The fuel consumption of the Ram 1500 has many factors, including engine type, drivetrain, and driving circumstances. The following is a detailed overview of its fuel efficiency across several configurations.
Engines and Fuel Efficiency
The Ram 1500 has numerous engine options, each with a different fuel consumption rate.
3.6-liter V6 eTorque:
It is the standard option for the Ram 1500 and includes eTorque, a mild-hybrid technology that improves fuel economy. With rear-wheel drive, this engine achieves approximately 20 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. When you select four-wheel drive (4WD), the fuel economy lowers slightly to approximately 19 and 24 MPG.
5.7-liter V8 HEMI:
The V8 HEMI is a powerful alternative and requires more fuel. Without eTorque, it achieves 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway with RWD. The 4WD version gets 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the interstate. Adding eTorque to this engine increases fuel efficiency marginally, with RWD getting roughly 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the interstate and 4WD getting 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.
3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6:
This diesel engine is among the most fuel-efficient alternatives for the Ram 1500. RWD gets roughly 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the interstate, while 4WD gets around 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. If you require improved fuel economy for long-distance travel or hauling, this engine is an excellent choice.
6.2-liter Supercharged V8 (TRX):
The high-performance TRX variant has a powerful 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that is the least fuel efficient. It gets 10 MPG in the city and 14 on the interstate, demonstrating its emphasis on power above fuel efficiency.
- Factors Influencing Fuel Consumption
- Driving Conditions: Fuel consumption varies depending on where and how you drive. City driving consumes more fuel owing to frequent stops, whereas highway driving is more fuel efficient due to constant speeds.
- Payload and Towing: Transporting big loads or pulling trailers affects fuel efficiency. The more load the truck holds, the more fuel is needed.
- Terrain: Driving on hills or rugged terrain, particularly in 4WD, requires more fuel than driving on flat, smooth roads.
Fuel-Saving Features
The Ram 1500 includes various features that increase fuel efficiency. These include the following:
- Active grille shutters That close at fast speeds to reduce friction.
- eTorque system The V6 and V8 engines employ a mild-hybrid system to store energy and assist with duties like starting and acceleration, thereby lowering engine load.
- Aerodynamic design That allows the truck to cut through the air quicker.
Comparison with Competitors
Regarding fuel efficiency, the Ram 1500 outperforms comparable full-size pickups, particularly with the EcoDiesel engine. Its fuel consumption is equivalent to that of the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, while particular values differ depending on the engine and configuration of each truck.
Conclusion
The Ram 1500’s fuel consumption varies based on the engine and whether you go for rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine is the most fuel-efficient choice, achieving up to 32 MPG on the interstate. V8 engines, on the other hand, provide greater power but use more fuel, particularly in the high-performance TRX variant. The V6 with eTorque is a superb blend of power and fuel economy.