charger pass an emissions test?

A properly maintained 2019 Charger should pass a standard emissions inspection in any state that requires one. The vehicle was designed and certified to meet federal emissions standards. If your Charger fails an emissions test, the problem is usually a check engine light, a faulty oxygen sensor, or a catalytic converter issue—not a design flaw.

Can I improve the fuel economy of my 2019 Charger?

You can improve fuel economy through driving habits and maintenance. Avoid rapid acceleration, maintain steady highway speeds, keep tires properly inflated, and follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Aftermarket modifications that claim to boost fuel economy are generally not effective and may affect emissions compliance.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Charger per year?

Annual fuel cost depends on your local gas prices, how much you drive, and which engine you choose. The EPA estimates are based on 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices at the time of testing. Visit fueleconomy.gov and enter your local gas price to see a personalized estimate for your area and driving habits.