What Dodge truck gets the best MPG?
Among Dodge’s current pickup lineup, the Ram 1500 equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 offers the best fuel economy, delivering strong highway efficiency and solid city efficiency depending on configuration. For buyers prioritizing mileage, this diesel option is typically the top pick.
How the efficiency compares across the Ram 1500 lineup
The Ram 1500 lineup includes both gasoline and diesel powertrains. Here’s a quick, general comparison to show why the EcoDiesel stands out. EPA ratings vary by year, cab choice, bed length, and drivetrain, so actual numbers depend on your exact configuration.
- Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (3.0L V6) — the most fuel-efficient option. In typical 2WD configurations, it tends to offer the best highway efficiency and a mid-20s to near-30 mpg range on the highway, with a mid-20s combined rating. Moving to 4WD usually lowers those numbers slightly.
- Ram 1500 with 3.6L Pentastar eTorque V6 — a gasoline option with mild hybrid assistance that improves efficiency over older gasoline engines, generally delivering a low-to-mid 20s mpg range combined depending on configuration and drivetrain.
- Ram 1500 with 5.7L Hemi V8 — the least fuel-efficient of the current 1500 powertrains, with real-world economy commonly in the low teens to low 20s combined depending on setup and payload.
In short, if fuel economy is the priority, the EcoDiesel Ram 1500 is the clear winner in today’s Dodge/Ram light-duty pickup lineup. The gasoline V6 with mild hybrid offers a respectable alternative, while the V8 Hemi trails in efficiency.
EPA ratings and how to read them
EPA estimates factor in city, highway, and combined driving, and they change with model year, trim, and configuration. For the EcoDiesel, highway ratings are typically the strongest contributor to its advantage, while 4WD configurations usually shave a few miles per gallon off the overall figures.
What affects a Ram 1500’s mpg in daily use
Several real-world factors will influence fuel economy beyond the sticker numbers. Understanding these helps set expectations for everyday driving.
- Drivetrain: Two-wheel drive generally delivers better mpg than four-wheel drive in comparable setups.
- Cab and bed configuration: Crew Cab with a longer bed can introduce more weight and aerodynamic changes that affect efficiency.
- Tire choice and axle ratio: Larger tires and taller final drives can reduce mileage.
- Towing and payload: Heavier loads and frequent towing dramatically reduce mpg, especially with larger engines.
- Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and high speeds reduce fuel economy; steady, moderate speeds improve it.
By choosing the EcoDiesel and configuring for lighter loads, along with mindful driving habits, buyers can maximize the Ram 1500’s efficiency relative to its class.
Summary
The best MPG among Dodge’s current pickup offerings goes to the Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, thanks to its diesel efficiency and highway performance. Gasoline options, particularly the 3.6L eTorque V6, offer solid efficiency but generally don’t match the EcoDiesel. Heavy-duty Ram models (2500/3500) are designed for torque and payload rather than top mileage, so their real-world mpg tends to lag behind the light-duty EcoDiesel. For buyers prioritizing mileage, the EcoDiesel Ram 1500 remains the recommended choice, with real-world results shaped by configuration and driving style.
What is the range of the 33 gallon tank on a Dodge Ram 1500?
A Ram 1500 with a 33-gallon fuel tank can have a range of approximately 560 to 650+ miles, depending on the specific engine, driving conditions, and whether the driving is primarily city or highway. For example, the high-output Hurricane engine has a range of up to 561 miles, while some EPA combined ratings project a range of up to 650 highway miles.
- V-6 engine: The 33-gallon tank can be paired with the V-6 engine in a Crew Cab configuration.
- High-Output Hurricane engine: This engine is available with the 33-gallon tank and can achieve a range of up to 561 miles.
- General range estimate: With a 33-gallon tank, the total range can be estimated using the truck's specific MPG. A 33-gallon tank multiplied by the highway MPG (e.g., 292929 MPG) would yield a theoretical maximum range of around 957957957 miles, though this is not a realistic real-world scenario.
- Real-world factors: Actual range will vary based on factors like driving habits, terrain, and the accuracy of the vehicle's fuel gauge. Some drivers report ranges over 500 miles, while others may get less depending on their driving style and conditions.
What Dodge truck has the best gas mileage?
2022 RAM 1500
Which Ram trucks have the best gas mileage? The Ram truck that gets the best gas mileage is the 2022 RAM 1500 with rear-wheel drive and the EcoDiesel V6 engine. Diesel engines are almost always more fuel-efficient than gasoline ones. This truck gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway!
Is big horn or laramie better?
The "better" truck depends on your priorities: the Laramie is better for a more luxurious experience with standard leather seats, advanced features, and a higher-end interior, while the Big Horn is a better value, offering more basic but still capable features with a higher payload capacity and a lower price point. The choice is between prioritizing luxury and technology (Laramie) or cost and payload (Big Horn).
Big Horn
- Pros:
- Higher Payload: Generally has a higher payload capacity.
- Lower Cost: Is less expensive and provides better value if you don't need the extra luxury features.
- Customization: Allows you to add optional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and forward collision warning with active braking.
- Customization: Offers a variety of optional features to choose from.
- Cons:
- Standard Interior: Lacks the high-end amenities found in the Laramie.
- Interior Quality: The seating and materials are less premium than the Laramie's.
Laramie
- Pros:
- Standard Luxury: Comes with standard features like heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control.
- Advanced Tech: Includes more standard advanced technology, like a large infotainment screen and safety features.
- Premium Experience: Offers a more luxurious and comfortable ride for daily driving or long trips.
- Cons:
- Higher Cost: Is significantly more expensive than the Big Horn.
- Lower Payload: The added features and luxury materials result in a lower payload capacity.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Big Horn if: You want a capable and versatile truck for less money and don't mind having cloth seats or a less luxurious interior. You can always add optional features to get closer to the Laramie's tech level.
- Choose the Laramie if: Your budget allows for the extra cost and you prioritize a comfortable, luxurious experience with premium features, or you plan on using the truck for long commutes.
Is the 3.0 L hurricane better than the 5.7 Hemi?
The 3.0L Hurricane engine generally offers more horsepower and torque than the 5.7L HEMI, provides better fuel economy, and has a smoother, more modern power delivery, while the 5.7L HEMI offers a traditional V8 exhaust note and slightly higher maximum towing capacity. The Hurricane is a modern, twin-turbocharged inline-six designed for efficiency and power, while the HEMI is a naturally aspirated V8 known for its traditional rumble.
You can watch this video to compare the driving experience of both engines: 51sCTech-reviewYouTube · Mar 1, 2025
Performance and power
- Horsepower: The standard 3.0L Hurricane makes 420 hp, compared to the 5.7L HEMI's 395 hp.
- Torque: The Hurricane produces 469 lb-ft of torque, more than the HEMI's 410 lb-ft.
- Acceleration: The Hurricane accelerates more quickly, with a 0-60 mph time around 5 seconds compared to the HEMI's 6 seconds.
This video demonstrates the difference in acceleration between the two engines: 54sCTech-reviewYouTube · Oct 30, 2025
Fuel economy
- The 3.0L Hurricane is more fuel-efficient, with an estimated 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway for the standard output version.
- The 5.7L HEMI with eTorque is rated around 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway.
Towing and payload
- Towing: The 5.7L HEMI has a slightly higher maximum tow rating (up to 12,750 pounds) than the Hurricane (up to 11,550 pounds).
- Payload: The HEMI can also haul slightly more, but the Hurricane is still capable for most normal hauling needs.
Driving experience
- Sound: The HEMI has a characteristic and more aggressive V8 exhaust note, while the Hurricane is noticeably quieter.
- Power delivery: The Hurricane feels responsive with strong torque at lower RPMs, while the HEMI has a more traditional V8 power delivery, though some feel the Hurricane's overall delivery is an upgrade.
This video compares the engine sounds of both options: 37sBen HardyYouTube · Sep 21, 2025
Which is right for you?
- Choose the 3.0L Hurricane if you prioritize more power, quicker acceleration, better fuel economy, and a modern driving experience.
- Choose the 5.7L HEMI if you want the classic V8 rumble, a slightly higher maximum towing capacity, and a traditional engine feel.
