What the 2016 Dodge Charger costs to fuel and maintain

The 2016 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan with three engine options, and which one you own determines your fuel costs and emissions profile. The base V8 engine (370 horsepower) averages 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway according to EPA testing. The R/T model with a larger V8 (440 horsepower) drops to 15 city and 24 highway. The SRT model, the most powerful version, rates 14 city and 23 highway. All three use regular unleaded gasoline.

Real-world fuel costs depend on your driving mix and local gas prices. A driver who splits time between city and highway driving in the base model should budget roughly $1,400 to $1,600 per year for fuel, assuming average U.S. gas prices. The R/T and SRT models will run $200 to $300 higher annually. These figures shift with your commute pattern — mostly highway driving improves mileage by 30 to 40 percent, while stop-and-go city driving can worsen it by the same margin.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger's fuel economy ranges from 14 to 16 mpg in city driving and 23 to 25 mpg on highways, depending on which V8 engine you own.
  • All three engine options require regular unleaded gasoline, and annual fuel costs typically fall between $1,400 and $1,900 depending on driving patterns and local prices.
  • The Charger's emissions classification and tax implications vary by state, so checking your state's vehicle registration rules will show whether you owe extra fees.
  • Maintenance costs for the 2016 Charger are moderate for a full-size sedan, with oil changes, spark plugs, and brake service being the most common expenses.

Emissions ratings and what they mean for registration

The EPA classifies the 2016 Dodge Charger as a Tier 2, Bin 5 vehicle under the National Tier 2 emissions standard. This means it meets federal emissions limits for nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, but it does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle (LEV) or ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV) under California's stricter rules.

If you live in a state that follows California's emissions standards — including New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado — your 2016 Charger may face additional registration requirements or fees. Some of these states charge higher registration fees for vehicles that do not meet LEV standards. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see whether your specific model triggers extra costs at renewal time.

States that follow federal EPA standards only do not impose emissions-based registration fees on the 2016 Charger. However, some localities within those states may require emissions testing as part of vehicle inspection, so confirm your county's rules before registration renewal.

Annual maintenance costs and what drives them

Routine maintenance for a 2016 Charger typically costs $500 to $800 per year if you follow the manufacturer's schedule. Oil and filter changes run $50 to $75 every 10,000 miles. Spark plug replacement, due around 100,000 miles, costs $200 to $300. Brake pads usually need replacement between 50,000 and 70,000 miles and run $150 to $250 per axle.

Transmission fluid service is recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles and costs $150 to $200. Coolant flushes, typically due at 100,000 miles, run $100 to $150. These are preventive services that keep the engine and drivetrain running smoothly. Skipping them can lead to larger repairs — a transmission rebuild, for example, can cost $2,000 to $4,000.

Actual costs vary by region and whether you use a dealership or independent shop. Dealerships typically charge 20 to 40 percent more than independent mechanics for the same work. If your Charger is still under warranty (unlikely for a 2016 model unless it was purchased recently as a used vehicle with an extended warranty), some of these services may be covered.

Insurance costs for the 2016 Charger

Insurance premiums for a 2016 Dodge Charger are higher than average for a sedan because of the vehicle's power, weight, and repair costs. The Charger's V8 engines and performance reputation push insurers to charge more for collision and comprehensive coverage. A 40-year-old driver with a clean record and good credit typically pays $1,200 to $1,600 per year for full coverage (collision, comprehensive, and liability) on a 2016 Charger.

Younger drivers or those with accidents or violations on their record face significantly higher premiums — sometimes double or more. Shopping quotes from at least three insurers is worth the time, because rates vary widely based on the insurer's own claims data for this model. Some insurers view the Charger as a higher-risk vehicle; others do not.

Depreciation and resale value

The 2016 Dodge Charger depreciates at a moderate pace for a full-size sedan. A base model that sold new for roughly $29,000 typically trades for $12,000 to $15,000 today, depending on mileage and condition. R/T models, which started around $35,000, usually fetch $14,000 to $18,000. SRT models, originally priced near $47,000, often sell for $16,000 to $22,000 used.

Mileage is the largest factor in resale value. A Charger with 60,000 miles will be worth roughly 20 to 30 percent more than one with 100,000 miles, all else equal. Service history, accident reports (checked via Carfax or AutoCheck), and the condition of the interior and exterior also affect what a dealer or private buyer will offer.

Fuel tank size and driving range

The 2016 Charger holds 18.5 gallons of fuel. With the base V8 engine averaging 20 miles per gallon combined (a blend of city and highway driving), a full tank gives you roughly 370 miles of range. The R/T and SRT models, with lower combined fuel economy around 19 mpg, deliver roughly 350 miles per tank. These are estimates; actual range depends on your driving style, traffic conditions, and terrain.

The fuel door is located on the driver's side rear quarter panel. The fuel cap is not tethered, so keep track of it when refueling. Using the correct fuel grade (regular unleaded) is important — using premium fuel will not improve performance or economy on the 2016 Charger, since the engine is not designed to take advantage of it.

How to check your specific vehicle's emissions and efficiency data

The EPA publishes detailed emissions and fuel economy information for every 2016 Charger variant on fueleconomy.gov. Enter "2016 Dodge Charger" and select your engine size and transmission to see the exact EPA ratings, estimated annual fuel cost, and a breakdown of city versus highway performance. This site also shows how your model compares to other sedans in the same class.

Your vehicle's door jamb label (on the driver's side door frame) lists the original EPA fuel economy estimate and the vehicle's VIN. If you are buying a used 2016 Charger, this label helps confirm the engine and transmission match the seller's description. The owner's manual, available free from Dodge's website or through your local dealership, contains the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and recommended service intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2016 Charger may have access to for any tax credits or rebates?

No. The 2016 Charger does not meet the efficiency thresholds for federal tax credits, which are reserved for hybrid and electric vehicles. Some states offer rebates for older vehicles traded in for newer, more efficient models, but this varies by state and program. Check your state's environmental or energy office website to see whether such a program exists in your area.

What is the difference between the base, R/T, and SRT models in terms of fuel economy?

The base model averages 16 city and 25 highway. The R/T drops to 15 city and 24 highway. The SRT, with the most powerful engine, rates 14 city and 23 highway. All three use the same fuel type (regular unleaded), but the larger engines in the R/T and SRT burn more fuel per mile.

Can I improve my 2016 Charger's fuel economy with modifications?

Minor improvements are possible through proper tire inflation, regular maintenance, and smooth driving habits. Keeping tires at the manufacturer's recommended pressure (listed on the door jamb) can improve economy by 2 to 3 percent. Aftermarket modifications like intake systems or exhaust changes rarely improve fuel economy and may void your warranty.

How often should I service my 2016 Charger to keep it running efficiently?

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, which typically calls for oil changes every 10,000 miles, spark plug replacement at 100,000 miles, and transmission fluid service every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Staying on schedule prevents larger repairs and helps maintain fuel economy and resale value.

What should I know about winter driving and fuel economy?

Cold weather reduces fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent because the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature and winter-blend gasoline has lower energy content. Tire pressure also drops in cold weather, which increases rolling resistance. Check your tire pressure monthly during winter and may support your engine is properly tuned to minimize these effects.