What the 2017 Charger R/T delivers in real-world fuel consumption and emissions

The 2017 Dodge Charger R/T is a full-size sedan powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower. The EPA rates it at 16 miles per gallon in the city, 25 miles per gallon on the highway, and 19 miles per gallon combined. These figures assume regular gasoline and an automatic transmission, which is the only transmission offered that year.

Actual fuel economy depends heavily on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Drivers who accelerate aggressively or spend most time in stop-and-go traffic typically see numbers closer to the city rating or lower. Highway driving at steady speeds tends to approach or slightly exceed the EPA highway estimate. The Charger R/T's weight—around 3,700 pounds—and the V8 engine's displacement mean fuel consumption is higher than mid-size sedans with four- or six-cylinder engines.

The 2017 model meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. It is not a zero-emission vehicle and produces carbon dioxide at a rate consistent with its fuel consumption—roughly 470 grams of CO2 per mile based on the combined EPA rating.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Charger R/T is rated 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined by the EPA, using regular unleaded gasoline.
  • Real-world fuel economy varies significantly based on driving patterns, with aggressive acceleration and city driving producing lower numbers than the EPA estimate.
  • The vehicle meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards but is not a low-emission or zero-emission vehicle.
  • Annual fuel cost and carbon emissions are substantially higher than comparable mid-size sedans with smaller engines.

How the 2017 Charger R/T compares to other full-size sedans

Among full-size performance sedans available in 2017, the Charger R/T's fuel economy is typical for its class. The Chevrolet Impala SS, powered by a 6.2-liter V8, was rated 14 city / 23 highway / 18 combined. The Chrysler 300C with a 5.7-liter V8 achieved similar numbers to the Charger R/T. Non-performance full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon or Honda Accord were rated significantly higher—in the mid-20s to low-30s combined—because they use smaller, naturally aspirated or turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines.

If fuel economy is a priority, the Charger R/T is not the right vehicle. If performance and interior space are the primary concerns, the fuel consumption is consistent with what that class of car delivers. The choice between the Charger R/T and a more efficient sedan is a trade-off between driving experience and operating cost, not a question of which vehicle is objectively better.

Fuel tank capacity and driving range

The 2017 Charger R/T holds 18.5 gallons of regular unleaded gasoline. At the EPA combined rating of 19 miles per gallon, this translates to a theoretical range of approximately 351 miles on a full tank. Highway driving at steady speeds may extend this to around 462 miles. City driving or aggressive acceleration will reduce it to roughly 296 miles or less.

The fuel door is located on the driver's side rear quarter panel. The vehicle does not have a capless fuel system, so you will need to remove the fuel cap by hand. The fuel pump shuts off automatically when the tank is full, so overfilling is not possible.

Maintenance factors that affect emissions and fuel economy

Several maintenance items directly influence how the 2017 Charger R/T performs relative to its EPA ratings. A clogged engine air filter increases fuel consumption and emissions; replacing it according to the owner's manual schedule—typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions—keeps the engine running at design efficiency. The same applies to the cabin air filter, though it affects comfort more than emissions.

Tire pressure also matters. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent per 5 pounds below the recommended pressure. The correct pressure for the 2017 Charger R/T is printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall. Check pressure monthly and before long trips.

Engine oil viscosity and condition affect fuel economy as well. Using the manufacturer-recommended oil grade—typically 5W-20 or 10W-30 depending on climate—and changing oil at the intervals specified in the owner's manual keeps internal friction at the design level. Synthetic oil does not improve fuel economy in the Charger R/T, though it does extend drain intervals.

A faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter can trigger the check engine light and degrade both emissions performance and fuel economy. If the light appears, have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes as soon as practical. Ignoring it does not make the problem go away and typically makes it worse.

What the EPA ratings mean and how they are tested

The EPA fuel economy and emissions ratings are based on standardized laboratory tests, not real-world driving. The fuel economy test uses a dynamometer—a machine that simulates road resistance—and follows a scripted driving cycle that includes acceleration, cruising, and idle periods. The test does not include highway speeds above 60 miles per hour, cold starts in winter, or air conditioning use, all of which reduce fuel economy in actual driving.

Emissions testing follows a similar controlled procedure. The vehicle is warmed up, then driven through a set cycle while exhaust is collected and analyzed. This test measures compliance with EPA standards but does not reflect every driving condition a vehicle will encounter over its life.

The EPA publishes a range around the official rating to account for variation. For the 2017 Charger R/T, the combined rating of 19 miles per gallon carries an implicit range; some vehicles and drivers will see 17 or 18, others 20 or 21. Extreme conditions—towing, mountain driving, very cold weather—will produce lower numbers. The rating is a reasonable baseline, not a may provide.

Fuel type and octane requirements

The 2017 Charger R/T requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Using premium (91 or 93 octane) fuel does not improve performance, fuel economy, or emissions. It is a waste of money. The engine is not designed to take advantage of higher octane.

Ethanol-blended fuel (E10, which contains up to 10 percent ethanol) is acceptable and widely available. E15 (15 percent ethanol) is not recommended for this model year. Fuel that contains methanol or other additives beyond standard detergents should be avoided.

Filling up with fuel from a reputable station reduces the risk of water or debris in the tank, which can damage the fuel pump and injectors. Avoid topping off the tank beyond the point where the pump clicks off; excess fuel can overflow into the charcoal canister and cause problems with the emissions system.

Resale value and the cost of ownership

The 2017 Charger R/T's fuel consumption and emissions profile affect its resale value and total cost of ownership. A vehicle that averages 19 miles per gallon will cost more to operate over time than one rated 25 or 30 miles per gallon, all else equal. If you plan to keep the car for five years and drive 12,000 miles per year, you will purchase approximately 3,158 gallons of fuel. At an average price of $2.50 per gallon, that is roughly $7,895 in fuel alone—not including maintenance, insurance, or depreciation.

Buyers shopping for a used 2017 Charger R/T should factor fuel cost into their decision. The car's appeal lies in its performance and interior space, not efficiency. If fuel economy is important to you, this is not the right vehicle, and buying one and then regretting the fuel bills is a common mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve the fuel economy of a 2017 Charger R/T with aftermarket parts?

Aftermarket air intakes, exhaust systems, and engine tuning may change how the engine performs, but they typically do not improve EPA-rated fuel economy. Some modifications may slightly reduce fuel consumption under specific conditions, while others increase it. Any modification that changes engine output or emissions characteristics may also affect emissions compliance and warranty coverage. Consult the owner's manual and the parts manufacturer before installing anything.

Is the 2017 Charger R/T a hybrid or does it have any fuel-saving technology?

No. The 2017 Charger R/T is a conventional gasoline vehicle with no hybrid system, cylinder deactivation, or start-stop technology. It is a straightforward V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. If fuel economy is a concern, a hybrid or turbocharged four-cylinder vehicle will deliver better results.

What happens if I use premium fuel instead of regular in a 2017 Charger R/T?

The engine will run normally and produce no problems. However, you will not gain any performance, fuel economy, or emissions benefit. Premium fuel costs more per gallon, so using it is straightforward more expensive. The owner's manual specifies regular unleaded for a reason—the engine is tuned to run optimally on that fuel grade.

How do I find the EPA label with the fuel economy and emissions information?

The EPA Monroney label is attached to the driver's side window of new vehicles and typically remains visible on used cars. It displays the EPA fuel economy rating, estimated annual fuel cost, and emissions information. If the label has been removed or is not visible, you can look up the 2017 Charger R/T's ratings on fueleconomy.gov by entering the year, make, model, and engine size.

Does the 2017 Charger R/T meet current emissions standards?

The 2017 Charger R/T meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards, which were the applicable standard when the vehicle was manufactured. It does not meet newer standards like Tier 3, which took effect in 2017 for new vehicles but did not explore retroactively to models already in production. For registration and inspection purposes, the vehicle is legal in all 50 states, though some states have stricter emissions testing requirements than others.