Is a Dodge Charger petrol or Diesel?
The Dodge Charger is petrol (gasoline) powered; there is no diesel variant offered in the Charger lineup.
Across its generations, the Charger has been equipped with gasoline engines ranging from a V6 to high-performance V8s. This article explains the fuel type, the current engine options, and how this fits within Dodge's performance-focused lineup.
Current engine lineup and fuel type
The following engines reflect the petrol options commonly found on recent Chargers. All of them run on gasoline, not diesel.
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine — typically paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gasoline engine — a traditional V8 option for higher-performance variants
- 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 gasoline engine — used in SRT/Hellcat variants for peak performance
In every generation of the Charger, these engines are gasoline-powered. There has not been an official diesel option offered for the Charger in the U.S. or other major markets.
Diesel options in the broader Dodge family
While the Dodge brand has used diesel engines in other models—most notably EcoDiesel variants in trucks and some SUVs—none of these diesel options has ever been offered for the Charger. Diesel variants exist in the broader Dodge family in select markets, but the Charger line has remained gasoline-powered.
Market context and history
The Charger’s appeal has centered on performance gasoline powertrains, aligning with its muscle-car heritage. Dodge has prioritized gasoline and other powertrain options in this model, but the Charger has consistently been petrol-powered in its recent lineup. Any change to fuel type would come with an official announcement from Stellantis and Dodge.
Summary
Bottom line: The Dodge Charger is petrol-powered. There is no diesel variant in the Charger lineup, and current and recent models use gasoline engines across V6 and V8 configurations, including high-performance Hellcat variants.
Is a Dodge Charger gas or diesel?
gas
Fuel up and burn rubber. Backed by 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, the Twin-Turbo gas-powered 2026 Charger Scat Pack generates an impressive 30 psi peak boost.
What fuel does a Dodge Charger use?
The required gas type for a Dodge Charger depends on the engine, ranging from 87-octane regular unleaded for standard V6 models to 91-octane or higher premium unleaded for high-performance V8s like the Scat Pack, SRT, and Hellcat. The 5.7L V8 models generally recommend 89 to 91 octane, with 89 being a good balance for performance and economy. Always check your owner's manual for the precise recommendation for your specific model.
By engine type
- 3.6L V6: Uses 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline.
- 5.7L V8: Recommends 89 to 91 octane for optimal performance; 87 is acceptable but may reduce power.
- 6.4L V8 (Scat Pack): Requires 91-octane or higher premium unleaded.
- 6.2L Supercharged V8 (SRT, Hellcat): Requires 91-octane or higher premium unleaded.
Important considerations
- Check your owner's manual: The most accurate fuel information for your specific vehicle will be in the owner's manual, says this Quora post.
- High-performance engines: High-performance V8 models need premium fuel to support their high-output engines and achieve their full potential.
- Using lower octane: While a lower octane gas might run in some engines, it can negatively impact performance and longevity, especially in high-performance models, says AutoBidMaster.
What engine is in a Dodge Charger?
The Dodge Charger has had several engine options, including gasoline and electric powertrains. For recent gasoline models, options included the 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 392 HEMI V8, and the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 in various trims. Newer models (2024 and later) are also introducing the 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane inline-6 (SIXPACK), as well as electric options.
Gasoline engines
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: The base engine in many trims, producing around 292–300 horsepower.
- 5.7L HEMI V8: A more powerful option that includes a fuel-saving technology that allows it to run on four cylinders when cruising.
- 392 HEMI V8: A V8 engine with 485 horsepower.
- Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8: The highest-performing gasoline engine, available in different output levels, with the High-Output version producing up to 797 horsepower.
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo Hurricane Inline-6 (SIXPACK): A new, twin-turbocharged inline-six engine available in the newest Charger models, producing over 420 horsepower depending on the tune.
Electric powertrains
- Newer models offer a range of all-electric options with different motor configurations and horsepower outputs, with some variants producing over 1,300 horsepower.
Is Dodge Hemi gas or diesel?
Gas engines provide a good balance of power and efficiency. The RAM 2500, for example, comes with a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that delivers 410 horsepower and 429 lb. -ft of torque. This engine offers robust performance for daily driving and light towing needs.
