What the 2019 Dodge Charger delivers in fuel economy and emissions

The 2019 Dodge Charger comes with four engine choices, and your fuel economy depends entirely on which one you get. The base model uses a 3.6-liter V6 that achieves 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 in the city with rear-wheel drive. The 5.7-liter V8 (Hemi) drops those numbers to 25 highway and 15 city. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the R/T Scat Pack gets 24 highway and 13 city. The 5.2-liter V8 in the 392 model reaches 25 highway and 14 city. All figures assume a manual transmission; automatic versions vary slightly, typically losing one mile per gallon in city driving.

Emissions ratings for the 2019 Charger depend on your state. In states that follow California's stricter standards, the V6 and standard V8 models meet Tier 2 Bin 5 or Bin 6 requirements. The supercharged and 392 models fall into higher emission categories because of their larger displacement and power output. Every 2019 Charger sold in the United States meets federal minimum standards, but California, New York, Massachusetts, and several other states have their own thresholds that may affect resale value or registration in those states.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Charger V6 achieves 16 city and 25 highway miles per gallon, while the V8 models range from 13 to 15 city and 24 to 25 highway depending on engine size.
  • All 2019 Chargers meet federal emissions standards, but California and other states with stricter rules may classify the V8 models differently for registration purposes.
  • Transmission type affects fuel economy by roughly one mile per gallon in city driving, with automatics slightly lower than manuals.
  • The supercharged 6.2-liter engine in the Scat Pack delivers the lowest fuel economy at 13 city and 24 highway.

Engine options and how they affect fuel consumption

The 3.6-liter V6 is the most fuel-efficient choice and produces 292 horsepower. It pairs with either a five-speed automatic or an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is the standard equipment on the SE and SXT trim levels and is the only option that approaches mid-20s combined fuel economy.

The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is the next step up and generates 370 horsepower. It comes standard on the R/T trim and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine burns noticeably more fuel than the V6 but remains the most common V8 choice because it balances power and cost. Real-world driving typically shows combined fuel economy in the 18 to 20 range, depending on driving habits and road conditions.

The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the R/T Scat Pack produces 485 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic. This engine's supercharger forces more air into the combustion chamber, which increases power but also increases fuel consumption. Expect combined fuel economy around 16 to 17 miles per gallon in typical driving.

The 5.2-liter V8 in the 392 model generates 485 horsepower without supercharging and achieves slightly better fuel economy than the Scat Pack, typically 17 to 19 combined. Both high-performance engines require premium (91 octane or higher) gasoline, while the V6 and standard V8 run on regular 87 octane.

Understanding the EPA ratings on your window sticker

The Monroney label (the sticker on the window) shows three fuel economy numbers: city, highway, and combined. The combined figure is a weighted average that counts city driving more heavily because most people spend more time in stop-and-go traffic than on highways. For the 2019 Charger, the combined rating is roughly one-third highway and two-thirds city, so a V6 with 16 city and 25 highway shows a combined rating of 19 miles per gallon.

The label also displays an annual fuel cost estimate based on driving 15,000 miles per year at the national average gas price at the time the sticker was printed. This number changes with fuel prices and is useful only for comparing two vehicles side by side, not for predicting your actual costs. The label includes a QR code linking to fueleconomy.gov, where you can see how the 2019 Charger compares to other vehicles and adjust estimates based on your own driving patterns.

The EPA also rates each vehicle on a scale from 1 to 10 for both fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions. The 2019 Charger V6 scores a 6 for fuel economy and a 6 for emissions. The V8 models score 4 or 5 for fuel economy and 5 or 6 for emissions, depending on engine size. These scores are relative to all vehicles sold that year, not absolute measures.

Real-world fuel economy versus EPA estimates

Most owners report that their actual fuel economy falls 10 to 15 percent below the EPA highway rating and 5 to 10 percent below the city rating. A 2019 Charger V6 rated at 16 city and 25 highway typically achieves 15 city and 23 highway in real driving. Aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, and cold weather all reduce fuel economy. Highway driving at steady speeds closer to 55 miles per hour yields better results than the EPA test, which uses 60 miles per hour as the baseline.

The EPA test does not account for air conditioning use, which can reduce fuel economy by 10 to 25 percent depending on how aggressively you run it. Tire pressure also matters: underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can lower fuel economy by 3 percent per 5 pounds per square inch below the recommended pressure. The 2019 Charger's recommended tire pressure is printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb, not on the tire itself.

Emissions testing and what it means for your state

The 2019 Dodge Charger was tested under the EPA's standard emissions protocol, which measures tailpipe output of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. All 2019 Chargers meet the Tier 2 standard, which has been federal law since 2004. However, California and 14 other states have adopted California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards, which are stricter than federal requirements.

Under California standards, the 2019 Charger V6 and standard V8 are classified as LEV II vehicles, meaning they produce fewer emissions than the federal minimum. The supercharged and 392 models may be classified as ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) or LEV II depending on final testing, but they still meet California's thresholds. If you live in a state that follows California standards and plan to register your 2019 Charger there, the vehicle will pass inspection without issue.

Diesel vehicles do not explore here; the 2019 Charger is gasoline-only. Hybrid and electric versions were not offered in 2019. If you are comparing the 2019 Charger to a 2020 or newer model, note that emissions standards tightened slightly for the 2020 model year, though the differences are small enough that most owners will not notice them in real-world driving.

Maintenance and how it affects emissions compliance

The 2019 Charger's emissions control system includes a catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and an evaporative emissions system that captures fuel vapors. If your check engine light comes on, the vehicle has detected a problem in one of these systems. A faulty oxygen sensor or a loose gas cap can trigger the light and cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test in states that conduct them.

Regular maintenance keeps these systems working correctly. Oil changes every 10,000 miles, air filter replacements every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, and spark plug replacements every 30,000 miles all help the engine run cleanly. If you are buying a used 2019 Charger, ask the seller for service records showing that these intervals were followed. A vehicle with spotty maintenance history is more likely to have emissions issues down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2019 Charger have a hybrid option?

No. Dodge did not offer a hybrid version of the Charger in 2019. All models use gasoline engines only. If fuel economy is your primary concern, the 3.6-liter V6 is your best option within the Charger lineup.

What octane gas should I use in a 2019 Charger?

The V6 and standard 5.7-liter V8 run on regular 87 octane gasoline. The supercharged 6.2-liter and the 5.2-liter 392 engines require premium 91 octane or higher. Using regular gas in a premium-fuel engine can cause knocking and reduce performance, though it will not damage the engine when ready.

Will my 2019 Charger pass an emissions test?

Yes, provided the check engine light is not on and the vehicle has been maintained according to the owner's manual. If the light is on, have the code read before taking the test. A faulty sensor or loose gas cap is usually the cause and is inexpensive to fix.

How much does it cost to fill up a 2019 Charger?

The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons. At current gas prices, a full tank costs between $55 and $75 depending on whether you use regular or premium and your local fuel prices. The V6 model will go roughly 300 miles on a tank; the V8 models roughly 270 to 280 miles.

Can I improve fuel economy on my 2019 Charger?

Keeping tires properly inflated, avoiding aggressive acceleration, and removing excess weight from the trunk all help. Synthetic oil reduces friction slightly. However, the engine and transmission are fixed, so gains are typically small—usually one to two miles per gallon at most.