What is the fuel economy of a Dodge diesel?
In today's Dodge lineup, the diesel option most people refer to is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. It typically delivers fuel economy in the mid-20s miles per gallon (mpg) combined, with highway efficiency generally in the high 20s to low 30s depending on configuration. There is no diesel option in Dodge’s passenger cars for current model years; diesel power is primarily found in Ram pickups and some older, non-current Dodge offerings.
Where diesel lives in the Dodge family
Diesel engines are not offered in Dodge’s modern passenger cars. The practical Dodge diesel option is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that is part of the Ram truck lineup rather than the Dodge passenger lineup. Historically, Dodge did offer diesel power in some models such as the Durango, but those diesel offerings are not part of the current Dodge lineup. For consumers seeking diesel power today, Ram remains the branch to watch, with EcoDiesel configurations spanning several model years.
Historical note on Durango and other Dodge models
Earlier in its history, the Durango SUV offered a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel option in various years, providing diesel torque for towing. As of the latest model years, Dodge-branded passenger models do not offer a diesel engine, and the EcoDiesel option is tied to Ram-branded pickups and, in some cases, legacy Dodge configurations that are no longer in production.
EPA mpg estimates for Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
The following EPA-estimated figures reflect typical Ram 1500 EcoDiesel configurations and can vary by model year, drivetrain, tire size, and other factors. Always check the exact EPA label for a given year and trim.
- Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, 2WD (eight-speed automatic): approximately 22–23 mpg city, 29–33 mpg highway, about 26–27 mpg combined.
- Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, 4x4 (eight-speed automatic): approximately 23–24 mpg city, 28–32 mpg highway, about 25–26 mpg combined.
Note: These ranges are intended to illustrate typical configurations. Real-world results vary with payload, towing, driving style, and terrain. For precise numbers, refer to the EPA ratings shown on the window sticker for a given model year and configuration.
Real-world factors that affect diesel fuel economy
While EPA numbers provide a baseline, several everyday factors influence actual fuel economy in a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel or any diesel vehicle:
- Payload and towing: Heavy loads and towing reduce miles per gallon more noticeably with diesel engines, which are built for torque and torque-dependent work.
- Driving conditions: Sustained highway speeds and gentle acceleration yield better efficiency than city stop-and-go driving or aggressive acceleration.
- Tire size and maintenance: Low rolling resistance tires and properly inflated tires help maximize mpg; underinflated tires hurt efficiency.
- Maintenance and cleanliness: Routine maintenance, clean fuel injectors, and proper oil changes help maintain optimal diesel performance and economy.
In practice, drivers who optimize payload, drive conservatively on highways, and maintain the vehicle consistently are more likely to approach the higher end of the EPA estimates. Real-world mileage will always vary from the sticker figures based on these variables.
Maximizing efficiency: practical tips
To get the most mpg from a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel or any diesel-equipped vehicle, consider the following strategies:
- Plan routes to minimize idling and unnecessary stopping.
- Maintain steady speeds on highways and use cruise control where appropriate.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressures and reduce excess weight from the cabin when not needed.
- Schedule regular maintenance, including fuel system cleanings if recommended by the manufacturer.
These practices can help you approach the higher end of the EPA estimates, particularly on long highway drives where diesel engines tend to shine.
Summary
In short, Dodge’s current diesel option is primarily the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, with typical EPA fuel economy in the mid-20s mpg combined and higher highway numbers (generally in the upper 20s to low 30s) depending on configuration. Diesel availability in Dodge-branded passenger cars is essentially non-existent today, with Ram’s EcoDiesel offering representing the practical diesel choice for Dodge customers. Actual fuel economy will vary based on drivetrain (2WD vs. 4x4), payload, towing, driving style, and maintenance. For any precise figure, consult the EPA window sticker for the specific model year and trim. A clear takeaway: diesel efficiency improves with steady, efficient driving and proper vehicle upkeep.
