What is the gas mileage on a 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi?

The 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi has an average gas mileage of 14 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. This full-size pickup truck with a powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine delivers decent fuel efficiency for its class, though it lags behind more modern and efficient truck models.

Factors Affecting Gas Mileage

The gas mileage of the 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi can be influenced by several factors, including driving conditions, driving style, and vehicle maintenance. Factors that can impact fuel efficiency include:

• Driving in stop-and-go traffic or at high speeds: Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving can significantly reduce fuel economy.


• Towing heavy loads: Hauling heavy cargo or trailers can decrease gas mileage by as much as 30%.


• Lack of regular maintenance: Issues like underinflated tires, dirty air filters, or faulty spark plugs can negatively affect fuel efficiency.


• Environmental conditions: Driving in extreme temperatures, strong winds, or steep terrain can also impact the truck's gas mileage.

By being mindful of these factors and maintaining the vehicle properly, owners of the 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi can potentially achieve fuel economy closer to the EPA's estimates.

Comparing to Other Trucks

While the 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi's gas mileage is respectable for a full-size pickup of its era, it lags behind more modern and efficient truck models. For example, the 2022 Ford F-150 with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine has an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, offering significantly better fuel efficiency.

Ultimately, the 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi's gas mileage is a compromise between power and efficiency, catering to drivers who prioritize the truck's performance and towing capabilities over maximum fuel economy. Those seeking better gas mileage may want to consider more recent truck models or alternative fuel-efficient options.

What is the bad year for the 5.7 Hemi?

The "bad" years for the 5.7 Hemi include 2003-2008 due to a known issue with valve seats dropping, which can cause significant engine damage. Additionally, 2011-2012 model years, particularly in Ram trucks, were notorious for the "Hemi tick," often linked to lifter or camshaft problems.
 
This video explains the common issues with the 5.7L Hemi engine: 58s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Oct 13, 2022
2003–2008 (Pre-Eagle) 

• Valve seat drop: This is the most significant issue for this period, where valve seats could fall out of the aluminum cylinder heads, leading to engine damage. This is due to the different expansion rates of the steel valve seats and aluminum heads. 

You can watch this video to learn more about how to prevent the valve seat drop issue: 56sMarspeedYouTube · Nov 20, 2020
2009 and later (Eagle) 

• Hemi tick: The 2009 "Eagle" Hemi introduced revisions that brought a new problem: an intermittent ticking noise that can indicate worn lifters and camshafts. 
• Lifter and camshaft failure: The ticking noise is often a precursor to lifter failure, which can seize and cause the camshaft to wear down. This is a costly repair, often running thousands of dollars. 
• Multi-Displacement System (MDS): The MDS system, introduced in 2005, can contribute to engine tick. It deactivates four cylinders during cruising, creating temperature differences that may cause oil flow problems. 
• Specific problematic years: While the issue became more widespread in later years, the 2011 and 2012 models are particularly noted for the "Hemi tick". 

This video shows how to diagnose and address the Hemi tick issue: 57sJack FletcherYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
Other considerations

• Exhaust manifold leaks: This can occur in many model years and may be mistaken for the engine tick. It often sounds like a tick, especially on a cold start, and is caused by broken manifold bolts. 
• Transmission issues: Many 5.7L Hemi vehicles have also had issues with their transmissions, which can lead to costly repairs. 

How many miles per gallon does a 5.7 Hemi 1500 get?

The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi engine gets an estimated 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway with the eTorque system in a 2WD configuration, or 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway without eTorque and in 4WD. Real-world mileage can vary significantly based on driving conditions, e.g., city driving will yield lower numbers, while steady highway driving will be closer to the estimates. 
EPA estimated MPG by configuration 

• 5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque:
  • 2WD: 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
  • 4WD: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
• 5.7L Hemi V8 (without eTorque):
  • 2WD: 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
  • 4WD: 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway 

Factors affecting real-world MPG

• Driving conditions: City driving with frequent stops and starts will result in lower mileage than consistent highway driving. 
• Towing and payload: Hauling heavy loads will decrease fuel economy. 
• Tires and suspension: Modifications like larger or more aggressive tires can lower MPG. 
• Gearing: Different gear ratios will impact fuel efficiency. For example, 3.21 gears are generally more efficient at higher speeds. 
• Octane fuel: While 87 octane is acceptable, the manufacturer recommends 89 octane for the Hemi engine. 

Is 2009 a good year for Ram 1500?

A 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is generally considered a good truck, highly praised for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and powerful engine options. However, it has known issues with reliability, particularly with the cooling system and air conditioning blend door actuator, and the base engine has poor fuel economy. 
You can watch this video for a review of the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500: 53sKelley Blue BookYouTube · Mar 6, 2009
Positives

• Ride and Comfort: The 2009 model featured a new coil spring rear suspension, which provided a much smoother ride than previous models. The interior is also well-regarded for its comfort and upscale materials. 
• Performance: The optional 5.7L Hemi V8 engine is powerful and capable, while the 4.7L V8 offers a good balance of power and capability. 
• Interior and Features: The cabin is spacious, especially in the crew cab configuration, with plenty of storage and features like rear A/C vents and power points. 

Negatives

• Reliability: Some common problems include issues with the cooling system (like cracked radiators or failed water pumps) and the A/C blend door actuator. 
• Base Engine: The base V6 engine is weak and paired with a less capable four-speed transmission, and the base models have poor fuel economy. 
• Fuel Economy: Even with the V8 engines, fuel economy is not a strong point. 

This video reviews the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport model: 53sGrayson's GarageYouTube · Jan 3, 2016
Who is it good for?

• Good for: Buyers who prioritize a comfortable and smooth ride and a powerful engine, and are willing to accept potential reliability issues. 
• Not good for: Buyers who prioritize high fuel economy or are looking for a truck with a proven track record of long-term reliability without potential for costly repairs. 

How many miles per gallon does a 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi get?

14/20 mpg city/highway
The 5.7 liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 14/20 mpg city/highway with two-wheel drive, which is about the same as the 4.7 liter V8.