The 2023 Charger GT delivers 16 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway, with emissions that fall into the standard category for mid-size muscle cars

The 2023 Dodge Charger GT runs on a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower. The EPA rates its combined fuel economy at 20 miles per gallon — 16 in city driving and 27 on the highway. These numbers reflect real-world performance in a vehicle built for power rather than efficiency, and they matter if you're budgeting for gas or thinking about your vehicle's environmental footprint.

The Charger GT's emissions profile is typical for gasoline V8 engines in its class. It does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle under California's standards, and it is not a hybrid or electric option. If environmental impact or fuel cost is a primary concern in your vehicle choice, understanding these numbers upfront helps you decide whether this model fits your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Charger GT achieves 16 city / 27 highway / 20 combined miles per gallon according to EPA testing.
  • The vehicle uses regular unleaded gasoline and has a 16-gallon fuel tank, meaning a full tank covers roughly 320 miles of mixed driving.
  • Annual fuel cost estimates depend on your local gas prices and driving patterns, but the EPA provides a baseline you can adjust to your situation.
  • The Charger GT does not meet California's Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards and produces standard tailpipe emissions for a V8 gasoline engine.

How the 2023 Charger GT compares to other V8 muscle cars

The Charger GT sits in a competitive segment with other American V8 performance vehicles. Its 20 combined MPG is typical for this class — comparable to the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger R/T, which also use large-displacement V8 engines. If you're choosing between similar models, fuel economy differences are usually small enough that driving style and maintenance matter more than the EPA rating itself.

What distinguishes the Charger GT is its four-door sedan body, which adds weight compared to two-door coupes but also adds practicality. That extra weight is reflected in the fuel economy — a two-door Challenger with the same engine typically achieves slightly better highway numbers. If you need rear-seat space and doors, the trade-off in MPG is the cost of that convenience.

Understanding EPA fuel economy ratings and real-world driving

The EPA tests vehicles on a standardized cycle that simulates city and highway driving, but your actual mileage will vary based on how you drive. Aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, and highway speeds above 60 mph all reduce fuel economy below the EPA estimate. Conversely, steady-speed highway driving and smooth acceleration can sometimes match or slightly exceed the rating.

For the Charger GT, the gap between city (16 MPG) and highway (27 MPG) is large because the engine works harder in stop-and-go traffic. If your driving is mostly city streets, expect numbers closer to 16. If you spend most time on highways at moderate speeds, you may see numbers in the low-to-mid 20s. Keeping your tires properly inflated and your engine well-maintained helps you stay closer to the EPA estimate.

Emissions standards and what they mean

The 2023 Charger GT meets federal Tier 3 emissions standards, which explore to all new gasoline vehicles sold in the United States. These standards limit tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. However, the Charger GT does not meet California's stricter Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards, which means it cannot be registered in California or other states that follow California's rules unless you purchase it used.

If you live in a state that follows federal standards only — most states east of the Mississippi and many western states — the Charger GT's emissions are fully legal. The difference between federal and California standards reflects the state's air quality history and stricter environmental regulations. Neither standard makes a vehicle "dirty" or "clean" in absolute terms; they straightforward represent different regulatory thresholds.

Annual fuel costs and how to estimate yours

The EPA provides an annual fuel cost estimate for the Charger GT, but that number changes with gas prices in your area. To calculate your own estimate, divide your expected annual miles by the combined MPG (20), then multiply by your local gas price per gallon. For example, if you drive 12,000 miles per year and gas costs $3.50 per gallon, you would spend roughly $2,100 on fuel annually.

The Charger GT's 16-gallon fuel tank means you'll visit the pump roughly every 320 miles of mixed driving. If you drive mostly highway, you might stretch that to 430 miles. Keeping track of your actual fuel economy over several fill-ups gives you a more accurate picture than the EPA estimate alone, because it accounts for your specific driving patterns and local conditions.

Maintenance and fuel economy over time

A well-maintained Charger GT will hold its EPA fuel economy rating throughout its life. A clogged air filter, worn spark plugs, or low tire pressure can reduce MPG by 5 to 10 percent. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and spark plug replacements — all listed in your owner's manual — keep the engine running efficiently. If you notice a sudden drop in fuel economy, a diagnostic scan can identify whether the issue is a sensor, a fuel injector, or something else.

The Charger GT uses regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), not premium, so you don't need to pay extra at the pump. Using the correct fuel grade and keeping your engine tuned helps you maintain the fuel economy you paid for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get better fuel economy by driving differently?

Yes. Smooth acceleration, steady highway speeds below 65 mph, and avoiding unnecessary idling can improve your MPG by 5 to 15 percent. Aggressive driving and rapid acceleration consume significantly more fuel because the V8 engine works harder. Your driving style matters more than any modification you can make to the vehicle.

What does it mean that the Charger GT doesn't meet California emissions standards?

It means the vehicle produces higher levels of certain pollutants than California allows. If you live in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington, you cannot register a new 2023 Charger GT. Used vehicles have different rules depending on the state.

Is the 2023 Charger GT a hybrid or electric vehicle?

No. The Charger GT is a traditional gasoline V8 engine with no hybrid or electric components. Dodge does not offer a hybrid or electric version of the Charger GT. If you're interested in lower emissions or better fuel economy, you would need to consider a different vehicle model.

How does the fuel tank size affect how often I refuel?

The 16-gallon tank means you can drive roughly 320 miles on a full tank with mixed city and highway driving. On highway-only driving, you might reach 430 miles. This is typical for mid-size sedans and means you'll refuel every week or two depending on your mileage, not every few days.