What the 2021 Dodge Charger offers in engine choices and fuel consumption

The 2021 Dodge Charger comes with four engine options, each with different fuel economy and emissions profiles. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 horsepower and gets approximately 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway with rear-wheel drive. The next step up is a 5.7-liter V8 that delivers 370 horsepower but drops fuel economy to around 15 city and 24 highway. A 6.2-liter supercharged V8 produces 797 horsepower and achieves roughly 13 city and 21 highway. The top-tier engine is a 6.2-liter V8 in the Hellcat Redeye variant, which generates 797 horsepower and gets approximately 12 city and 20 highway miles per gallon.

All 2021 Charger models use regular unleaded gasoline and meet federal emissions standards for that model year. The fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gallons across all trims. Real-world fuel economy depends on driving habits, road conditions, and whether the vehicle has rear-wheel or all-wheel drive — all-wheel drive models typically see slightly lower highway efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2021 Charger offers a 3.6L V6 base engine with the best fuel economy at 16/25 mpg, or three V8 options with progressively higher performance and lower efficiency.
  • The supercharged 6.2L V8 and Hellcat Redeye engine both produce 797 horsepower but achieve roughly 13 city and 21 highway, or 12 city and 20 highway respectively.
  • All models use regular unleaded gasoline and carry an 18.5-gallon fuel tank.
  • Actual fuel economy varies based on driving style, transmission type, and whether the vehicle has rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

EPA emissions ratings and what they mean

The 2021 Dodge Charger meets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards for light-duty vehicles. The EPA assigns each vehicle a tailpipe emissions rating based on how much nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, and other pollutants it releases. The Charger's rating depends on which engine you choose — the V6 produces lower emissions than the V8 variants, and the supercharged models produce the highest.

The EPA also assigns a greenhouse gas rating on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the cleanest. The 2021 Charger V6 typically receives a rating of 5 or 6, while the V8 models score lower, usually between 2 and 4. This rating reflects the vehicle's carbon dioxide output per mile driven and is used to calculate the federal gas-guzzler tax for vehicles that fall below certain fuel economy thresholds.

Federal gas-guzzler tax for 2021 Charger models

The 2021 Dodge Charger is subject to the federal gas-guzzler tax on certain trims. This tax applies to new vehicles with a combined fuel economy rating below 22.5 miles per gallon. The V6 model, which achieves approximately 19 combined mpg, does not trigger the tax. The 5.7L V8 models, which average around 18 combined mpg, are subject to a $1,000 tax. The 6.2L supercharged V8 and Hellcat Redeye, both averaging around 16 combined mpg, face a $2,100 tax.

The gas-guzzler tax is separate from sales tax and is added to the vehicle's price at the time of purchase. It does not affect registration or annual fees — it is a one-time federal tax collected by the dealer and remitted to the U.S. Treasury. Some states also impose their own vehicle emissions or fuel economy surcharges, so check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for additional fees.

How the 2021 Charger compares to other muscle cars on emissions

The 2021 Charger sits in the full-size muscle car category alongside vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro and Chrysler 300. The V6 Charger is more efficient than most V8-powered competitors in its class, though it produces less horsepower. The Charger's V8 models have similar fuel economy and emissions profiles to comparable V8 muscle cars, though the supercharged variants are less efficient than naturally aspirated engines of the same displacement.

If emissions reduction is a priority, the V6 Charger is the most environmentally friendly option in the lineup. If you need V8 performance, the 5.7L naturally aspirated engine strikes a middle ground between power and efficiency. The supercharged 6.2L and Hellcat Redeye engines prioritize performance over environmental impact and carry the highest gas-guzzler tax and lowest EPA greenhouse gas ratings.

Understanding combined, city, and highway fuel economy numbers

The EPA publishes three fuel economy figures for every vehicle: city, highway, and combined. City driving involves frequent stops, starts, and lower speeds, which burns more fuel per mile. Highway driving at steady speeds is more efficient. The combined rating is a weighted average that reflects real-world driving patterns — it counts city driving at 55 percent and highway at 45 percent.

For the 2021 Charger V6, the EPA estimates 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined miles per gallon. Your actual fuel economy may differ based on factors like aggressive acceleration, idling time, road grade, tire pressure, and vehicle load. Cold weather also reduces efficiency because engines run less efficiently until they warm up. The EPA's numbers represent what an average driver might see under controlled test conditions, not a may provide of what you will achieve.

Maintenance and emissions system components

The 2021 Charger uses a catalytic converter and particulate filter to reduce tailpipe emissions. These components require no routine maintenance beyond what the owner's manual specifies. Using the correct grade of gasoline (regular unleaded) and keeping the engine properly tuned helps the emissions system function as designed. If the check engine light comes on, have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes — this often indicates an emissions system fault that should be addressed promptly.

The emissions warranty on a 2021 Charger typically covers the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and related components for eight years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is separate from the basic warranty and covers defects that cause the vehicle to fail emissions testing. If you live in a state that requires emissions testing, keep records of any repairs made to emissions components in case you need to reference them during inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2021 Charger have a hybrid or electric option?

No. The 2021 Charger is available only with gasoline engines. Dodge did not offer a hybrid or fully electric Charger in 2021. If fuel economy is a concern, the 3.6L V6 is the most efficient option in the lineup.

What is the gas-guzzler tax and do I have to pay it?

The gas-guzzler tax is a federal tax on new vehicles with combined fuel economy below 22.5 mpg. If you purchase a 2021 Charger V8 or supercharged model, the tax is included in the purchase price and collected by the dealer. You cannot avoid it by purchasing used — it only applies to new vehicle sales.

Can I improve the fuel economy of my 2021 Charger?

Modest improvements are possible through proper maintenance: keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure, use the correct motor oil grade, and avoid excessive idling. Aggressive driving and frequent hard acceleration significantly reduce fuel economy. Aftermarket modifications like lowering kits or larger wheels can also decrease efficiency.

How do I know if my Charger will pass emissions testing?

If the check engine light is off and the vehicle runs smoothly, it should pass. Some states test tailpipe emissions directly; others scan the onboard diagnostic system. If you fail, the emissions warranty may cover repairs. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for specific testing requirements in your area.