What the 2022 Charger R/T delivers in fuel economy and emissions

The 2022 Dodge Charger R/T, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, achieves 16 miles per gallon in city driving, 25 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined according to EPA testing. That combined figure is the standard used for fuel economy labels and tax calculations. The vehicle produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, which explains the relatively modest fuel economy for a car of its size — the V8 engine prioritizes power over efficiency.

Emissions testing places the 2022 Charger R/T in the standard tier for light-duty vehicles, not a special low-emission category. The car meets federal Tier 3 emissions standards, which all new vehicles sold in the United States must meet. It does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle (LEV) or ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV) under California's stricter standards, meaning it cannot be registered in states that follow California's emissions rules unless purchased before those rules took effect in your state.

Real-world fuel economy typically runs 1 to 3 mpg lower than EPA estimates, depending on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Highway driving at steady speeds produces results closer to the EPA estimate; city driving with frequent acceleration and idling produces noticeably worse results.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Charger R/T achieves 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined mpg, with actual results often 1 to 3 mpg lower depending on driving patterns.
  • The vehicle meets federal Tier 3 emissions standards but does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle under California standards.
  • Annual fuel cost estimates from the EPA assume 15,000 miles driven per year and current fuel prices, which may differ from your actual usage and local gas prices.
  • The 5.7-liter V8 engine produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, trading fuel efficiency for performance.

How EPA fuel economy testing works and why real-world results 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 two standardized cycles: one mimicking city driving with frequent stops and starts, and one mimicking highway driving at constant speed. The results are adjusted downward by 10 to 20 percent to account for the gap between lab conditions and actual driving, but real-world variation is still significant.

Your actual fuel economy depends on several factors the EPA test cannot fully replicate. Aggressive acceleration and frequent braking consume more fuel than the test assumes. Cold weather reduces fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent because the engine runs richer (more fuel, less air) until it reaches operating temperature. Driving at highway speeds above 50 mph increases aerodynamic drag and reduces efficiency. Underinflated tires, worn spark plugs, and a clogged air filter all reduce fuel economy measurably.

The EPA publishes a range rather than a single number for this reason. The 2022 Charger R/T's combined 19 mpg represents the midpoint of testing; individual vehicles and driving patterns will produce results above and below that figure.

Comparing the 2022 Charger R/T to other V8 muscle cars

The 2022 Charger R/T's 19 mpg combined is typical for large V8-powered sedans. The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS, powered by a similar 6.2-liter V8, achieves 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined mpg — identical to the Charger R/T. The 2022 Ford Mustang GT, with a 5.0-liter V8, achieves 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined mpg as well.

Smaller-displacement V8 engines do not necessarily deliver better fuel economy. The 2022 Dodge Charger R/T's 5.7-liter engine is actually smaller than the Camaro SS's 6.2-liter, yet both achieve the same EPA rating. Engine efficiency, transmission type, vehicle weight, and aerodynamics all influence the final number. The Charger R/T uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps it achieve highway efficiency comparable to lighter sports cars.

If fuel economy is a primary concern, a V6-powered Charger or a turbocharged four-cylinder sedan will deliver noticeably better results — typically 22 to 28 mpg combined — but at the cost of significantly lower horsepower and acceleration.

Understanding emissions standards and what they mean for registration

The 2022 Charger R/T meets federal Tier 3 emissions standards, which regulate the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) the vehicle can emit. All new vehicles sold nationwide must meet these standards. However, California and several other states have adopted stricter standards under Section 209 of the Clean Air Act, which allows California to set its own emissions rules.

Under California standards, vehicles are classified as Tier 2 (standard), LEV (low-emission vehicle), ULEV (ultra-low-emission vehicle), or SULEV (super-ultra-low-emission vehicle). The 2022 Charger R/T does not meet LEV standards, meaning it cannot be registered in California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, or Washington D.C. unless it was purchased before those states adopted California standards.

If you live in one of these states and purchase a 2022 Charger R/T, you will not be able to register it for road use. Some buyers in these states purchase vehicles in neighboring states and attempt to register them, but this practice violates state law and registration will be denied.

Annual fuel cost and total cost of ownership

The EPA estimates annual fuel cost for the 2022 Charger R/T at approximately $1,450 to $1,550 per year, based on 15,000 miles of driving and national average fuel prices at the time of publication. This figure varies significantly based on your actual annual mileage and local gas prices. A driver who travels 20,000 miles per year will spend roughly $1,900 to $2,050 on fuel; a driver who travels 10,000 miles per year will spend roughly $950 to $1,050.

The Charger R/T's fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, so a full tank costs roughly $55 to $75 depending on current gas prices and your location. At 19 mpg combined, a full tank provides approximately 350 miles of driving range. Highway driving extends this range to roughly 460 miles; city driving reduces it to roughly 300 miles.

Total cost of ownership includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. The Charger R/T's V8 engine requires regular oil changes and spark plug replacement, and performance-oriented driving increases wear on brakes and tires. Insurance premiums for a muscle car are typically higher than for a comparable sedan due to higher repair costs and accident risk.

Fuel type, octane rating, and maintenance requirements

The 2022 Charger R/T requires regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knock (a pinging sound under acceleration), which reduces performance and can damage the engine over time. Premium gasoline with 91 or 93 octane is not required but may improve performance slightly in some driving conditions.

The vehicle's fuel economy figures assume regular 87-octane fuel. Using premium fuel will not improve fuel economy and will increase your fuel costs without benefit. Some owners report slightly better acceleration with premium fuel, but this is a performance preference, not a requirement.

Maintenance intervals for the 2022 Charger R/T follow Dodge's recommended schedule: oil changes every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first; spark plug replacement every 30,000 miles; and transmission fluid inspection every 60,000 miles. Keeping the engine properly maintained helps preserve fuel economy and prevents premature wear.

How to improve real-world fuel economy

Several driving and maintenance practices can improve the 2022 Charger R/T's real-world fuel economy. Accelerate gradually rather than aggressively; jackrabbit starts consume significantly more fuel than smooth acceleration. Maintain steady speeds on the highway; driving at 55 mph instead of 70 mph can improve fuel economy by 10 to 15 percent. Avoid excessive idling; if you will be stopped for more than 10 seconds, turning off the engine and restarting it uses less fuel than idling.

Tire pressure directly affects rolling resistance and fuel economy. Check tire pressure monthly and maintain the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb (not the maximum pressure listed on the tire itself). Underinflated tires reduce fuel economy by roughly 3 percent for every 1 psi below the recommended pressure. Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle; roof racks and cargo carriers increase aerodynamic drag and reduce fuel economy.

Regular maintenance preserves fuel economy. A clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or low transmission fluid all reduce efficiency. Following Dodge's recommended maintenance schedule helps may support the engine operates at peak efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a 2022 Charger R/T in California or other strict emissions states?

No, the 2022 Charger R/T does not meet California's LEV standards and cannot be registered in California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, or Washington D.C. Attempting to register a non-compliant vehicle in these states will result in registration denial.

What is the difference between EPA fuel economy estimates and real-world results?

EPA estimates are laboratory-based and adjusted downward by 10 to 20 percent to account for real-world variation. Actual fuel economy depends on driving habits, weather, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. City driving typically produces results 2 to 3 mpg lower than EPA estimates; highway driving often comes closer to the estimate.

Does using premium gasoline improve fuel economy on the 2022 Charger R/T?

No. The Charger R/T requires a minimum of 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline. Premium fuel will not improve fuel economy and will only increase your fuel costs. Some owners report slightly better acceleration with premium, but this is a performance preference, not a requirement or economy benefit.

How many miles can I drive on a full tank of gas?

At the EPA combined rating of 19 mpg, a full 18.5-gallon tank provides approximately 350 miles of range. Highway driving at steady speeds may extend this to 460 miles; city driving with frequent stops may reduce it to 300 miles or less, depending on driving patterns.

What maintenance helps preserve fuel economy?

Keep tires properly inflated to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb, replace air filters on schedule, maintain spark plugs every 30,000 miles, and follow oil change intervals. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently and delivers fuel economy closer to EPA estimates.