How many miles per gallon does a 1996 Ram 2500 V8 get?
On average, the 1996 Ram 2500 with a V8 achieved roughly 12–15 miles per gallon in city driving and about 17–20 mpg on the highway, with real-world results varying by drivetrain and usage.
For context, the Ram 2500 of that era was Dodge’s heavy-duty pickup lineup, typically powered by a 5.9-liter V8 Magnum (360 cubic inches) and offered in two- or four-wheel drive, with both automatic and manual transmissions. Fuel economy numbers from 1996 reflect the technology and duty-cycle of the period—heavy payloads, towing, and aging drivetrain components all played a role in the real-world mileage customers observed.
Fuel economy by configuration
How drivetrain and transmission choices shaped mpg
Below are typical mpg ranges for common configurations of the 1996 Ram 2500 V8. These figures are estimates drawn from era EPA data and owner reports and can vary with maintenance, load, and driving conditions.
- 2WD (two-wheel drive) with a 5.9L V8 and automatic transmission: roughly 12 mpg city / 18 mpg highway (combined around 15 mpg).
- 2WD with manual transmission: roughly 13–14 mpg city / 18–19 mpg highway (combined around 16–17 mpg).
- 4x4 with automatic transmission: roughly 11–12 mpg city / 16–18 mpg highway (combined around 14–15 mpg).
- 4x4 with manual transmission: roughly 12 mpg city / 17–19 mpg highway (combined around 15–16 mpg).
Notes: These figures reflect typical ranges for configurations common in 1996. Actual mileage varied with payload, towing, terrain, and maintenance. Real-world results could be lower with heavy loads or higher with light loads and careful driving.
Real-world factors that affected mpg
Owner experience shows that the truck's mpg was not fixed and fluctuated with how the vehicle was used. Here are the main influences observed in practice.
- Payload and towing: Heavier loads and towing trailers dramatically increase fuel consumption, especially on hills and in headwinds.
- Driving style and speed: Sustained high speeds and aggressive acceleration reduced mpg; steady cruising near typical highway speeds performed better for older heavy trucks.
- Terrain and elevation: Hilly terrain and frequent stops eroded efficiency versus flat, steady driving on highways.
- Transmission condition and maintenance: Worn spark plugs, dirty air filters, and degraded sensors could lower fuel economy; regular maintenance helped preserve it.
- Tire size and inflation: Underinflated tires or oversized tires increased rolling resistance and decreased mpg.
- Aerodynamics and extras: Bed covers, roof racks, and other add-ons increased drag and slightly reduced highway mpg.
In practice, the most meaningful gains came from keeping the truck light when possible, maintaining the engine well, and moderating speed on long highway trips.
Summary
The 1996 Ram 2500 V8 delivered fuel economy typical of heavy-duty pickups of its era: roughly in the mid-teens overall, with city figures commonly around 12–14 mpg and highway results often in the upper teens. Drivetrain choice, payload, and driving conditions were the primary determinants, and real-world mpg rarely matched the era’s stated numbers exactly due to how the truck was used. For collectors and owners today, condition, maintenance history, and any modifications are the best context when estimating mileage.
How many gallons does a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 hold?
35 gallons 26 gallons
How many miles per gallon does a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 get?
The 1997 Ram Van 2500 gets 14 MPG overall, with 12 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway.
What year to stay away from Ram 2500?
6 Ram 2500 Years To Avoid
- 2012 Dodge Ram 2500. The 2012 Ram 2500 has 279 complaints and 5 recalls listed on the NHTSA as of 2025.
- 2013 Dodge Ram 2500. The 2013 Ram 2500 comes with 16 recalls and 175 complaints on NHTSA as of 2025.
- 2014 Dodge Ram 2500.
- 2015 Dodge Ram 2500.
- 2016 Dodge Ram 2500.
- 2018 Dodge Ram 2500.
Is the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 reliable?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and comfort to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 771 out of 1313 of owners (59% of them) rank the 1996 Ram 2500 five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500.
