What the 2020 Charger R/T actually gets for fuel economy

The 2020 Dodge Charger R/T with the standard 5.7-liter V8 engine is rated by the EPA at 16 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. These are the official figures used on the window sticker and in fuel economy databases. Real-world results typically fall within a few miles per gallon of these estimates, though driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance have a measurable effect.

If you ordered the 2020 Charger R/T with the optional 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (the engine in the R/T Scat Pack variant), fuel economy drops to 14 city, 23 highway, and 18 combined. The difference reflects the larger displacement and higher output of that engine. Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.

These numbers place the 2020 Charger R/T in the middle range for performance sedans of that year. A Chevrolet Camaro SS V8 achieved similar ratings; a Chrysler 300C with the 5.7-liter V8 was comparable. Muscle cars and large-displacement V8 sedans do not compete on fuel economy with smaller turbocharged or hybrid vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 Charger R/T with the 5.7-liter V8 is rated 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined by the EPA.
  • The optional 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the Scat Pack drops efficiency to 14 city / 23 highway / 18 combined.
  • Real-world fuel economy usually falls within 1 to 3 mpg of EPA estimates, depending on driving style and conditions.
  • Both engines use regular unleaded gasoline, though premium fuel may improve performance in the supercharged variant.

How EPA testing works and why your mileage may differ

The EPA tests fuel economy in a laboratory using a dynamometer — a machine that simulates driving without the vehicle actually moving. The test follows a set pattern of acceleration, cruising, and braking that represents a mix of city and highway driving. This standardized approach allows comparison across vehicles, but it does not account for individual driving patterns, traffic, weather, or terrain.

A driver who accelerates hard, idles frequently, or drives mostly in stop-and-go city traffic will see lower fuel economy than the EPA rating. A driver on flat highways at steady speeds may see numbers closer to or even slightly above the highway rating. Cold weather reduces fuel economy because the engine runs richer and tire rolling resistance increases. Towing, roof racks, and underinflated tires all reduce efficiency measurably.

The 2020 Charger R/T's 5.7-liter V8 is a naturally aspirated engine with a long history in Chrysler products. It is relatively efficient for its class and displacement, but it is not optimized for fuel economy the way smaller turbocharged engines are. The supercharged 6.2-liter trades efficiency for power output — it produces 645 horsepower compared to the 5.7-liter's 370 horsepower.

Emissions ratings and what they mean

The 2020 Charger R/T meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. These standards explore to all gasoline vehicles sold in the United States. The Charger R/T does not may have access to as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) — those designations require significantly lower tailpipe emissions and are typically achieved by hybrid or smaller-displacement vehicles.

For greenhouse gas emissions, the 2020 Charger R/T is rated at 475 grams of CO2 per mile (5.7-liter engine). This reflects the amount of carbon dioxide produced during combustion, which correlates directly to fuel consumption. A vehicle that uses more fuel produces more CO2; there is no way around this relationship with a conventional gasoline engine. The supercharged 6.2-liter produces approximately 500 grams of CO2 per mile.

These emissions figures are used to calculate the vehicle's contribution to the manufacturer's fleet average under EPA regulations. They do not determine whether you can register or drive the vehicle in any state — all 2020 model year vehicles meet the minimum federal standards required for sale.

Fuel tank capacity and driving range

The 2020 Charger R/T has a 18.5-gallon fuel tank. At the EPA combined rating of 19 mpg, this yields a theoretical range of approximately 351 miles on a full tank. Highway range is longer — at 25 mpg highway, a full tank provides roughly 462 miles. City driving at 16 mpg reduces range to about 296 miles.

These are estimates based on EPA ratings and assume a full tank. Actual range depends on your driving conditions and habits. Most drivers find they need to refuel before the tank is completely empty, so usable range is somewhat less. The Charger R/T does not have a hybrid system or alternative fuel option — it runs on regular unleaded gasoline only.

Comparing the 2020 Charger R/T to other muscle cars and sedans

The 2020 Dodge Charger R/T occupies a specific market segment: a full-size, four-door muscle sedan with a V8 engine. Its fuel economy is typical for that category. A 2020 Chevrolet Camaro SS (two-door coupe with 6.2-liter V8) achieved 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined — identical to the Charger R/T's 5.7-liter rating. A 2020 Chrysler 300C with the 5.7-liter V8 was rated 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined as well.

Smaller turbocharged performance cars achieved better numbers. A 2020 Chevrolet Camaro with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder was rated 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined. Hybrid sedans and crossovers achieved significantly higher efficiency. The trade-off is power output — the Charger R/T produces 370 horsepower with the 5.7-liter, while the turbocharged Camaro produces 275 horsepower.

Maintenance and fuel economy over time

A well-maintained 2020 Charger R/T should continue to achieve close to its EPA rating throughout its life, assuming normal driving. Fuel economy degrades gradually if the engine is not serviced on schedule. A clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or incorrect tire pressure all reduce efficiency. The Charger R/T uses a 5W-20 synthetic blend oil (5.7-liter engine) or 5W-20 full synthetic (6.2-liter engine), changed every 10,000 miles.

Tire pressure has a direct effect on fuel economy. The 2020 Charger R/T's recommended tire pressure is printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb — typically 32 psi for the 5.7-liter and 33 psi for the 6.2-liter. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can reduce fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg. Overinflation does not improve economy significantly and reduces ride comfort and tire life.

Fuel type and octane requirements

The 2020 Charger R/T with the 5.7-liter V8 runs on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum). Using premium fuel (91 or 93 octane) does not improve fuel economy or performance in this engine — it is not designed to take advantage of higher octane. Premium fuel is a waste of money for the standard R/T.

The 6.2-liter supercharged engine in the Scat Pack is tuned for premium fuel (91 octane recommended, 87 octane acceptable). Using premium can improve performance slightly and may improve fuel economy marginally, though the difference is small. The engine will run on regular fuel, but Dodge recommends premium for optimal results. Some owners report slightly better mileage with premium, while others see no difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve the fuel economy of a 2020 Charger R/T?

Modest improvements are possible through maintenance and driving habits. Keep tires properly inflated, replace air filters on schedule, and avoid aggressive acceleration. Removing unnecessary weight and roof racks helps slightly. Expect improvements of 1 to 2 mpg at most. Aftermarket modifications like intake systems or tuning typically reduce fuel economy rather than improve it.

What is the difference between the 5.7-liter and 6.2-liter engines in terms of real-world driving?

The 5.7-liter produces 370 horsepower and achieves 19 mpg combined. The 6.2-liter supercharged produces 645 horsepower and achieves 18 mpg combined. The power difference is substantial; the fuel economy difference is small. Choose based on performance needs, not fuel economy — both are V8 engines with similar efficiency profiles.

Does the 2020 Charger R/T may have access to for any tax credits or rebates based on emissions?

No. The 2020 Charger R/T does not may have access to for federal tax credits, which are reserved for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Some states offered rebates for low-emission vehicles in 2020, but the Charger R/T did not meet those thresholds. Check your state's environmental agency website for any programs that may have applied in your area.

How does the 2020 Charger R/T compare to a hybrid sedan for fuel costs?

A hybrid sedan typically achieves 40 to 50 mpg combined, roughly double the Charger R/T's 19 mpg. Over 100,000 miles, this difference translates to thousands of dollars in fuel costs. The Charger R/T is a performance vehicle; fuel economy is not its priority. If fuel cost is your main concern, a hybrid or smaller turbocharged vehicle is a better choice.

What fuel economy should I expect if I mostly drive on the highway?

Highway driving is where the Charger R/T performs best. The EPA highway rating is 25 mpg for the 5.7-liter engine. Real-world highway mileage often matches or slightly exceeds this, especially at steady speeds on flat terrain. Expect 24 to 27 mpg on a long highway trip. City driving and mixed conditions will pull the overall average down to the EPA combined rating of 19 mpg.