What the 2022 Charger's fuel consumption looks like

The 2022 Dodge Charger comes in several engine options, and each one has different fuel economy numbers. The base model with a 3.6-liter V6 engine gets an EPA estimate of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, for a combined 19 mpg. The R/T model with a 5.7-liter V8 gets 15 city, 24 highway, and 18 combined. The SRT 392 with an 8.3-liter V8 gets 14 city, 23 highway, and 17 combined.

These numbers matter because they tell you roughly how much fuel you'll burn through in a year of driving. A car that gets 19 mpg will cost more to fuel than one that gets 25 mpg, especially when gas prices rise. The difference between the V6 and V8 models adds up quickly if you drive frequently or have a long commute.

Real-world fuel economy often differs from EPA estimates. Aggressive driving, highway speeds above 60 mph, and carrying heavy loads all reduce mpg. Cold weather also makes engines less efficient. Your actual numbers may be lower than what the window sticker shows.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Charger V6 gets 19 mpg combined, while the V8 models get 17 to 18 mpg combined.
  • Larger engines in the R/T and SRT 392 models burn more fuel but produce more horsepower.
  • The Charger's emissions fall into the standard passenger car category under EPA rules, not the stricter truck or SUV standards.
  • Actual fuel economy depends on your driving habits, weather, and how much weight you carry.
  • The 2022 model year does not include a plug-in hybrid or fully electric version of the Charger.

Emissions standards the 2022 Charger meets

The 2022 Charger is classified as a passenger car under EPA emissions rules, which means it must meet Tier 3 emissions standards. These standards limit how much nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants the engine can release. All 2022 Chargers come with a catalytic converter and emissions control system to meet these requirements.

The Charger does not carry an electric or hybrid powertrain option in 2022, so it produces tailpipe emissions from gasoline combustion alone. If you're looking for a Dodge muscle car with lower emissions, the 2023 model year introduced the Charger Daytona, which is fully electric, but that is outside the 2022 lineup.

How the V6 and V8 engines compare on fuel use

The V6 engine is the most fuel-efficient choice in the 2022 Charger lineup. It produces 292 horsepower and gets the best mpg of any Charger model. If your priority is lower fuel costs and you don't need maximum performance, the V6 is the practical option.

The V8 engines trade fuel economy for power. The 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T produces 370 horsepower but costs more to fuel. The 8.3-liter V8 in the SRT 392 produces 485 horsepower and has the lowest fuel economy of the three. Buyers of V8 Chargers typically prioritize performance over fuel savings, and the higher fuel cost is an expected trade-off.

What affects your actual fuel economy

EPA estimates assume a mix of city and highway driving under moderate conditions. Your real-world mpg will vary based on several factors you control. Driving at steady speeds below 60 mph uses less fuel than highway speeds of 70 mph or higher. Smooth acceleration and gradual braking also improve economy compared to rapid starts and hard stops.

Idling, short trips, and cold starts all reduce fuel economy because the engine runs less efficiently when it's not warmed up. Carrying extra weight—roof racks, cargo, passengers—makes the engine work harder and burns more fuel. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower mpg. Checking your tire pressure monthly and keeping it at the manufacturer's recommended level can improve fuel economy by a few percent.

Winter driving typically reduces fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent compared to summer, because cold engines run less efficiently and winter fuel blends have lower energy content. If you live in a cold climate, expect your mpg to drop during the colder months.

The Charger's weight and size relative to fuel economy

The 2022 Charger is a full-size sedan that weighs between 3,600 and 4,200 pounds depending on the engine and trim level. Heavier vehicles require more energy to move, which is why the lighter V6 model gets better fuel economy than the heavier V8 models. The car's aerodynamic design helps offset some of the weight penalty, but physics still favors smaller, lighter vehicles for fuel consumption.

The Charger's size and weight are typical for American muscle cars and full-size sedans. If fuel economy is your main concern, a compact sedan or hybrid vehicle would use significantly less fuel, but you would lose the Charger's performance and interior space.

Maintenance that keeps fuel economy steady

A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and uses less fuel. Regular oil changes with the correct oil grade help the engine operate smoothly. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work harder, so replacing it according to your owner's manual schedule improves economy. Spark plugs that are worn or fouled also reduce efficiency.

Having your fuel injectors cleaned and your engine tuned by a mechanic can restore fuel economy if it has dropped over time. If you notice your mpg suddenly getting worse, it may signal a problem with the fuel system, ignition timing, or emissions controls that a technician should diagnose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2022 Charger have a hybrid option?

No. The 2022 Charger lineup includes only gasoline engines: the 3.6-liter V6, the 5.7-liter V8, and the 8.3-liter V8. Dodge did not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid Charger in 2022. The fully electric Charger Daytona became available starting in the 2023 model year.

What's the difference between EPA city and highway mpg numbers?

City mpg measures fuel economy during stop-and-go driving with frequent acceleration and braking. Highway mpg measures steady-speed driving with fewer stops. Highway mpg is always higher because the engine runs more efficiently at constant speeds. Your actual combined mpg depends on what percentage of your driving is city versus highway.

Can I improve the 2022 Charger's fuel economy with aftermarket parts?

Some modifications like a cold air intake or performance exhaust may slightly improve airflow, but gains are typically small—often 1 to 2 mpg at most. Modifications that increase horsepower usually decrease fuel economy. Changing your driving habits has a much larger effect on mpg than any aftermarket part.

How does the 2022 Charger's fuel economy compare to other muscle cars?

The Charger's 19 mpg combined (V6) is competitive with other full-size American muscle cars. The Chevrolet Camaro V6 gets similar numbers, while V8 muscle cars from Dodge, Chevrolet, and Ford typically range from 16 to 18 mpg combined. Fuel economy is not a strength of the muscle car category.

What does Tier 3 emissions mean for the 2022 Charger?

Tier 3 is an EPA standard that limits pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from gasoline engines. All 2022 Chargers meet this standard through their catalytic converters and engine management systems. Tier 3 is less strict than standards for newer model years, which is why 2022 and older cars produce more emissions than 2023 and newer vehicles.