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What is the gas mileage on a 5.7 Hemi Ram 1500?

On average, a Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi delivers roughly 17 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and about 23 mpg on the highway, translating to a combined figure around 18–19 mpg for most two-wheel-drive models. Four-wheel-drive versions tend to be slightly less efficient in city conditions while maintaining similar highway efficiency.

Fuel economy for the 5.7L Hemi Ram 1500 varies by model year, cab-and-bed configuration, axle ratio, tire size, and whether the truck uses the mild-hybrid eTorque system that has been available on many recent builds. Real-world results are also influenced by payload, towing, driving style, and climate. The following sections break down official estimates and practical considerations to help buyers set expectations.

EPA ratings by drivetrain

Below are the EPA estimates commonly cited for the Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi, broken out by drivetrain. These figures provide a baseline for comparison across trims and years.

2WD (two-wheel drive): City ≈ 17 mpg, Highway ≈ 23 mpg; Combined ≈ 19 mpg.

4WD (four-wheel drive): City ≈ 16 mpg, Highway ≈ 23 mpg; Combined ≈ 18–19 mpg.

Note: These numbers reflect typical configurations with the standard 8-speed automatic transmission and are representative of recent model years. Exact figures can vary by year, trim, axle ratio, and tire size.

Real-world factors that affect mileage

Beyond the official estimates, several real-world factors routinely influence fuel economy on a 5.7 Hemi Ram 1500.

Drivetrain choice: 2WD generally yields higher mpg than 4WD, especially in urban driving.

Payload and towing: Heavier loads increase engine work and reduce efficiency.

Tire size and type: Larger or more aggressive tires raise rolling resistance and lower mpg.

Terrain and climate: Hilly driving, high winds, and cold weather reduce mpg.

Maintenance and care: Clean filters, proper oil, and timely tune-ups help sustain efficiency.

Driving behavior: Aggressive starts, frequent braking, and high speeds lower mpg; smooth, steady driving improves it.

Understanding these factors can help drivers anticipate real-world performance and plan accordingly.

Tips to maximize fuel economy with a 5.7 Hemi Ram 1500

Transit-savvy and cost-conscious owners can employ several practical steps to improve fuel efficiency.

Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and rotate them as prescribed.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the cabin and bed; remove racks or gear not in use.

Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady pace.

Limit short trips; combine errands to minimize cold-start mileage.

Plan efficient routes and minimize idling, turning off the engine when parked for extended periods when safe.

Maintain the vehicle per the owner's schedule and use the recommended gasoline grade.

These practices can contribute to meaningful improvements in real-world fuel economy, though the fundamental characteristics of the 5.7L Hemi engine will cap the upper end of fuel efficiency.

Summary

The gas mileage of a Ram 1500 with a 5.7L Hemi typically sits in the high-teens to low-20s mpg range, with 2WD models usually achieving higher numbers than 4WD configurations. EPA estimates generally show around 17–23 mpg across city/highway splits, but actual results depend on drivetrain, payload, driving conditions, and year-to-year changes. For the most accurate figure, check the specific EPA rating for your exact year, trim, and configuration, and track your own trips to gauge real-world performance.

What years to avoid for the 5.7 Hemi Ram 1500?

Years to avoid for the 5.7L Hemi Ram 1500 include 2011-2012, primarily for "Hemi tick" and lifter issues, and 2014, due to reports of catastrophic steering failures. Other years to approach with caution are 2018-2019, due to electrical and infotainment system problems, and 2004 and 2013-2015, which have documented issues with engine stalling and transmission failures, respectively.

Years to be cautious of

2011-2012: Notorious for "Hemi tick" from failed lifters or other engine issues. 2011 also had reports of engine failure, MDS issues, and water pump failures.
2013-2015: Documented severe transmission failures, particularly in 2013 and 2015 models. 2015 also had numerous recalls and problems with its electrical, transmission, engine, and fuel systems.
2014: Several complaints have logged total steering loss, sometimes at highway speeds.
2018-2019: Reports of issues with electrical and infotainment systems are more common.
2004: Engine stalling issues persisted, and there were power train concerns.

What to look for in a reliable Hemi Ram 1500

2010: Generally has better engine reliability, though it was known for a weak engine combined with poor fuel economy.
2018 and newer: The 5.7L Hemi V-8 is considered more reliable in these years.
2020 and newer: Models have fewer issues than late 2010s versions.
Ram 1500 Classic models: These are also reported to do well, having fewer complex systems than the redesigned 2019 and newer models.

Which Ram 1500 gets the best gas mileage?

The most fuel-efficient Ram 1500 is the model with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine, which can achieve up to 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. For gasoline-only options, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque is the most efficient, offering an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway in a 4x2 configuration.
Diesel option

3.0L EcoDiesel V6: This is the most fuel-efficient engine option, particularly on the highway.
- 2WD: Up to 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
- 4WD: Up to 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway

Gasoline options

3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque: This engine provides the best fuel economy for a gasoline-powered Ram 1500.
- 2WD: Up to 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
- 4WD: Up to 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
3.0L Hurricane Inline-6: The newer turbocharged inline-six is rated at 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway.
5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque: Offers approximately 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway in a 2WD model.
5.7L HEMI V8 (without eTorque): This engine gets about 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway in a 2WD model.

What kind of gas mileage does a 5.7 Hemi get?

The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine's MPG varies by model year, drivetrain (2WD/4WD), and the addition of eTorque technology, but generally falls in the range of 15-18 MPG in the city and 21-23 MPG on the highway. For example, a 2024 Ram 1500 with eTorque and 4WD is rated at 18 city/22 highway MPG, while a non-eTorque 2020 model without eTorque is rated at 15 city/21 highway MPG.
MPG by configuration

Configuration	City MPG	Highway MPG
With eTorque (e.g., 2024)	18	22-23
Without eTorque (e.g., 2020)	15	21

eTorque: This mild-hybrid system improves fuel economy by providing an electric boost during acceleration.
Drivetrain: 2WD models typically have slightly better highway MPG than 4WD models.
Driving Habits: City driving with frequent stops and starts results in lower MPG, while consistent highway speeds will be higher.
Maintenance: A well-maintained engine with clean fluids, filters, and spark plugs will perform more efficiently.

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

Now I have owned one of these Ram 1500s with this 57 Hemi with the same gearing. And I can say firsthand that these engines are sneaky efficient so I'm very excited to see just what fuel economy.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.