What the Charger GT is and where it sits in the emissions picture

The Dodge Charger GT is a mid-level trim of Dodge's full-size muscle sedan, positioned between the base model and the higher-performance R/T and SRT variants. It uses a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower and runs on regular unleaded gasoline. Because it is a large, V8-powered vehicle, it produces more emissions and uses more fuel than compact sedans or hybrids, but it produces less of both than the more powerful Charger R/T and SRT models.

The Charger GT's environmental footprint depends partly on the model year you are looking at. Dodge made changes to emissions control systems and fuel efficiency across the Charger lineup over time, so a 2023 Charger GT will have different numbers than a 2015 model. The EPA assigns it to a specific emissions tier based on its engine size, fuel type, and pollution control equipment, but that classification does not tell you whether the car is "good" or "bad" for the environment — only how it compares to other vehicles in its class.

Key Takeaways

  • The Charger GT's 5.7-liter V8 engine produces roughly 22 to 24 miles per gallon on the highway and 15 to 17 in the city, depending on driving habits and model year.
  • It emits carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides at rates typical for full-size V8 sedans, higher than four-cylinder cars but lower than the Charger R/T and SRT models.
  • Dodge equips the Charger GT with a catalytic converter and particulate filter to reduce tailpipe emissions, but these do not eliminate them.
  • If you own a Charger GT, regular maintenance of the emissions control system — especially the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors — keeps it running at its designed emission level.

Fuel economy and what it means for your costs and emissions

The EPA rates the Charger GT at approximately 15 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined rating around 18 to 19 mpg depending on the model year and transmission. These numbers assume average driving conditions and driver behavior. Real-world fuel use varies: aggressive acceleration, idling, and highway speeds above 60 mph all lower fuel economy, while steady, moderate driving can push it slightly higher.

Fuel consumption directly affects carbon dioxide emissions. A vehicle that burns more gasoline produces more CO2 per mile driven. The Charger GT, burning roughly 5 to 6 gallons per 100 miles in mixed driving, produces approximately 110 to 130 pounds of CO2 per 1,000 miles. Over a year of 12,000 miles of driving, that amounts to roughly 1,300 to 1,600 pounds of CO2 — more than a comparable four-cylinder sedan would produce, but less than a Charger R/T or a large pickup truck.

Emissions the Charger GT produces and how they are controlled

The Charger GT's V8 engine produces four main categories of emissions: carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are local air pollutants that affect air quality and human health, especially in urban areas. Volatile organic compounds react with sunlight to form ground-level ozone, which damages lungs and vegetation.

Dodge controls these emissions using three systems. A catalytic converter in the exhaust system converts carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons into less harmful compounds. An oxygen sensor monitors exhaust composition and feeds data back to the engine computer, which adjusts the fuel-air mixture to burn more completely. A particulate filter (added to newer model years) traps soot and ash before they exit the tailpipe. None of these systems eliminate emissions entirely — they reduce them to levels the EPA considers acceptable for that vehicle class.

How the Charger GT compares to other vehicles in its class

Among full-size V8 sedans, the Charger GT sits in the middle of the emissions and fuel-use spectrum. A Charger R/T, with its 370-horsepower 5.7-liter engine tuned for higher output, produces slightly more emissions and uses slightly more fuel. A Charger SRT, with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, uses noticeably more fuel and produces more emissions than both. A base Charger with a smaller V8 or a six-cylinder engine (in earlier model years) would use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.

Compared to vehicles outside the muscle-car category, the Charger GT uses more fuel and produces more emissions than a mid-size four-cylinder sedan, a hybrid sedan, or an electric vehicle. A Toyota Camry with a four-cylinder engine, for example, achieves roughly 28 to 32 mpg combined and produces about 60 to 70 pounds of CO2 per 1,000 miles. A Honda Accord hybrid achieves 45 to 50 mpg and produces roughly 35 to 40 pounds of CO2 per 1,000 miles. An electric vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions, though its total environmental impact depends on the electricity grid's fuel mix in your region.

Maintenance that keeps emissions at their designed level

The Charger GT's emissions control systems work only when they are functioning correctly. A failing catalytic converter, a faulty oxygen sensor, or a clogged particulate filter will cause emissions to rise above the EPA's standard for that vehicle. Regular maintenance prevents this. Follow Dodge's recommended service schedule: replace the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, change the oil and filter every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, and have the fuel system cleaned periodically to prevent carbon buildup on the fuel injectors.

If your Charger GT's check engine light comes on, have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes as soon as possible. Codes related to the oxygen sensor (P0130 through P0167), catalytic converter (P0420, P0430), or emissions system (P0400 through P0499) indicate that emissions control is not working as designed. Ignoring these codes will cause emissions to rise and may eventually trigger a failed emissions test if your state or locality requires one. Replacing a catalytic converter or oxygen sensor is expensive — typically $500 to $2,000 depending on the part — but it restores the vehicle to its designed emission level.

What happens if your Charger GT fails an emissions test

If your state or county requires periodic emissions testing and your Charger GT fails, the most common reason is a malfunctioning emissions control component. The test measures tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. A vehicle that fails typically has a check engine light on, a faulty oxygen sensor, a degraded catalytic converter, or a clogged particulate filter. Some states allow you to retest after repairs; others require you to wait a set period before retesting.

A few states offer a waiver for vehicles that fail emissions testing after a good-faith repair attempt. The rules vary by state and by the vehicle's age. In some places, a vehicle that is more than 10 or 15 years old and fails despite a repair attempt may receive a waiver, allowing registration to continue. Contact your state's environmental or motor vehicle agency to learn whether your Charger GT is may be able to access and what the repair cost threshold is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Charger GT have a particulate filter?

Newer model years (2020 and later) include a gasoline particulate filter as standard. Older Charger GTs do not. The filter traps soot before it exits the tailpipe, reducing particulate emissions. If you own a newer Charger GT and the check engine light comes on with a code related to the particulate filter, have it inspected — a clogged filter can reduce engine performance and increase emissions.

Can I modify the exhaust system to improve fuel economy?

Aftermarket exhaust systems can reduce backpressure and may improve fuel economy slightly, typically by 1 to 3 percent. However, removing or disabling the catalytic converter or particulate filter is illegal in all 50 states and will cause the vehicle to fail emissions testing. Any modification must retain all emissions control equipment to remain street-legal.

What is the difference between the Charger GT and the Charger R/T in terms of emissions?

Both use the same 5.7-liter V8 engine, but the R/T is tuned for higher horsepower and torque output. This tuning causes the R/T to produce slightly more emissions and use slightly more fuel than the GT. The difference is small — roughly 1 to 2 mpg lower on the R/T — but measurable over time.

How often should I have my Charger GT's emissions system inspected?

If your state requires emissions testing, follow that schedule — typically every one or two years. If your state does not require testing, inspect the emissions system whenever the check engine light comes on or if you notice reduced fuel economy, rough idling, or a sulfur smell from the exhaust. Annual oil changes are a good opportunity to ask your mechanic to visually inspect the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor connections.