What the 2021 Charger delivers in fuel efficiency and environmental impact

The 2021 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan powered by gasoline engines, with no hybrid or electric option. Its fuel economy ranges from 16 miles per gallon city / 25 highway (EPA estimate) for the base V8 model to 19 city / 30 highway for the V6 variant, depending on transmission and drivetrain. The Charger produces tailpipe emissions that fall within EPA standards for its class, but it does not meet the efficiency benchmarks of smaller sedans or vehicles with alternative powertrains.

If environmental impact matters to your decision, the 2021 Charger sits at the heavier end of the sedan spectrum. Its weight and engine size mean higher fuel consumption and proportionally higher carbon dioxide output per mile driven compared to compact or midsize sedans. The vehicle does include standard emissions control systems — catalytic converters and particulate filters — but these reduce harmful pollutants rather than improve fuel economy.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2021 Charger's EPA fuel economy ranges from 16 to 19 city miles per gallon depending on engine choice, with highway estimates between 25 and 30 mpg.
  • No hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric version of the 2021 Charger exists; all models use conventional gasoline engines.
  • The Charger's weight and engine displacement result in higher per-mile carbon dioxide emissions than smaller sedans in the same model year.
  • Emissions control equipment reduces nitrogen oxides and particulates but does not affect the fuel consumption figures the EPA publishes.

Engine options and how they affect fuel use

The 2021 Charger came with two gasoline engine choices: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8. The V6 delivered better fuel economy — 19 city / 30 highway with an automatic transmission — while the V8 dropped to 16 city / 25 highway. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The difference between the two reflects engine displacement and power output. The V6 produces 292 horsepower; the V8 produces 370. More displacement and higher compression ratios require more fuel to operate. All-wheel drive, available on both engines, reduced highway fuel economy by approximately 1 to 2 miles per gallon compared to rear-wheel-drive versions.

EPA emissions ratings and what they measure

The EPA assigns each vehicle a tailpipe emissions rating based on how much nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, and other regulated pollutants it releases during standardized test cycles. The 2021 Charger meets Tier 3 standards, the federal requirement for all new cars sold in the United States as of 2017.

Tier 3 compliance does not mean low emissions in absolute terms — it means the Charger meets the legal floor for its class. Smaller, lighter vehicles with smaller engines naturally produce fewer grams of pollutants per mile because they burn less fuel. The Charger's emissions control systems reduce what would otherwise be much higher raw tailpipe output, but the vehicle still emits more total pollution per mile than a compact sedan with equivalent emissions controls.

Carbon dioxide output and climate impact

Carbon dioxide emissions correlate directly to fuel consumption. The EPA estimates the 2021 Charger V8 produces approximately 405 grams of CO2 per mile; the V6 produces roughly 365 grams per mile. These figures assume average driving conditions and are based on the EPA's combined fuel economy estimate.

For context, a 2021 Honda Accord (a midsize sedan with better fuel economy) produces around 310 grams of CO2 per mile. The difference compounds over time: a Charger driven 12,000 miles per year produces roughly 4.9 tons of CO2 annually (V8) or 4.4 tons (V6), compared to the Accord's 3.7 tons. Over a vehicle's typical 10-year ownership period, that difference amounts to several tons of additional carbon dioxide.

Real-world fuel economy versus EPA estimates

EPA fuel economy figures are laboratory estimates, not guarantees. Real-world driving typically yields lower fuel economy than the highway estimate and sometimes lower than the combined figure. Aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, cold starts, and highway driving at speeds above 60 miles per hour all reduce efficiency below EPA projections.

Owners of 2021 Chargers report fuel economy ranging from 14 to 22 mpg depending on driving habits and conditions. City driving with traffic and frequent stops tends toward the lower end; steady highway cruising at moderate speeds approaches the EPA estimate. Maintenance also matters: a clogged air filter or worn spark plugs can reduce fuel economy by 1 to 3 miles per gallon.

How the 2021 Charger compares to other full-size sedans

The 2021 Charger's fuel economy is typical for its class. The Chevrolet Impala, another full-size sedan, delivered 18 city / 28 highway with its V6 engine. The Chrysler 300 (which shares the Charger's platform) offered similar numbers. Larger vehicles with V8 engines — the Dodge Challenger, for instance — achieved comparable or slightly worse fuel economy.

Compared to midsize sedans like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the Charger consumed noticeably more fuel. Compared to compact sedans like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, the gap widened further. The trade-off is interior space and power; the Charger offers more of both, but at the cost of efficiency.

Emissions control systems in the 2021 model

The 2021 Charger included a catalytic converter, which converts carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons into less harmful compounds. It also used a particulate filter to trap soot and fine particles before they exit the tailpipe. These systems are required on all new vehicles sold in the United States and reduce harmful pollutants significantly compared to older vehicles without them.

However, emissions control systems do not improve fuel economy. In fact, they add slight weight and engine back-pressure, which can marginally reduce efficiency. The trade-off is intentional: regulators prioritize air quality over fuel consumption at the tailpipe level, though fuel economy standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE) set separate requirements for fleet-wide efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2021 Charger have a hybrid version?

No. Dodge did not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the 2021 Charger. All models used conventional gasoline engines. The 2024 model year introduced a plug-in hybrid variant, but the 2021 lineup did not include one.

What is the difference between city and highway fuel economy on the 2021 Charger?

City driving involves frequent stops, starts, and lower speeds, which require more fuel per mile. Highway driving at steady speeds is more efficient. The 2021 Charger V8 achieved 16 mpg city but 25 mpg highway — a 56 percent difference — because highway driving minimizes engine strain and idling losses.

How does the 2021 Charger's fuel economy compare to a Tesla or other electric vehicle?

Electric vehicles do not use gasoline and produce zero tailpipe emissions. A Tesla Model 3 uses roughly 25 kilowatt-hours of electricity per 100 miles, equivalent to 100+ miles per gallon in energy terms. The 2021 Charger's 16 to 19 mpg is substantially lower, though electricity costs and grid emissions vary by region.

Will my 2021 Charger pass emissions testing?

The 2021 Charger meets all federal emissions standards and passes EPA certification. State-level emissions testing varies; some states conduct tailpipe inspections while others rely on OBD (onboard diagnostics) scans. A well-maintained 2021 Charger should pass in any state that conducts emissions tests.

Can I improve the fuel economy of my 2021 Charger?

Modest improvements are possible through maintenance (clean air filter, proper tire pressure, regular tune-ups) and driving habits (steady speeds, less aggressive acceleration). Expect gains of 1 to 3 miles per gallon at most. Aftermarket modifications that alter engine tuning or remove emissions equipment may improve power but typically reduce fuel economy and violate federal law.