How many miles per gallon does a 1982 Dodge D150 get?
There isn’t a single miles-per-gallon figure for the 1982 Dodge D150. mpg varies by engine and drivetrain, but you can expect roughly mid-teens to mid-20s mpg depending on configuration. Slant-six models typically outperform the larger V8s on highway driving, while four-wheel-drive versions consume more fuel.
In more detail, the 1982 D150 was part of Dodge's D-Series pickups, offering several engines and drive configurations. The lineup included the 225 cubic-inch Slant-Six and the 318 and 360 V8s, with 2WD and optional 4WD, plus various transmission choices. Fuel economy depends on which combination you have, as well as payload, gearing, and how the truck is driven.
Engine options and typical MPG ranges
The following guidance reflects the different powertrains available in the 1982 D150 and how they tended to perform in practice:
- Slant-six (225 ci / 3.7 L), 2WD, manual or automatic: roughly 20–25 mpg on highways; city driving around 15–18 mpg.
- Slant-six, 4x4: lower highway mpg, roughly 18–22 mpg; city around 14–17 mpg (varies with gearing and load).
- 318 V8 (5.2 L), 2WD, automatic: roughly 18–22 mpg on highways; 14–16 mpg in city driving.
- 360 V8 (5.9 L), 2WD, automatic: roughly 17–21 mpg on highways; 12–15 mpg in city driving.
Where a 4x4 variant exists, expect lower fuel economy overall due to drivetrain drag and heavier components. The exact numbers depend on axle ratio, transmission gearing, and the vehicle’s condition.
Factors affecting fuel economy
The following factors influence the mpg of a 1982 D150 in practice:
- Engine type and displacement (slant-six vs V8)
- Drive configuration (2WD vs 4WD)
- Transmission choice (manual vs automatic)
- Rear axle gearing and overall gear ratio
- Vehicle weight, payload, and aftermarket modifications
- Engine maintenance, tune-up, and fuel system condition
- Driving habits, terrain, and load conditions
- Tire size and inflation
Practical tips to improve efficiency include keeping the engine well-tuned, maintaining proper tire pressure, minimizing payload, and planning efficient routes to reduce stop-and-go driving.
Summary
The 1982 Dodge D150’s mpg varies widely with engine and configuration. Slant-six models typically deliver better highway mileage than their V8 counterparts, while 4x4 versions consume more fuel. If you know the exact build—engine, transmission, 2WD or 4WD—you can estimate mpg using the ranges above. For a classic truck today, actual fuel economy will also hinge on maintenance and driving style.
