The 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody's Real-World Fuel Economy

The 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody with its 6.4-liter V8 engine gets an EPA-estimated 14 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway, for a combined rating of 17 mpg. These numbers assume regular gasoline and a manual transmission; the automatic transmission version rates slightly lower at 13 city, 21 highway, and 16 combined. Real-world fuel economy often runs lower than EPA estimates, especially if you drive aggressively or in stop-and-go traffic.

The wide body kit and larger wheels on this model do not change the fuel economy rating compared to the standard Scat Pack, but they do add weight, which can push actual consumption higher. If you plan to own this car, budget for frequent fill-ups—the fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, so a full tank on the highway might get you 425 miles before you need to refuel.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Scat Pack Widebody achieves 17 mpg combined (14 city, 23 highway) with the manual transmission, making it one of the less fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.
  • The 6.4-liter V8 engine requires regular unleaded gasoline, not premium, though premium fuel may improve performance slightly.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically falls below EPA estimates, especially with aggressive driving or city commuting.
  • The widebody styling and larger wheels add weight that can reduce fuel economy compared to a standard Charger.
  • Annual fuel costs for this vehicle are substantially higher than for sedans with smaller engines or hybrid powertrains.

Emissions Standards and What They Mean

The 2023 Charger Scat Pack Widebody meets the federal Tier 3 emissions standards, which set limits on nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. These standards explore to all new light-duty vehicles sold in the United States. The car also complies with state-level standards in California and other states that have adopted California's stricter rules, though it is not classified as a low-emission vehicle.

Because this is a large V8 sedan, it falls into a higher emissions category than smaller or hybrid vehicles. The EPA assigns it a smog rating of 5 out of 10, meaning it produces more smog-forming emissions than average. The greenhouse gas rating is 2 out of 10, reflecting the higher carbon dioxide output from the large engine.

How the V8 Engine Affects Your Carbon Footprint

A 6.4-liter V8 engine produces roughly 10 to 11 tons of carbon dioxide per year under typical driving conditions—about double what a mid-size sedan with a four-cylinder engine produces. This estimate assumes 12,000 miles of driving annually, which is the standard used for fuel economy and emissions calculations. If you drive more, your annual emissions will be proportionally higher.

The widebody Charger does not have a hybrid option or a smaller engine variant, so there is no way to reduce emissions by choosing a different powertrain within the same model line. If lower emissions are a priority, you would need to consider a different vehicle entirely—either a smaller Dodge model, a sedan from another manufacturer, or an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Fuel Type and Octane Requirements

The 2023 Scat Pack Widebody runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. You do not need to buy premium fuel to operate the car safely or meet its warranty requirements. However, Dodge notes that using 91 or 93 octane fuel may provide slightly better performance and fuel economy, though the difference is typically small—less than 1 mpg in most cases.

The engine is designed to run on regular fuel without knocking or pinging, so using premium is a choice based on performance preference, not necessity. If fuel costs are a concern, regular unleaded will work fine and will not damage the engine.

Comparing the Scat Pack Widebody to Other V8 Sedans

The 2023 Charger Scat Pack Widebody's 17 mpg combined rating is similar to other large V8 sedans. The Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 6.2-liter V8 achieves 16 mpg combined. The Dodge Challenger R/T with a 5.7-liter V8 gets 16 mpg combined. The Chrysler 300C with a 5.7-liter V8 achieves 17 mpg combined. None of these vehicles are known for fuel efficiency, and all produce significant emissions compared to smaller or electrified vehicles.

If you are comparing the Scat Pack Widebody to vehicles outside the muscle car category, the difference becomes more pronounced. A Toyota Camry with a four-cylinder engine achieves 28 to 32 mpg combined. A Honda Accord hybrid reaches 48 to 50 mpg combined. These comparisons matter if fuel costs or environmental impact factor into your decision.

What the EPA Labels Tell You

Every new car comes with an EPA label on the window that shows fuel economy, estimated annual fuel cost, and a letter grade for smog and greenhouse gas emissions. For the 2023 Charger Scat Pack Widebody, that label will show 17 mpg combined, an estimated annual fuel cost in the $2,000 to $2,500 range depending on local gas prices, and the emissions ratings mentioned above.

The label also includes a "fuel economy compare" tool that lets you see how this car stacks up against other vehicles. You can use this tool at fueleconomy.gov to compare the Scat Pack Widebody to any other 2023 model year vehicle. The site also shows you what similar vehicles cost to fuel over five years, which can help you understand the long-term cost of ownership.

Maintenance and Emissions System Durability

The 2023 Charger Scat Pack Widebody includes a catalytic converter and emissions control system designed to last the life of the vehicle under normal conditions. The catalytic converter is covered under the federal emissions warranty for eight years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the emissions system fails within that window, Dodge will repair or replace it at no cost.

Regular maintenance—oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug service—helps keep the emissions system working properly. Neglecting maintenance can cause the check engine light to come on and may result in failed emissions testing in states that require it. If you plan to keep the car long-term, budget for emissions system repairs after the warranty expires, as catalytic converter replacement can cost $500 to $1,500 depending on the shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the widebody kit make the car less fuel-efficient?

The widebody kit itself does not change the EPA fuel economy rating, but it does add weight to the car. In real-world driving, this extra weight can reduce fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg compared to a standard Charger Scat Pack. The larger wheels that typically come with the widebody package also increase rolling resistance, which further reduces efficiency.

Can I make the Scat Pack Widebody more fuel-efficient with modifications?

Some modifications—like switching to lower-rolling-resistance tires or removing excess weight—may improve fuel economy slightly, but the gains are usually small. Performance modifications like tuning the engine or upgrading the exhaust typically reduce fuel economy. The best way to improve efficiency is to drive smoothly, avoid idling, and keep the car properly maintained.

What is the difference between the Scat Pack and the R/T in terms of emissions?

The Scat Pack has a 6.4-liter V8 engine, while the R/T has a 5.7-liter V8. The Scat Pack produces more emissions and gets lower fuel economy because of the larger engine. The R/T achieves 16 mpg combined and has a slightly higher emissions rating. If emissions are a concern, the R/T is marginally better, but both are high-emission vehicles.

Is the 2023 Charger Scat Pack Widebody available as a hybrid?

No. Dodge does not offer a hybrid version of the Charger Scat Pack Widebody. The only powertrain option is the 6.4-liter V8 engine. If you want a Dodge with better fuel economy, the base Charger with a 3.6-liter V6 achieves 19 mpg combined, but it is not available with the widebody kit.

How do I find the fuel economy and emissions information for a specific car I am considering?

Visit fueleconomy.gov and search for the 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody by model year, make, and model. The site shows EPA fuel economy, estimated annual fuel cost, emissions ratings, and comparisons to other vehicles. You can also check the window sticker on any new car at a dealership, which displays the same information in an straightforward-to-read format.