What the 2023 Charger's fuel consumption looks like

The 2023 Dodge Charger comes in several engine configurations, and fuel economy varies significantly depending on which one you choose. The base model with a 3.6-liter V6 engine gets approximately 16 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway, for a combined rating of around 20 mpg. If you step up to the 5.7-liter V8, those numbers drop to roughly 15 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined. The high-performance R/T and SRT models with larger V8 engines consume even more fuel per mile.

These figures come from the EPA's testing process, which measures how much gasoline an engine burns under standardized driving conditions. The actual mileage you see will depend on your driving habits — highway driving at steady speeds typically yields better fuel economy than city driving with frequent stops and starts. Towing, aggressive acceleration, and cold weather all reduce efficiency.

For comparison, most mid-size sedans from other manufacturers in the same year range from 25 to 35 mpg combined, so the Charger's V6 sits in the middle-to-lower range for its class, and the V8 models fall below average for fuel efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Charger's V6 engine achieves approximately 20 mpg combined, while V8 models average around 19 mpg or lower depending on the specific engine.
  • EPA fuel economy ratings are based on standardized testing and your actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions, vehicle load, and maintenance.
  • The Charger produces tailpipe emissions that must meet federal EPA standards, with specific limits on nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants.
  • Dodge offers no hybrid or electric powertrain option for the 2023 Charger, so all models rely entirely on gasoline combustion.
  • Regular maintenance including oil changes, air filter replacement, and proper tire inflation helps maintain the vehicle's rated fuel economy and emissions performance.

How emissions standards explore to the 2023 Charger

The 2023 Charger must meet the EPA's Tier 3 emissions standards, which set limits on pollutants that come out of the tailpipe. These include nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and respiratory problems; particulate matter (PM), which is soot and other tiny particles; and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which react in sunlight to form ground-level ozone. The specific limits depend on whether the vehicle is classified as a light-duty truck or car, and the Charger falls into the car category.

Dodge publishes an emissions label on the driver's side door jamb that shows the vehicle's emissions rating — typically a number from 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating lower emissions. This label reflects how the specific engine and emissions control equipment perform during EPA testing. A Charger with a rating of 5 or 6 is considered average for its class; ratings of 7 or higher indicate better-than-average emissions performance.

The emissions control systems on a 2023 Charger include a catalytic converter (which converts harmful gases into less harmful ones), an evaporative emissions system (which captures fuel vapors), and on some models, a particulate filter. These systems add cost to the vehicle but are required by law.

Comparing the V6 and V8 engines on emissions

The V6 engine in the base 2023 Charger typically produces lower tailpipe emissions than the V8 models because it burns less fuel overall. However, both engine types must meet the same EPA standards, so the difference is one of degree rather than kind. A V6 Charger and a V8 Charger both have catalytic converters and emissions controls; the V6 straightforward has less exhaust to clean because it consumes less fuel.

The trade-off is performance: the V8 produces more horsepower and torque, which is why buyers choose it despite the higher fuel consumption and emissions. From an environmental standpoint, the V6 is the lower-impact option within the Charger lineup, though it still consumes more fuel than many competitors in the mid-size sedan class.

What happens during an emissions test

Every new 2023 Charger undergoes emissions testing before it leaves the factory. The vehicle is placed on a dynamometer (a machine that simulates driving) and run through a standardized test cycle that mimics city and highway driving. Sensors measure the concentration of pollutants in the exhaust gas, and the results are compared against EPA limits. If the vehicle passes, it receives a certificate of conformity; if it fails, it cannot be sold.

This factory testing is separate from the emissions inspections that some states require for used vehicles. Those inspections typically happen every one to two years and measure whether the vehicle's emissions control systems are still functioning properly. A 2023 Charger that has been well-maintained should pass these inspections throughout its life, provided the catalytic converter and other emissions equipment remain intact and undamaged.

Maintenance that affects fuel economy and emissions

Several routine maintenance tasks directly impact how much fuel your 2023 Charger burns and how many emissions it produces. Keeping the engine oil at the correct level and changing it on schedule (typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on oil type) reduces friction and helps the engine run efficiently. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work harder, reducing fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent, so replacing it when dirty is a straightforward way to recover efficiency.

Tire pressure also matters: underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. Checking tire pressure monthly and inflating to the manufacturer's recommended PSI (listed on the driver's door jamb) can improve fuel economy by 2 to 3 percent. Spark plugs, fuel filters, and the emissions control systems themselves should be serviced according to the owner's manual schedule.

If your check engine light comes on, have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes as soon as possible. A faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, or a failing catalytic converter can all trigger the light and cause the engine to run less efficiently and produce higher emissions.

Fuel type and octane rating for the 2023 Charger

The 2023 Charger with a V6 engine requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. The V8 models, particularly the R/T and SRT variants, require premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using a lower octane fuel than recommended can cause engine knock (a pinging sound), reduce performance, and potentially damage the engine over time.

Premium fuel costs more per gallon than regular fuel, so V8 Charger owners should factor this into their operating costs. The higher octane rating allows the engine to run at higher compression ratios, which is necessary for the V8's performance characteristics. Using the correct fuel type ensures the engine runs as designed and maintains its rated fuel economy and emissions performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2023 Charger have a hybrid or electric option?

No. Dodge did not offer a hybrid or fully electric version of the Charger for the 2023 model year. All 2023 Chargers use gasoline engines exclusively. If you are looking for lower emissions or better fuel economy in a performance sedan, you would need to consider vehicles from other manufacturers that offer hybrid or electric powertrains.

What does the emissions rating number on the door jamb mean?

The rating is a 0-to-10 scale showing how the vehicle's emissions compare to others in its class. A higher number means lower emissions. Most vehicles fall in the 5-to-7 range. This rating reflects the specific engine and emissions control equipment and is based on EPA testing, not on real-world driving.

Can I improve my 2023 Charger's fuel economy after purchase?

You can recover some lost efficiency through maintenance — keeping tires properly inflated, replacing a clogged air filter, and using the correct octane fuel all help. However, the fundamental fuel economy of your specific engine is set by its design. Aggressive driving, towing, and idling will always reduce efficiency below the EPA rating.

What happens if my catalytic converter fails?

A failing catalytic converter will typically trigger the check engine light and cause the vehicle to fail an emissions inspection. The converter must be replaced to restore emissions compliance and pass inspection. Catalytic converters are expensive (typically $800 to $1,500 in parts and labor), so keeping up with maintenance to avoid premature failure is important.

Is premium fuel worth the extra cost for a V6 Charger?

No. The V6 Charger is designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel. Using premium fuel will not improve performance or fuel economy and is an unnecessary expense. Only the V8 models require premium fuel to function as designed.