How many miles per gallon does a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 get?
The 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 does not have a single MPG figure—the fuel economy varies widely based on engine, drivetrain, and configuration. In general, diesel versions are more fuel-efficient than gasoline versions, especially on the highway, but real-world numbers depend on how the truck is set up and driven.
Engine options and their typical fuel‑economy profiles
The Ram 2500 line that year offered a diesel option and several gasoline options. Here is how they typically differ in fuel economy:
- Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel: Generally the most fuel-efficient choice for highway driving among the options, with better efficiency on long trips and with lighter payloads. Real-world estimates place combined mpg often in the mid-teens, with highway fuel economy higher than city driving depending on load and configuration.
- Gasoline 5.9L V8: Typically less efficient than the diesel, with combined mpg commonly in the low-teens to mid-teens range. Highway mpg is better than city, but overall economy lags behind the diesel under many conditions.
- Gasoline 8.0L V10: A large-displacement option with lower overall fuel economy; combined mpg generally in the low-teens, with highway mileage modestly better but still lower than the diesel and smaller gasoline engines.
Note: These are generalizations. Exact figures depend on transmission, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4x4), cab/bed configuration, payload, and maintenance. For precise numbers, consult official EPA data for your exact build.
How drivetrain and transmission affect the numbers
Beyond engine choice, the way the truck is equipped and driven plays a big role in mpg. The following factors typically influence fuel economy on a 2002 Ram 2500:
- Drivetrain: 4x4 versions carry more weight and incur drivetrain losses compared with 2WD, often reducing mpg by about 1–3 mpg in mixed driving.
- Transmission: The Ram 2500 offered different automatic transmissions and, in some markets, manual options. Automatic transmissions can have slightly different MPG figures compared with manuals, particularly in stop-and-go driving.
- P payload and towing: Heavier loads and towing increase engine workload, reducing real-world mpg. Lightly loaded or empty trucks tend to achieve better mileage, especially on the highway.
In practice, a diesel Ram 2500 with 2WD and a manual or simple automatic tends to show better highway economy than a 4x4 with a heavy payload, but variations are common depending on gear ratio, tire size, and maintenance.
How to estimate the exact numbers for your build
To pin down a closer figure for a specific 2002 Ram 2500, look up the EPA estimates for that exact configuration. The agency’s fueleconomy.gov site lets you filter by engine (Cummins 5.9L, gasoline 5.9L V8, or 8.0L V10), drivetrain (2WD vs. 4x4), and transmission. Real-world owner reports can also provide useful context for how these trucks perform under typical loading and driving conditions.
Remember that advertisements and quoted figures often reflect optimal driving conditions or light loads; your daily mileage may differ based on how you use the truck.
Summary
In short, the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 does not have a single MPG figure. Diesel versions typically outperform gasoline variants, especially on the highway, and 4x4 configurations and heavier payloads reduce fuel economy. For the most accurate estimate, consult the EPA ratings for your exact engine and drivetrain configuration and compare them with real-world owner experiences.
If you’re evaluating a used 2002 Ram 2500, consider checking fueleconomy.gov for configuration-specific figures and read owner reviews to understand how factors like payload, towing, and tire size affect mileage in real-world driving.
