The correct oil depends on the engine under the hood. In most 2016 Chargers, the base 3.6L Pentastar and the common 5.7L Hemi run on 5W-20 synthetic oil, while the higher-performance 6.4L Hemi and the supercharged Hellcat variant typically require 5W-40 synthetic. Always verify with the owner's manual or the oil-fill sticker under the hood for your VIN.
Engine-specific oil requirements
3.6L Pentastar V6
The 3.6L Pentastar powers many Charger trims as the base engine. It is typically paired with 5W-20 synthetic motor oil, designed to meet modern API SN or newer specifications.
Oil specification list:
- 5W-20 synthetic motor oil; API SN or newer.
Using the recommended viscosity helps with fuel economy and reliable lubrication across temperature ranges.
5.7L Hemi V8
The 5.7L Hemi V8 is a staple in several Charger configurations. It generally calls for 5W-20 synthetic motor oil, aligned with contemporary engine-spec standards for this family of engines.
Oil specification list:
- 5W-20 synthetic motor oil; API SN or newer.
Regular oil changes at the maintenance interval are important to protect the V8’s longevity and performance.
6.4L Hemi (392) / Scat Pack
Higher-performance 6.4L Hemi variants, such as the Scat Pack, typically require a higher-viscosity oil to manage heat and sustained activity. The standard recommendation is 5W-40 synthetic motor oil, with API SN or newer specifications.
Oil specification list:
- 5W-40 synthetic motor oil; API SN or newer.
Owners should be mindful of more frequent checks under aggressive driving or track use, as heat can impact oil performance.
6.2L Supercharged Hemi (Hellcat)
The 6.2L supercharged Hellcat represents the top tier of performance in the 2016 Charger lineup. Its oil requirement mirrors the 6.4L in needing 5W-40 synthetic motor oil to handle elevated heat and RPM.
Oil specification list:
- 5W-40 synthetic motor oil; API SN or newer.
Due to extreme operating conditions, owners should adhere strictly to the maintenance schedule and monitor oil levels carefully during track or high-demand driving.
Summary
In practice, the 2016 Dodge Charger does not have a single universal oil. The base 3.6L and the common 5.7L engines use 5W-20 synthetic, while the 6.4L Scat Pack and the Hellcat variants use 5W-40 synthetic. Always confirm the exact requirement for your vehicle by checking the owner’s manual or the under-hood oil-fill label, and follow the recommended maintenance schedule to protect the engine.