2023 Dodge Charger Engine Options and Their Real-World Fuel Use

The 2023 Dodge Charger came with three engine choices, and fuel economy varies significantly between them. The base model uses a 3.6-liter V6 that achieves approximately 16 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway. The mid-tier 5.7-liter V8 drops to around 16 city and 25 highway. The high-performance 6.2-liter supercharged V8 — available only in the R/T Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat trims — delivers roughly 14 city and 23 highway.

These figures assume standard driving patterns and can shift based on your actual habits. Aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, and highway speeds above 65 mph all lower real-world numbers. Conversely, steady highway cruising at moderate speeds tends to improve them slightly. The EPA publishes these estimates, but your own mileage depends on how and where you drive.

All 2023 Chargers require regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum), though the supercharged engines recommend premium (91 octane or higher) for optimal performance. Using lower-octane fuel in those models can trigger engine knock and reduce power output.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Charger's fuel economy ranges from 16 city/27 highway with the V6 engine down to 14 city/23 highway with the supercharged V8.
  • Real-world mileage depends on driving habits, road conditions, and whether you use city streets or highways more often.
  • The V6 model is the most fuel-efficient option if economy is a priority, while the supercharged engines prioritize performance over efficiency.
  • Supercharged models require premium gasoline, which costs more per gallon than regular unleaded fuel.

Emissions Standards the 2023 Charger Meets

The 2023 Dodge Charger meets the EPA's Tier 3 emissions standards, which explore to all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States. These standards limit nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds that contribute to smog and air quality problems. Every 2023 Charger, regardless of engine size, includes a catalytic converter and particulate filter to reduce harmful exhaust.

Dodge also equipped all 2023 Chargers with an onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II) that monitors emissions equipment and alerts you if something malfunctions. If your check engine light comes on, that system has detected a problem — usually with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, or fuel system — that affects emissions performance.

The vehicle does not carry a separate emissions rating or label beyond the standard EPA compliance. All models meet the same federal baseline; the difference lies in how much fuel they burn to meet that standard.

How the Charger's Weight and Design Affect Fuel Economy

The 2023 Charger is a full-size muscle car weighing between 3,700 and 4,500 pounds depending on the engine and trim. That mass requires more energy to move, which is why even the V6 model does not achieve the fuel economy of a midsize sedan. The car's aerodynamic design — built for straight-line speed rather than wind resistance — also plays a role in highway efficiency.

Dodge made no major structural changes to the 2023 model year compared to 2022, so fuel economy ratings remained consistent. The supercharged models carry additional weight from their larger engine and cooling systems, which further reduces their efficiency numbers.

Comparing the 2023 Charger to Other Muscle Cars

The 2023 Charger's fuel economy sits in the middle range for full-size American muscle cars. A 2023 Chevrolet Camaro with a V6 achieves similar city mileage but slightly better highway numbers. A 2023 Dodge Challenger with the same V8 engine delivers comparable efficiency. The Charger's four-door sedan body does not significantly improve economy compared to two-door competitors, because the weight and power demands remain similar.

If fuel economy is your primary concern, a V6-powered Charger will outperform any V8 option in the lineup. However, it will still consume more fuel than a compact or midsize sedan designed around efficiency rather than performance.

Understanding the EPA Fuel Economy Label

Every 2023 Charger carries an EPA fuel economy label on the window sticker that shows city, highway, and combined mileage. The combined figure is a weighted average that assumes 55 percent city driving and 45 percent highway driving. Your actual mileage may be higher or lower depending on whether your driving pattern matches that split.

The label also displays an estimated annual fuel cost based on the national average gas price at the time the label was printed. That number is historical and does not predict future prices. You can use the EPA's website to calculate your own estimated costs based on your local fuel prices and expected annual mileage.

Maintenance Items That Affect Emissions and Fuel Economy

Several routine maintenance tasks directly impact how efficiently your 2023 Charger runs and how cleanly it burns fuel. Keeping your engine oil at the correct level and viscosity (the owner's manual specifies which grade) reduces friction and improves efficiency. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work harder, lowering fuel economy and increasing emissions. Replacing it according to the maintenance schedule — typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions — restores performance.

Tire pressure also matters. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate to the PSI listed on the driver's door jamb (not the maximum PSI on the tire sidewall). A malfunctioning oxygen sensor or catalytic converter will trigger the check engine light and significantly worsen both fuel economy and emissions performance, so address those issues promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2023 Charger have a hybrid or electric option?

No. Dodge offered no hybrid or fully electric version of the Charger for the 2023 model year. All 2023 Chargers use gasoline engines exclusively. The company announced plans for an electric muscle car, but it was not available in 2023.

What octane fuel should I use in the V6 model?

Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is sufficient for the 3.6-liter V6 engine. Using premium fuel provides no benefit and wastes money. The supercharged V8 models, however, recommend 91 octane or higher to prevent engine knock and maintain performance.

Will my 2023 Charger pass an emissions test?

Yes, provided the emissions equipment is functioning correctly and the check engine light is not on. If your check engine light is illuminated, have the vehicle scanned for fault codes before taking it for an emissions inspection. A malfunctioning catalytic converter or oxygen sensor will cause a test failure.

Can I improve fuel economy by driving differently?

Yes. Avoiding rapid acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and reducing idling time can improve your real-world mileage by 5 to 10 percent. Highway driving at 55 mph uses less fuel than the same distance at 70 mph. However, the Charger's design limits how much improvement is possible compared to vehicles built specifically for efficiency.

What does the combined fuel economy number mean?

Combined mileage is a weighted average assuming 55 percent city driving and 45 percent highway driving. If you drive mostly on highways, your actual mileage will likely exceed the combined number. If you drive mostly in the city, your actual mileage will likely fall below it.