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What is the gas mileage on a Dodge Ram 3500 van?

The gas mileage you can expect depends on which Ram 3500 you’re talking about. For the Ram ProMaster 3500 cargo van, typical combined mileage sits roughly in the mid-teens to low-20s mpg. If you meant the Ram 3500 heavy‑duty pickup (not a van), gasoline variants generally deliver lower mileage, usually in the low-teens mpg combined, especially when carrying a heavy payload. Actual numbers vary by year, engine, wheelbase, roof height, and how the vehicle is used.


Two 3500 models, two mpg profiles


In common parlance, the “Ram 3500 van” refers to the Ram ProMaster 3500 cargo van (a front‑wheel‑drive van used for deliveries and work fleets). The Ram 3500, by contrast, is a heavy‑duty pickup. The gasoline engines and configurations for each lead to different fuel economy profiles. Below are typical ranges and what influences them.


Ram ProMaster 3500 cargo van (gasoline)


The ProMaster 3500 is a front‑wheel‑drive cargo van designed for cargo capacity and efficiency in city fleets and long‑haul routes. EPA estimates for gasoline versions (3.6L V6) commonly fall in the mid‑teens to low‑20s mpg in mixed driving, with highway numbers higher than city numbers. Exact figures depend on wheelbase, roof height, payload, and year.


Key factors that influence mpg in the ProMaster 3500 include the following:



  • Engine and drivetrain configuration

  • Vehicle weight from payload and options

  • Wheelbase and roof height, which affect aerodynamics

  • Tire type and proper inflation

  • Driving style and idling time

  • Road grade, climate control use, and terrain


In practice, real-world mpg for the ProMaster 3500 tends to land in the mid‑teens to low‑20s mpg range, with highway figures typically higher than city figures, especially on lighter duty runs and when not heavily loaded.


Ram 3500 pickup (gasoline) — note on van terminology


The Ram 3500 pickup is not a van, but it is sometimes grouped in discussions about the 3500 lineup. Gasoline versions of the Ram 3500 pickup (with engines such as the 5.7L Hemi or the 6.4L Hemi) generally achieve lower mpg than the ProMaster van, especially under load or in city driving. Typical combined mpg for gasoline Ram 3500 pickups tends to be in the low teens, with highway mileage improving somewhat but remaining modest compared with lighter vehicles. Exact numbers vary by engine, drivetrain (two- versus four-wheel drive), payload, and year.


How to maximize mpg in a van


Whether you drive a ProMaster 3500 or another Ram 3500 variant, these practices can help improve fuel economy:



  • Keep gross vehicle weight as low as practically possible by minimizing unnecessary loads.

  • Maintain proper tire pressure and use tires recommended by the manufacturer.

  • Plan efficient routes and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.

  • Avoid excessive idling and rapid acceleration; drive at steady speeds.

  • Remove aerodynamic accessories when not needed (e.g., roof racks) to reduce drag.


Practically speaking, drivers who optimize weight, maintenance, and driving style often see a noticeable difference in mpg, especially on longer highway stretches compared with dense city routes.


Summary


In short, the gas mileage for the Ram ProMaster 3500 cargo van sits roughly in the mid‑teens to low‑20s mpg in mixed use, with higher highway efficiency and variation based on wheelbase, roof height, and payload. The Ram 3500 pickup (gasoline) generally delivers lower mpg, typically in the low-teens mpg combined, and is more sensitive to payload and driving conditions. For precise figures, check the EPA ratings for your exact year, trim, and configuration, and consider real‑world driving habits that can shift fuel economy significantly.

How many miles per gallon does a 2014 Ram ProMaster 3500 get?


17.6 mpg
Cargo bay interior view #4

SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE3.6-liter 24-valve V-6 with VVT
TRANSMISSION6-speed automatic
FUEL ECONOMY, CW OBSERVED17.6 mpg
SUSPENSION, FRONT/REARMacPherson struts/Beam



How many miles per gallon does a RAM 3500 van get?


The most fuel efficient standard Ram ProMaster van (larger van) is the 1500, 2500, & 3500 vans which average 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined.



What RAM 3500 to stay away from?


2007 RAM 3500
One of the main reasons it belongs to this list of RAM 3500 years to avoid is its steering woes. These problems ranged from tie rod ends popping off, resulting in a loss of steering control, to the frightening “death wobble” — a violent shaking after hitting a bump, leading to loss of vehicle control.



What kind of gas mileage does a RAM 3500 get?


The Ram 3500's MPG varies significantly by engine and usage, with the Cummins diesel typically averaging 15-21 mpg combined and the 6.4L HEMI V8 averaging 14-16 mpg combined. Unloaded, the diesel can reach up to 20-25 mpg on the highway, while the HEMI averages 19-22 mpg on the highway. When towing heavy loads, mileage drops dramatically, with the diesel potentially getting 10 mpg or less depending on the weight. 
This video discusses the real-world fuel mileage of a 2025 Ram 3500 with a 6.7L Cummins engine: 1mPD Diesel PowerYouTube · Apr 12, 2025
Diesel engines (6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel)

  • Average combined: 15-21 mpg
  • Unloaded highway: 20-25 mpg
  • Towing heavy: 10 mpg or less, depending on weight
  • Average city: 15-17 mpg 

Gasoline engines (6.4L HEMI V8)
  • Average combined: 14-16 mpg
  • Unloaded highway: 19-22 mpg
  • Average city: 14-16 mpg 

You can watch this video to compare the performance and MPG of a 2024 Ram 3500 and a GMC Sierra 3500: 36sJB ReviewsYouTube · Feb 18, 2024
Factors that affect MPG
  • Towing and hauling: Mileage drops significantly when towing heavy loads. 
  • Driving speed: Fuel economy decreases as speed increases, especially above 555555 mph. 
  • 4WD usage: Using four-wheel drive on a highway can decrease fuel efficiency due to drivetrain windup. 
  • Engine break-in period: New trucks may see improved mileage after the initial break-in period. 


Kevin's Auto

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.