Engine choices and horsepower on the 2016 Charger

The 2016 Dodge Charger came with three engine options, each producing different power levels. The base engine was a 3.6-liter V6 that made 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The mid-tier option was a 5.7-liter V8 producing 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier engine was a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 found in the R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 models, which delivered 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

All three engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 was standard across most trim levels, while the 5.7-liter V8 came on R/T models and higher. The 6.2-liter supercharged engine was reserved for performance-focused trims and represented the most powerful option available that model year.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger offered a 3.6-liter V6 with 292 horsepower, a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower, or a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 485 horsepower depending on trim level.
  • Fuel economy ranged from 16 city/25 highway for the V6 to 14 city/23 highway for the 5.7-liter V8, with the supercharged engine consuming more fuel.
  • The Charger was available in rear-wheel drive only, with a 0-60 time of approximately 5.7 seconds for the V6 and under 4 seconds for the supercharged V8.
  • Standard safety features included multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and available backup camera, though the 2016 model predates many modern driver-information systems.
  • The sedan seated five passengers and offered a trunk capacity of 16.2 cubic feet across all trim levels.

Fuel economy and real-world driving costs

The 2016 Charger's fuel economy depended heavily on which engine you had. The 3.6-liter V6 achieved an EPA rating of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, making it the most efficient option. The 5.7-liter V8 dropped to 14 city and 23 highway. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 was rated at 13 city and 21 highway, reflecting its performance focus.

Real-world fuel costs also varied by driving habits and local gas prices. A driver averaging 12,000 miles per year in mixed driving would spend considerably more with the V8 engines than the V6. The Charger required regular unleaded gasoline, and the fuel tank held 18.5 gallons across all models.

Acceleration, top speed, and performance metrics

The 2016 Charger's performance varied significantly by engine. The V6 model could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 5.7 seconds, with a top speed around 130 mph. The 5.7-liter V8 R/T cut that time to roughly 4.8 seconds and reached a top speed near 145 mph. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the SRT 392 and Scat Pack models achieved 0-60 in under 4 seconds with a top speed exceeding 160 mph.

Braking performance was solid across the lineup, with all models using four-wheel disc brakes. The Charger's weight ranged from 3,600 to 3,700 pounds depending on engine choice, which affected handling and acceleration. Rear-wheel drive was the only drivetrain available, giving the car a classic muscle-car feel but requiring more driver attention in wet conditions.

Interior space, seating, and cargo capacity

The 2016 Charger was a full-size sedan with room for five passengers across two rows. Front seats offered good legroom and adjustability, while rear passengers had adequate space for adults on shorter trips. The interior measured 203.2 inches in overall length, 75.7 inches in width, and 56.5 inches in height, making it one of the larger sedans on the market.

Cargo space totaled 16.2 cubic feet in the trunk, which was typical for a sedan of that size. The rear seats did not fold, so the trunk was your only storage option for larger items. Interior materials ranged from cloth on base models to leather on higher trims, and the cabin featured a dashboard-mounted infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on most models.

Standard and available safety features

The 2016 Charger came standard with dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags along the side windows. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes were standard across the lineup. A backup camera was available on most trims and helped with parking and reversing.

The 2016 model year predates many modern driver-information systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping information, which became more common in later years. Blind-spot mirrors were available, and some trims offered a blind-spot monitoring system. The Charger earned a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, though specific crash test scores varied by impact type.

Transmission, drivetrain, and handling characteristics

All 2016 Chargers used an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with rear-wheel drive. The transmission was designed to balance fuel economy with responsive acceleration, downshifting quickly when the driver pressed the accelerator. Dodge offered a sport-shift mode on some trims that let drivers manually select gears using paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Rear-wheel drive gave the Charger a traditional muscle-car character but required more caution in snow and ice compared to front-wheel-drive competitors. The suspension used a double-wishbone front end and a multi-link rear setup, tuned for a balance between comfort and handling. Performance trims like the R/T and SRT 392 featured stiffer suspension and larger brakes for more aggressive driving.

Trim levels and what each one included

The 2016 Charger came in five main trim levels: SE, SXT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and SRT 392. The SE was the base model with the 3.6-liter V6, cloth seats, and basic infotainment. The SXT added features like dual-zone climate control, a backup camera, and upgraded upholstery. The R/T introduced the 5.7-liter V8, leather seats, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 both featured the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 but differed in specific performance upgrades. The SRT 392 included additional performance enhancements, premium leather, and exclusive styling. All trims came with power windows, power locks, and power steering as standard. Higher trims added heated seats, a premium sound system, and navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the R/T Scat Pack and the SRT 392?

Both use the same 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with 485 horsepower, but the SRT 392 includes additional performance tuning, exclusive exterior styling, and more premium interior materials. The SRT 392 is the higher-tier performance model and costs more.

Can the 2016 Charger handle winter driving?

Rear-wheel drive makes winter driving more challenging than front-wheel-drive cars. Winter tires are strongly recommended, and drivers need to be cautious on snow and ice. All-wheel drive was not available on the 2016 Charger.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Charger?

Insurance costs depend on your age, driving record, location, and which trim level you own. V8 models typically cost more to insure than the V6 due to higher horsepower. Contact insurance companies directly for quotes on specific models.

What is the towing capacity of the 2016 Charger?

The 2016 Charger was not designed for towing and did not come with a factory tow package. It is a performance sedan, not a truck or SUV, so towing was not a feature offered by Dodge.

How reliable is the 2016 Dodge Charger?

Reliability varies by individual vehicle and maintenance history. The 2016 Charger had some reported issues with transmission and electrical systems in certain cases. Regular maintenance and inspection reports from a mechanic can help assess the condition of any used model you are considering.