What the 2011 Charger R/T delivers and what it costs to own

The 2011 Dodge Charger R/T is a four-door muscle sedan powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 mph. The engine pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. You get a full-size sedan with seating for five, a trunk large enough for groceries or luggage, and the straight-line performance of a car that was built to move quickly in a straight line.

Fuel economy is the trade-off. The EPA rates the 2011 Charger R/T at 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway when driven in mixed conditions. Real-world numbers from owners tend to fall between 15 and 22 mpg depending on driving habits and road conditions. The fuel tank holds 18.0 gallons, which means a highway fill-up can take you roughly 450 miles before you need to refuel. Premium fuel (91 octane or higher) is recommended but not strictly required; regular 87-octane fuel will work, though it may reduce power output slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2011 Charger R/T uses a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, delivering 0-60 acceleration in about 5.1 seconds.
  • Fuel economy averages 16 city and 25 highway according to EPA estimates, though real-world results vary between 15 and 22 mpg.
  • The car requires premium fuel for optimal performance, though regular fuel can be used with a slight power reduction.
  • Maintenance costs are moderate for a V8 sedan, with routine oil changes, spark plugs, and brake service being the primary expenses.
  • Used 2011 Charger R/T models typically sell between $12,000 and $18,000 depending on mileage, condition, and local market.

Engine specifications and performance numbers

The 5.7-liter V8 in the 2011 Charger R/T is the same engine found in the Dodge Ram 1500 truck and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is a proven design with a long track record. The engine produces its peak horsepower at 5,250 rpm and peak torque at 4,000 rpm, which means the car feels responsive both at highway speeds and during acceleration from a stop.

Quarter-mile times for the 2011 Charger R/T fall in the 13.5 to 13.8 second range at speeds between 102 and 105 mph, depending on the specific test and driving conditions. The car comes standard with a limited-slip rear differential, which helps put power to the pavement during hard acceleration. Braking performance is solid: the car can stop from 60 mph to a complete stop in roughly 130 feet, which is average for a sedan of this size and weight.

Transmission and drivetrain

The five-speed automatic transmission is a Chrysler TorqueFlite unit that has been in production since 2005. It shifts smoothly under normal driving and holds gears longer during hard acceleration, which keeps the engine in its power band. The transmission is not programmable from the driver's seat in the 2011 model year, though you can manually select gears using the shift lever if you want more control during spirited driving.

Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is not offered on the Charger R/T. The rear axle ratio is 3.92:1, which is a relatively aggressive ratio that favors acceleration over fuel economy. This ratio is one reason the car feels quick off the line but also why highway fuel economy suffers compared to models with lower (numerically smaller) ratios.

Real fuel consumption and tank capacity

The EPA estimates 16 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. Combined, that works out to 19 mpg. Owners report that city driving often yields 14 to 16 mpg, while highway driving at steady speeds can reach 22 to 25 mpg. Aggressive acceleration, frequent idling, and stop-and-go traffic all push consumption toward the lower end of that range. Highway cruising at 65 mph tends to produce the best fuel economy.

The fuel tank holds 18.0 gallons. At 19 mpg combined, a full tank gives you a theoretical range of 342 miles before the fuel warning light comes on. In practice, most owners refuel when the tank reaches one-quarter full, which means they are refueling every 250 to 300 miles. Premium fuel costs roughly 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular fuel in most markets, which adds up to $3 to $7 per fill-up.

Maintenance costs and common repairs

Routine maintenance for the 2011 Charger R/T includes oil changes every 10,000 miles, spark plug replacement every 100,000 miles, and transmission fluid checks at regular intervals. Oil changes typically cost $50 to $80 at an independent shop or $70 to $120 at a Dodge dealership. The car uses 5.7 quarts of oil, and synthetic oil is recommended to extend intervals.

Brake pads usually last 40,000 to 60,000 miles depending on driving style. Replacement costs range from $150 to $300 per axle at an independent shop. The suspension components—control arms, bushings, and shocks—are generally durable but can wear faster if the car is driven hard or on rough roads. Shock replacement typically costs $400 to $800 for all four corners. Transmission fluid changes are recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles and cost $150 to $250.

The V8 engine itself is reliable and does not have a history of major defects in the 2011 model year. Cooling system maintenance—flushing the radiator and replacing the thermostat—is recommended every 100,000 miles and costs $200 to $400. Timing chain replacement is not necessary unless the chain fails, which is rare.

Used market pricing and what to inspect

A 2011 Charger R/T with average mileage (around 100,000 to 120,000 miles) typically sells for $12,000 to $16,000 depending on condition, location, and local market demand. Lower-mileage examples (under 80,000 miles) can command $16,000 to $18,000. Higher-mileage cars (over 140,000 miles) often sell for $10,000 to $13,000. Prices vary by region; markets with strong demand for muscle cars tend to see higher prices.

When inspecting a used 2011 Charger R/T, check the transmission for smooth shifts and any hesitation during acceleration. Listen for engine noise—a ticking sound at idle can indicate valve train wear, though this is uncommon. Inspect the suspension for worn bushings and check the brakes for uneven wear. Look at the undercarriage for rust, especially if the car was driven in a salt-heavy climate. Request the service history to confirm regular oil changes and maintenance. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic familiar with Dodge vehicles costs $100 to $150 and is worth the investment.

Comparison to other V8 sedans from the same era

The 2011 Charger R/T competes directly with the Chrysler 300C (which shares the same engine and platform), the Dodge Challenger R/T (which uses the same V8 but in a two-door body), and older models of the Chevrolet Impala SS. The Charger R/T offers more interior space and rear-seat room than the Challenger, making it more practical for families. The 300C is mechanically similar but commands a higher price on the used market due to its luxury positioning.

Compared to the Chevrolet Camaro SS or Ford Mustang GT from the same era, the Charger R/T is heavier and less nimble on a road course, but it offers a more comfortable ride for daily driving and better rear-seat space. Fuel economy is comparable across all these models—most V8 sedans and coupes from 2011 return 16 to 18 mpg in city driving and 24 to 26 mpg on the highway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular 87-octane fuel instead of premium?

Yes, the 2011 Charger R/T will run on regular fuel, but the engine is tuned for premium and will produce slightly less power and torque on regular fuel. Some owners report a small decrease in acceleration and responsiveness. Premium fuel is recommended for best performance, though regular fuel will not damage the engine.

What is the actual 0-60 time for a 2011 Charger R/T?

Most independent tests show 0-60 times between 5.0 and 5.2 seconds, depending on launch technique, road surface, and tire condition. Dodge's official claim is 5.1 seconds. Times vary slightly between individual cars due to manufacturing tolerances and transmission calibration.

How much does it cost to replace the transmission?

A used transmission from a salvage yard typically costs $800 to $1,200, plus $1,500 to $2,500 in labor for removal and installation. A rebuilt transmission costs $1,500 to $2,500 plus labor. A new transmission from Dodge costs $3,000 to $4,000 plus labor. Most 2011 Charger R/T transmissions are reliable and do not require replacement if maintained properly.

How long do the spark plugs last?

Dodge recommends spark plug replacement every 100,000 miles for the 2011 Charger R/T. The job typically costs $150 to $250 at an independent shop or $200 to $350 at a dealership. Some owners report that plugs can last longer if the car is driven gently, while aggressive driving may require earlier replacement.

Is the 2011 Charger R/T a good daily driver?

Yes, it is a comfortable four-door sedan with good visibility and a smooth ride on highways. The main drawback is fuel economy—expect to refuel every 250 to 300 miles. The car is reliable for daily commuting if maintained regularly, though insurance and fuel costs are higher than for a four-cylinder sedan.