How many miles per gallon does a 1982 Dodge Rampage get?
Roughly 25–32 miles per gallon, depending on engine and transmission configuration.
The 1982 Dodge Rampage was a compact pickup built on Chrysler’s K-car platform, and its fuel economy varied with drivetrain, maintenance, and driving conditions. The figures below summarize typical results for the era and what owners have reported in real-world use.
Engine and transmission options
Two common powertrains influenced efficiency, and the following overview reflects typical ranges rather than a single official rating.
- 2.2 L inline-four with manual or automatic transmission — lighter and generally the more economical baseline option.
- 2.6 L inline-four (available on some later Rampages) — heavier, with lower overall fuel economy especially in city driving.
In practice, the smaller 2.2 L configuration tended to deliver better highway mileage, while the larger 2.6 L setup carried a higher fuel bill due to increased displacement and weight.
Estimated mileage ranges and real-world observations
Below are typical ranges reported by owners and supported by era-era estimates. Actual results vary with condition, maintenance, and how the vehicle was driven.
- 2.2 L engine with either a manual or automatic transmission: mixed driving commonly fell in the mid-20s to low-30s mpg, with highway figures often in the upper 20s to low 30s.
- 2.6 L engine (where applicable): mixed driving generally in the mid-20s mpg, with highway mileage sometimes approaching the upper 20s under favorable conditions.
Variability is expected. Vintage wear, tune, payload, and driving style can swing those numbers significantly.
Tips to maximize fuel economy on a 1982 Rampage today
For enthusiasts and restorers, these practical steps can help squeeze a bit more efficiency from a 1980s K-car pickup, though gains will never match modern standards.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
- Drive smoothly with steady throttle and anticipation to avoid frequent accelerating and braking.
- Keep the engine well-tuned, including spark plugs, ignition timing, and air filter, for efficient combustion.
- Maintain exhaust and emissions systems to prevent restrictions that can hurt economy.
- Minimize payload and remove unnecessary weight to reduce energy needed for propulsion.
Even with these measures, a 40-year-old pickup will not match modern fuel-efficiency standards, but careful upkeep can improve its performance modestly.
Summary
The 1982 Dodge Rampage typically delivered fuel economy in the mid-20s to low-30s mpg in mixed driving, with highway figures higher than city numbers. The exact figure depended mainly on engine choice, transmission, vehicle condition, and driving style. For collectors and drivers today, expect variability but a general range around 25–32 mpg as a reasonable benchmark.
