What the 2019 Charger R/T produces in emissions and fuel consumption

The 2019 Dodge Charger R/T is a full-size muscle sedan powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower. The EPA rates it at 16 miles per gallon in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. These figures assume regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) and a manual transmission; the automatic transmission version achieves the same ratings.

For emissions, the 2019 Charger R/T meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 standards and California LEV II standards. It produces approximately 9.8 metric tons of CO2 per year based on 15,000 miles of annual driving. The vehicle carries a combined tailpipe emissions rating of 456 grams of CO2 per mile, which places it in the higher range for passenger vehicles due to its engine size and weight.

The Charger R/T does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle (LEV) or ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV) under EPA or California standards. It is not a hybrid, does not have plug-in capability, and produces no zero-emission miles.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Charger R/T achieves 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg with its 5.7-liter V8 engine.
  • Annual CO2 emissions are approximately 9.8 metric tons at typical driving levels, significantly higher than mid-size sedans with smaller engines.
  • The vehicle meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and California LEV II emissions standards but does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle.
  • Fuel costs and environmental impact are substantially higher than comparable four-cylinder or hybrid sedans in the same vehicle class.

How the 2019 Charger R/T compares to other full-size sedans

Among full-size sedans, the 2019 Charger R/T sits at the higher end of fuel consumption and emissions. A 2019 Chevrolet Impala with a 3.6-liter V6 achieves 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined mpg. A 2019 Chrysler 300 with the same 5.7-liter V8 matches the Charger R/T's ratings exactly. A 2019 Toyota Camry with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder achieves 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined mpg.

The Charger R/T's V8 engine is the primary driver of its higher fuel consumption. The vehicle weighs 3,970 pounds, which is typical for its class, but the larger displacement engine requires more fuel to produce its 370 horsepower output. Vehicles with turbocharged four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains in the same weight range typically achieve 25 to 35 mpg combined.

Fuel cost and annual environmental impact

At the EPA combined rating of 19 mpg and assuming 15,000 miles driven annually, the 2019 Charger R/T consumes approximately 789 gallons of gasoline per year. At a national average gasoline price of $2.50 per gallon (prices vary by region and time), annual fuel cost runs roughly $1,973. This is approximately $600 to $800 more per year than a comparable mid-size sedan with a four-cylinder engine.

Over a 10-year ownership period at constant driving and fuel prices, the difference in fuel cost between a Charger R/T and a 32-mpg sedan totals around $6,000 to $8,000. The Charger R/T also produces roughly twice the annual CO2 emissions of a comparable four-cylinder sedan, or about 9.8 metric tons versus 4.5 to 5.2 metric tons per year.

The vehicle does not may have access to for any federal tax credits, rebates, or incentive programs related to fuel economy or emissions reduction. Some states offer reduced registration fees for low-emission vehicles; the 2019 Charger R/T does not may have access to in any state.

EPA fuel economy label and real-world driving

The EPA Monroney label on the 2019 Charger R/T displays the 16/25/19 ratings along with an annual fuel cost estimate and a SmartWay rating. The SmartWay designation indicates that the vehicle's emissions fall within the top 25 percent of its class—meaning it produces more emissions than 75 percent of comparable vehicles, not fewer.

Real-world fuel economy often differs from EPA estimates. Drivers who accelerate frequently, drive in stop-and-go traffic, or tow loads may see 14 to 17 mpg combined. Drivers who maintain steady highway speeds and avoid aggressive acceleration may approach or slightly exceed the 25 mpg highway rating. Cold weather, high-altitude driving, and premium fuel use do not improve economy on this engine.

Maintenance and emissions system components

The 2019 Charger R/T uses a catalytic converter and particulate filter to meet emissions standards. These components require no special maintenance under normal driving conditions and are covered by the EPA emissions warranty for eight years or 80,000 miles. Replacing a catalytic converter on this vehicle costs between $800 and $1,200 if damaged or failed.

The vehicle's onboard diagnostic system monitors emissions equipment and will trigger a check engine light if a component fails. Fuel quality affects emissions system longevity; using Top Tier gasoline (brands like Chevron, Shell, Mobil) reduces carbon buildup in the fuel injectors and intake valves compared to lower-tier brands.

Towing and payload impact on fuel economy

The 2019 Charger R/T has a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds when properly equipped. Towing reduces fuel economy by approximately 15 to 25 percent depending on trailer weight, aerodynamics, and driving conditions. A driver towing at maximum capacity on highway routes may see combined fuel economy drop to 14 to 16 mpg.

Payload capacity is 1,000 pounds. Adding weight to the vehicle—passengers, cargo, or equipment—reduces fuel economy proportionally. Each additional 100 pounds of weight typically reduces mpg by 1 to 2 percent on combined driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2019 Charger R/T meet California emissions standards?

Yes. The 2019 Charger R/T meets California LEV II standards and can be registered and driven in California. It does not meet California's stricter LEV III or ZEV standards, which explore to newer model years and vehicles with smaller engines or hybrid powertrains.

What octane fuel should I use in the 2019 Charger R/T?

The EPA rating uses 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline. The engine can run on 87 octane without damage. Using 91 or 93 octane premium fuel does not improve fuel economy or reduce emissions; it increases fuel cost without benefit on this engine.

How does the 2019 Charger R/T's fuel economy compare to a 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T?

The 2019 Challenger R/T with the same 5.7-liter V8 achieves identical EPA ratings: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg. The Challenger weighs slightly more and has a larger body, but the engine and transmission are the same, so fuel consumption is equivalent.

Can I improve the fuel economy of a 2019 Charger R/T with modifications?

Modifications that reduce weight—removing rear seats, lighter wheels, or aerodynamic changes—may improve economy by 1 to 3 percent. Aftermarket air intakes or exhaust systems do not improve fuel economy and may reduce it. Modifications that increase horsepower or change engine tuning typically reduce economy by 5 to 15 percent.

What is the difference between the Charger R/T and the Charger SXT in terms of emissions?

The 2019 Charger SXT uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine and achieves 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined mpg. It produces approximately 7.1 metric tons of CO2 annually at typical driving levels, roughly 2.7 tons less per year than the R/T. The SXT meets the same EPA and California emissions standards but consumes less fuel due to its smaller engine.