Engine, Power, and What That Means for Fuel Economy

The 2016 Dodge Charger Scat Pack comes with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. That power comes from a naturally aspirated engine—no turbo or supercharger—which means the engine draws air at atmospheric pressure and burns it with fuel. The result is strong acceleration and the ability to tow up to 3,600 pounds, but it also means you will spend more at the pump than you would in a smaller sedan.

Real-world fuel economy for the Scat Pack sits around 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 on the highway, depending on how you drive. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will lower those numbers. The car requires premium unleaded fuel (91 octane or higher), which costs more than regular 87-octane gas. If you drive this car daily, budget for fuel as a significant operating cost.

The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission allows the engine to stay at lower RPMs during highway cruising, which helps with fuel economy. It also means smooth power delivery during acceleration without the jerkiness some older automatics had.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Scat Pack's 5.7-liter V8 produces 485 horsepower and requires premium fuel, making it expensive to operate compared to four- or six-cylinder sedans.
  • Brakes are larger and more powerful than the standard Charger, with Brembo six-piston front calipers that handle the car's weight and speed better during hard stops.
  • The suspension is stiffer than the base Charger, which improves handling but also means a firmer ride on rough roads.
  • Maintenance costs are higher because of the V8 engine, larger brakes, and performance-oriented components that wear faster under aggressive driving.
  • The car weighs 4,295 pounds, which affects acceleration, braking distance, and tire wear compared to lighter vehicles.

Braking System and Why It Matters

The Scat Pack uses Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. These are larger and more powerful than the brakes on a standard Charger. The reason is straightforward: a 485-horsepower car needs brakes that can stop it reliably, especially if you drive it hard or tow a trailer. Larger brakes also dissipate heat better, which prevents brake fade—the loss of stopping power that happens when brakes overheat.

The front rotors are 370 millimeters in diameter, and the rear rotors are 330 millimeters. These are significantly larger than what you will find on a V6 Charger. Brake pads on a performance car like this wear faster than on a regular sedan, especially if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or brake hard frequently. Plan to replace pads every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.

The braking system also includes electronic brake distribution, which automatically adjusts brake pressure between the front and rear wheels to prevent skidding. This system works with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to help you maintain control during emergency stops.

Suspension, Handling, and Ride Quality

The Scat Pack suspension is tuned for performance, not comfort. It uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both with stiffer springs and dampers than the base Charger. This setup reduces body roll during cornering and keeps the car more level when you accelerate or brake hard. If you plan to drive this car on a track or push it hard on winding roads, the suspension will reward you with better control.

The trade-off is ride quality on everyday roads. Potholes, rough pavement, and railroad crossings will transmit more vibration and noise into the cabin than they would in a softer sedan. If you drive mostly on smooth highways, you may not notice the difference. If you commute on rough city streets, you will feel every bump.

The car sits on 20-inch wheels as standard, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero performance tires. These tires are designed for grip and handling but wear faster than all-season tires and cost more to replace. They also perform poorly in snow and ice, so if you live in a cold climate, you will need winter tires for safe driving.

Transmission, Drivetrain, and Traction Control

The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and allows the engine to operate efficiently at highway speeds. The car is rear-wheel drive, which means the engine's power goes to the rear wheels. Rear-wheel drive gives you better weight distribution and handling balance, but it also means the rear end can slide out if you accelerate hard on slippery surfaces or turn sharply at high speed.

The Scat Pack includes an electronic stability control system that can cut engine power or explore individual brakes to prevent skids. You can disable this system partially or fully, which some drivers do on a track. On public roads, leaving it on is the safer choice, especially in wet or icy conditions.

The car has a limited-slip differential, which helps distribute power more evenly between the rear wheels during acceleration. This improves traction compared to an open differential and makes the car easier to control when accelerating hard.

Interior Features and Comfort

The 2016 Scat Pack interior is built around a performance theme. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, and the seats are sport-style with more side bolstering than a standard Charger. The dashboard includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Dodge's infotainment system. This system handles Bluetooth audio streaming, phone calls, and navigation, though the navigation system is basic compared to modern standards.

The car seats five people, but the rear seats are tight for adults on long drives. The trunk holds 16.2 cubic feet of cargo, which is reasonable for a sedan but less than you would get in a crossover or wagon.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. The car also includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which are useful in cold weather. Air conditioning is standard and cools the cabin quickly.

Maintenance Costs and What to Expect

Owning a Scat Pack costs more to maintain than owning a base Charger or a four-cylinder sedan. The V8 engine requires premium fuel, which costs 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular fuel depending on your location and current prices. Over a year of driving 12,000 miles, that difference adds up to several hundred dollars.

Oil changes are straightforward—the engine holds about 5.5 quarts of oil—but the intervals are 10,000 miles. Spark plugs last 100,000 miles, so you will not need to replace them often. The air filter should be inspected every 15,000 miles and replaced if it looks dirty.

Brake pads wear faster on a performance car because of the larger brakes and the way the car is often driven. Budget for brake service every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Tires on a Scat Pack wear faster than on a regular sedan, especially if you drive aggressively. Performance tires also cost more to replace than all-season tires.

The transmission fluid should be checked at every service and replaced according to Dodge's maintenance schedule, which calls for replacement at 120,000 miles or if the fluid shows signs of breakdown. Coolant should be flushed every 30,000 miles or as needed.

Safety Features and Crash Protection

The 2016 Charger Scat Pack includes ten airbags: dual front, side-impact, and curtain airbags that run the length of the cabin. The car's body is built with high-strength steel in key areas to absorb impact energy during a crash. The frame is designed to crumple in a controlled way, directing energy away from the passenger compartment.

The car comes with electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control as standard. These systems work together to help prevent skids and loss of control. The backup camera shows what is behind the car when you shift into reverse, which helps prevent backing accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2016 Charger a four-star overall rating in crash testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not conduct a full test of the 2016 model, but similar Chargers from that era performed adequately in their testing.

Common Issues and What Owners Report

The 2016 Scat Pack is a relatively new design, and the V8 engine is proven technology that has been used in Dodge vehicles for years. That said, some owners have reported issues with the transmission, particularly hesitation or rough shifts in certain conditions. Dodge released software updates to address some of these concerns, so if you are considering a used 2016 model, ask the seller whether the transmission software has been updated.

Some owners report that the infotainment system can be slow to respond or freeze occasionally. A software update from the dealer can often resolve this. The touchscreen itself is durable, but the system is not as intuitive as newer systems from other manufacturers.

The suspension is stiff by design, and some owners find the ride too harsh for daily driving. This is not a defect—it is the intended behavior of a performance suspension. If you test-drive a Scat Pack, pay attention to how the ride feels on your local roads before you commit to buying one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does premium fuel cost compared to regular?

Premium fuel typically costs 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular 87-octane fuel, though this varies by location and current gas prices. Over 12,000 miles per year at 20 miles per gallon, you will use about 600 gallons annually, which means premium fuel could cost $120 to $240 more per year than regular fuel.

Can I use regular fuel in a Scat Pack?

The engine is designed for 91-octane premium fuel. Using regular 87-octane fuel can cause engine knock—a pinging sound that indicates the fuel is burning too early. This can damage the engine over time. The owner's manual requires premium fuel, so use it as specified.

What is the difference between the Scat Pack and a regular Charger?

The Scat Pack has a 5.7-liter V8 with 485 horsepower, while the base Charger has a 3.6-liter V6 with 292 horsepower. The Scat Pack also has larger brakes, a stiffer suspension, and performance tires. The Scat Pack costs significantly more to buy and more to operate.

How often do I need to replace the tires?

Performance tires on a Scat Pack typically last 25,000 to 40,000 miles, depending on driving habits and road conditions. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and frequent cornering wear tires faster. Regular all-season tires last longer, but the Scat Pack comes with performance tires designed for grip and handling.

Is the Scat Pack good for towing?

The Scat Pack can tow up to 3,600 pounds, which is adequate for small trailers or jet skis. However, the car is not designed for heavy towing, and the rear suspension can sag under load. If you plan to tow regularly, a truck or SUV is a better choice.