The Dodge Charger four-door has offered different powertrains across model years, each with distinct fuel consumption and emissions profiles

The Dodge Charger four-door sedan was produced from 2006 through 2024, and its environmental performance depends heavily on which engine and transmission you're looking at. The V8 models—particularly the 5.7-liter Hemi and the 6.4-liter Hemi in later years—consume significantly more fuel and produce higher emissions than the V6 option. A 2023 Charger with the 5.7-liter V8 and automatic transmission, for example, is rated at 16 city / 25 highway miles per gallon by the EPA, while a 2020 model with the same engine carries a similar rating. The 3.6-liter V6 models, available in earlier years, achieved better fuel economy but were phased out as Dodge shifted its lineup toward performance-focused engines.

Emissions classifications also shift by model year because federal standards tightened over time. A 2010 Charger and a 2020 Charger with the same engine size will have different EPA emissions ratings because the 2020 model had to meet stricter tailpipe standards. The 2024 Charger, Dodge's final year before discontinuation, came with either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter V8, and both were designed to meet current Tier 3 emissions standards, which limit nitrogen oxides and particulate matter more strictly than earlier regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dodge Charger four-door's fuel economy ranges from approximately 16–25 mpg depending on engine size, transmission type, and model year, with V8 models consuming more fuel than V6 alternatives.
  • Emissions standards became stricter after 2009, so newer Chargers produce lower tailpipe emissions than older models with the same engine displacement.
  • The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was the most common engine in four-door Chargers from 2011 onward and carries a higher environmental footprint than smaller engines.
  • Dodge discontinued the Charger sedan after 2024, so used-market availability and emissions data vary significantly by year and powertrain.

Engine options and their fuel consumption patterns

The 3.6-liter V6 appeared in Chargers from 2006 through the early 2010s and delivered the best fuel economy of any Charger engine. EPA ratings for V6 models typically fell in the 17–19 city / 26–28 highway range, depending on transmission and model year. However, Dodge phased out the V6 after 2010 as consumer demand shifted toward the V8's performance characteristics, and the company prioritized that engine for the Charger's brand identity.

The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 became the standard engine from 2011 onward and remained so through the final 2024 model year. This engine produced 370 horsepower in most years and carried EPA ratings of 16 city / 25 highway miles per gallon with the automatic transmission. The 6.4-liter Hemi, introduced in 2015 as an optional upgrade, delivered 485 horsepower but achieved similar or slightly lower fuel economy—typically 15 city / 24 highway—because of its larger displacement and higher power output.

Transmission type also matters. Chargers equipped with a five-speed automatic (common in 2006–2010 models) achieved lower highway fuel economy than those with an eight-speed automatic (standard from 2015 onward). The newer transmission's additional gears allow the engine to operate at lower RPMs at highway speeds, reducing fuel consumption by roughly 1–2 mpg on the highway cycle.

How emissions standards changed across model years

The EPA's Tier 2 emissions standards, which applied to most Chargers from 2006 through 2009, set limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter but were less restrictive than later rules. A 2008 Charger with a 5.7-liter V8 met Tier 2 standards but would not pass inspection under today's Tier 3 rules without modification.

Tier 3 standards took effect in 2017 and applied to all new vehicles sold from that year forward. These rules reduced the allowable sulfur content in gasoline and tightened NOx and particulate emissions limits by approximately 80 percent compared to Tier 2. As a result, a 2017 or newer Charger produces significantly lower tailpipe emissions than a 2010 model, even if both have the same 5.7-liter V8 engine. The catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and fuel injection systems in newer models are calibrated to meet these stricter thresholds.

Some states, including California, adopted their own emissions standards that are stricter than federal Tier 3 rules. Chargers sold in California from 2017 onward carry a "LEV II" or "LEV III" rating (Low Emission Vehicle) and produce even lower NOx and particulate emissions than federal-standard vehicles. If you're buying a used Charger and plan to register it in a state with its own standards, confirm that the model year and engine combination meet that state's requirements.

Comparing the Charger to other four-door sedans in its class

The Dodge Charger occupied a unique market position: it was a full-size, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan with V8 power, which made direct fuel economy comparisons difficult. A 2020 Charger with the 5.7-liter V8 (16 city / 25 highway) consumed more fuel than a 2020 Toyota Camry V6 (28 city / 39 highway) but less than a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette (15 city / 27 highway). The Charger's weight, aerodynamics, and engine tuning all influenced its position in that range.

Emissions comparisons follow a similar pattern. The 2020 Charger's combined emissions rating was higher than the Camry's but lower than the Corvette's, reflecting the trade-off between performance and environmental impact. If fuel economy and emissions were your primary concern, a mid-size sedan with a four-cylinder engine would outperform any Charger. If you prioritized V8 performance, the Charger's efficiency was competitive within that narrower category.

What to look for when buying a used Charger

When shopping for a used Charger, the model year and engine combination determine both fuel economy and emissions compliance. A 2015 or newer Charger with the 5.7-liter V8 will meet Tier 3 standards and achieve the EPA's rated 16 city / 25 highway fuel economy if the vehicle is well-maintained. Older models—2010 and earlier—may not pass emissions testing in states with stricter rules, and their fuel economy ratings were typically lower due to older transmission and engine management technology.

Check the vehicle's maintenance history, particularly for the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors, because these components directly affect emissions performance. A Charger with a replaced or damaged catalytic converter may fail emissions testing even if it's otherwise mechanically sound. The EPA's Fueleconomy.gov website allows you to search by model year and engine size to see the official ratings for any Charger you're considering.

Understanding the EPA's fuel economy and emissions labels

Every Charger sold in the United States carries an EPA Monroney label (the window sticker) that displays the estimated city, highway, and combined fuel economy in miles per gallon. This label also shows the vehicle's emissions rating—typically a number from 1 to 10, where 10 is the cleanest. A 2023 Charger with the 5.7-liter V8 received an emissions rating of 5, meaning it produced moderate tailpipe pollution compared to all vehicles on the road that year.

The label also displays an estimated annual fuel cost based on EPA assumptions about driving patterns and current fuel prices. This figure is updated annually and is useful for comparing vehicles, but your actual fuel cost will depend on your local fuel prices and driving habits. The "SmartWay" designation, which appears on some labels, indicates that the vehicle meets additional environmental criteria set by the EPA, though most Chargers did not carry this designation because of their V8 engines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fuel economy I can expect from a Dodge Charger four-door?

The 3.6-liter V6 models from 2006–2010 achieved approximately 17–19 city and 26–28 highway miles per gallon. The 5.7-liter V8, which became standard from 2011 onward, delivered 16 city and 25 highway. No Charger four-door model achieved significantly higher fuel economy than these figures.

Will an older Charger pass emissions testing in my state?

That depends on your state's standards and the Charger's model year. Chargers from 2017 onward meet federal Tier 3 standards and will pass in most states. Older models may fail in states with stricter rules like California. Contact your local emissions testing facility with the specific model year and engine size to confirm.

Does a Charger with the 6.4-liter Hemi use significantly more fuel than the 5.7-liter?

The 6.4-liter typically achieved 15 city and 24 highway miles per gallon, compared to 16 city and 25 highway for the 5.7-liter—a difference of roughly 1 mpg. The larger engine's higher power output accounts for the slightly lower efficiency, but the gap is smaller than the displacement difference might suggest.

Can I find EPA fuel economy and emissions data for a specific Charger I'm considering?

Yes. Visit Fueleconomy.gov and search by model year, make, and engine size. The site displays the official EPA ratings, estimated annual fuel cost, and emissions classification for any Charger produced since 2006.