The Dodge Charger Super Bee is a high-performance muscle car with emissions ratings and fuel economy figures that reflect its engine size and power output

The Dodge Charger Super Bee, produced from 1968 to 1974 and revived in 2023, is a full-size performance sedan powered by large-displacement V8 engines. The original Super Bee models came standard with a 440-cubic-inch engine, while the 2023 relaunch offers a 6.2-liter supercharged V8. Because these are powerful engines designed for acceleration rather than fuel efficiency, the Super Bee ranks among the least fuel-efficient vehicles in its class and produces emissions levels consistent with high-horsepower gasoline engines.

If you own or are considering purchasing a Super Bee, understanding its emissions profile and fuel economy helps you plan for operating costs and understand how it compares to other vehicles in the muscle car category. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates vehicles on tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption, and those ratings appear on the window sticker and in the vehicle's documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee with the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 is rated at approximately 14 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway by the EPA.
  • Emissions classifications for the Super Bee fall under Tier 3 standards, which explore to all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States as of 2017.
  • The original 1968–1974 Super Bee models were not subject to modern emissions testing and have no EPA fuel economy or emissions ratings.
  • Actual fuel economy varies based on driving habits, maintenance, and whether the vehicle is driven in city or highway conditions.
  • The Super Bee's high-performance engine produces more nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than smaller, naturally aspirated engines.

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings for the 2023 Super Bee

The 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee, equipped with the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 807 horsepower, carries an EPA combined fuel economy rating of approximately 17 miles per gallon. City driving yields roughly 14 mpg, while highway driving reaches about 23 mpg. These figures place the Super Bee among the lowest fuel economy vehicles available in the current market, though they are typical for vehicles in the high-performance muscle car segment.

The EPA calculates these ratings through standardized testing procedures that simulate both city and highway driving patterns. The combined rating weights city driving more heavily than highway driving. Your actual fuel economy will differ based on how you drive—aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, and stop-and-go traffic reduce efficiency, while steady highway speeds improve it.

Dodge provides the official fuel economy label on the window sticker of any new Super Bee, and you can also find this information on the EPA's fueleconomy.gov website by entering the vehicle's year, make, and model.

Emissions Standards and Tailpipe Pollutants

The 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee meets Tier 3 emissions standards, the current federal requirement for all new passenger vehicles. Tier 3 standards, which took effect in 2017, set limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and other regulated pollutants that exit the tailpipe. The Super Bee achieves compliance through a combination of engine design, fuel injection systems, and emissions control equipment including a catalytic converter and particulate filter.

Despite meeting these standards, the Super Bee's large supercharged engine produces higher absolute levels of NOx and PM than smaller engines because it burns more fuel per mile. A supercharged V8 generates more combustion events and higher combustion temperatures than a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, both of which increase emissions of nitrogen oxides. The vehicle's emissions control systems reduce these pollutants but cannot eliminate them entirely.

The EPA does not publish individual tailpipe emissions numbers for consumer vehicles on the window sticker. Instead, it certifies that the vehicle meets the Tier 3 standard. Detailed emissions data is available in the vehicle's certification documents, which manufacturers file with the EPA but are not routinely provided to buyers.

How the Original Super Bee Compares to Modern Standards

The original Dodge Charger Super Bee, produced between 1968 and 1974, predates modern emissions regulations. The Clean Air Act of 1970 introduced the first federal emissions standards, but they were far less stringent than today's Tier 3 requirements. Original Super Bee models equipped with 440-cubic-inch engines were never tested by the EPA under current procedures, so no comparable fuel economy or emissions ratings exist for them.

If you own a classic Super Bee, it is not subject to EPA fuel economy labeling or current emissions testing. However, many states require emissions testing for vehicles registered within their borders, and the requirements vary by state and model year. Some states exempt vehicles older than a certain year (often 25 to 30 years) from testing. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the specific rules that explore to your vehicle.

Real-World Fuel Economy and Driving Patterns

EPA ratings represent standardized test results, but your actual fuel economy depends on how you drive. The Super Bee's supercharged engine is designed to deliver maximum power on demand, and using that power—rapid acceleration, high-speed driving, and frequent gear changes—burns fuel quickly. Drivers who accelerate gradually, maintain steady speeds, and avoid idling typically see fuel economy closer to the EPA highway rating. Drivers who use the vehicle's performance capabilities regularly may see significantly lower numbers.

Maintenance also affects fuel economy. A properly tuned engine with clean fuel injectors, fresh spark plugs, and correct tire pressure delivers better efficiency than one that is neglected. Tire pressure is particularly important: underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce mpg. Check your Super Bee's tire pressure monthly and inflate to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire itself.

Fuel quality matters as well. The 2023 Super Bee requires premium gasoline (91 or 92 octane, depending on your location) to run properly and achieve its rated performance and efficiency. Using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knock, which triggers the engine control computer to retard timing and reduce power output, potentially worsening fuel economy.

Comparing the Super Bee to Other Muscle Cars

The 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee's 17 mpg combined rating is comparable to other current high-performance vehicles. The Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 6.2-liter V8 achieves similar fuel economy, as does the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Vehicles with smaller turbocharged engines, such as the Chevrolet Camaro with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, achieve significantly better fuel economy—often in the mid-20s combined—but produce substantially less power.

If fuel economy is a primary concern, muscle cars are not the most efficient choice in any category. Sedans and crossovers with four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains routinely achieve 25 to 35 mpg combined. The trade-off for the Super Bee's performance is higher fuel consumption and higher emissions per mile driven.

Understanding the Window Sticker and Fuel Economy Label

Every new vehicle sold in the United States carries an EPA Fuel Economy and Environment label on the window. For the Super Bee, this label displays the combined, city, and highway fuel economy ratings in miles per gallon, the annual fuel cost estimate based on average driving, and the vehicle's emissions classification. The label also shows how the Super Bee ranks compared to other vehicles of the same model year and class.

The annual fuel cost estimate assumes you drive 15,000 miles per year and uses the current national average fuel price at the time the label is printed. Your actual annual fuel cost will vary based on how much you drive, local fuel prices, and your driving habits. The label provides a starting point for comparison but should not be treated as a may provide of your costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Super Bee have a hybrid or electric option?

No. The 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee is available only with the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 gasoline engine. Dodge has not announced hybrid or electric versions of the Super Bee. The Dodge Charger lineup does include a battery-electric model called the Charger Daytona, but it is a separate vehicle with different performance characteristics and is not badged as a Super Bee.

Can I improve the Super Bee's fuel economy with aftermarket modifications?

Some modifications may slightly improve efficiency, such as upgrading to low-rolling-resistance tires or optimizing the fuel injection system. However, modifications that increase power output—such as tuning the engine computer or installing a larger supercharger—will reduce fuel economy. Any modification that alters emissions control systems may render the vehicle non-compliant with federal standards and is illegal for road use.

What does "Tier 3" emissions mean?

Tier 3 is the current federal emissions standard for new passenger vehicles, implemented in 2017. It sets maximum limits on nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants. All new vehicles sold in the United States must meet Tier 3 standards. Tier 3 is more stringent than previous standards but less stringent than proposed future standards.

Is the 2023 Super Bee more fuel-efficient than the original 1968 model?

The 2023 Super Bee is likely more efficient per horsepower produced, but direct comparison is not possible because the original model was never tested under EPA procedures. The original 440-cubic-inch engine probably achieved single-digit fuel economy in real-world driving. Modern engine technology, fuel injection, and emissions controls make the 2023 model more efficient overall, despite its higher power output.

Where can I find the official EPA fuel economy rating for my Super Bee?

The EPA rating appears on the window sticker of any new vehicle at the dealership. You can also search for your specific vehicle year, make, and model on fueleconomy.gov, which is maintained by the EPA and Department of Energy. The site allows you to compare fuel economy across vehicles and estimate annual fuel costs.