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What is the MPG of a Ram 2500 diesel?

The Ram 2500 diesel, powered by the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six, generally delivers about 15–18 mpg combined, with highway figures often higher and city figures lower. Actual mileage varies by configuration, payload, towing, and driving style.


In practice, the exact miles-per-gallon you’ll see depends on factors such as drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), cab and bed configuration, axle ratio, tire size, and whether the truck is lightly loaded, towing, or carrying a heavy payload. Below is a concise guide to typical ranges and the main variables that affect efficiency in recent Ram 2500 diesel models.


Typical MPG ranges for common Ram 2500 diesel configurations


Before examining the numbers, note that EPA estimates vary by model year and configuration. The following ranges reflect recent Ram 2500 diesel configurations and illustrate how drivetrain and usage influence efficiency.



  • 2WD (two-wheel drive) with the 6.7L Cummins Diesel: approximately 13–15 mpg city, 20–23 mpg highway, ~17–19 mpg combined.

  • 4WD (four-wheel drive) with the 6.7L Cummins Diesel: approximately 11–14 mpg city, 19–22 mpg highway, ~15–17 mpg combined.


In short, two-wheel-drive models tend to deliver better overall efficiency, while four-wheel-drive versions are typically a bit less economical due to increased drivetrain weight and drag. Highway driving tends to produce the best mileage figures, especially when the truck is not heavily loaded or towing.


What else affects Ram 2500 diesel MPG


Many factors beyond drivetrain influence real-world fuel economy. The following elements can push mpg up or down significantly, depending on how the truck is used and equipped.



  • Payload and towing: Heavier loads reduce mpg, particularly during acceleration and climbs.

  • Tire size and rolling resistance: Larger or more aggressive tires raise drag and reduce efficiency.

  • Axle ratio and gearing: Lower gears for heavy towing can lower mpg, while highway gears can improve it when not towing.

  • Aerodynamics and body configuration: Crew cab, short bed vs. long bed, and accessories can affect highway efficiency.

  • Maintenance and drive style: Regular maintenance, proper tire inflation, and steady driving habits improve fuel economy.


Understanding these variables helps explain why EPA estimates and real-world mileage can differ markedly between individual trucks and trips.


Tips to maximize mpg on a Ram 2500 diesel


To help squeeze the most efficiency from a Ram 2500 diesel, consider these practical steps. The following list provides actionable guidance to improve fuel economy on the highway and in daily driving.



  1. Keep payload to a minimum when not towing or hauling heavy loads.

  2. Aim for smooth, steady driving and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.

  3. Maintain proper tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s specs; check tires regularly.

  4. Use cruise control on long highway trips to maintain steady speed.

  5. Plan trips to reduce unnecessary idling and combine errands when possible.

  6. Follow recommended maintenance intervals for air filters, fluids, and the exhaust system.

  7. Consider selecting the most efficient drivetrain configuration for your typical use case (2WD for mainly highway driving, 4WD when towing or off-road work is frequent).


Following these practices can help you achieve closer to the lower or upper end of the typical ranges, depending on your specific setup and driving conditions.


Summary


The Ram 2500 diesel’s fuel economy sits in the mid-teens to high-teens when viewed as a combined figure, with highway mileage typically higher than city mileage. Two-wheel-drive versions generally show better efficiency than four-wheel-drive variants, and payload or towing activity can significantly affect actual MPG. For the most accurate numbers, check the EPA fuel economy sticker on the specific model year and configuration you’re considering, and factor in how you plan to use the truck in daily driving and operations.

How many miles per gallon does a 2500 diesel get?


A 2500 diesel truck's real-world mileage typically ranges from 15–18 mpg in mixed driving to 17–24 mpg on the highway, depending on the specific model and driving conditions. For example, some 2025 models might average 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while others could achieve around 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway on the open road. Factors like towing, speed, and maintenance significantly affect fuel efficiency.
 
Typical 2500 diesel MPG by model

  • Ram 2500 Cummins: Can get around 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, with a combined average often around 15.9 mpg. 
  • Chevrolet/GMC 2500 Duramax: May achieve 17–18 mpg city and 20–22 mpg highway, with some test drives showing results around 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for the 2025 model. 
  • Ford F-250 Power Stroke: Often sees similar mileage to other 2500 diesels, with highway driving potentially reaching 17–20 mpg. 

Factors that impact MPG
  • Towing: Heavy loads, like a gooseneck trailer, can drop MPG to 10–12 mpg. 
  • Driving Habits: Maintaining a steady speed, avoiding rapid acceleration and deceleration, and minimizing idling time improve fuel economy. 
  • Vehicle Features: Tall gearing, efficient transmissions, and aerodynamics like a tonneau cover can boost MPG. 
  • Maintenance: Keeping the engine in good condition is crucial for efficiency. 



How many miles per gallon does a 6.7 F 250 diesel get?


A Ford F-250 with the 6.7L diesel engine typically gets 18-20 mpg on the highway and 15-18 mpg in mixed city/highway driving when unloaded. Fuel economy drops significantly when towing, with estimates ranging from 8.9 to 12-15 mpg depending on the load. Real-world mileage is affected by driving style, speed, terrain, and other factors. 
Unloaded driving

  • Highway: Expect around 18-20 mpg on the highway under optimal conditions. Some drivers report getting as high as 24 mpg on highways, particularly with the high-output (HO) engine and gentle driving. 
  • Mixed/City: You can expect a combined average of 15-18 mpg. 
  • Factors: Driving speed has a significant impact. Driving at 80 mph can reduce fuel economy compared to driving at 60-65 mph, where you might see higher mileage. 

This video shows a real-world fuel economy test of a Ford F-250 diesel truck: 40sSkinner’s DOSEYouTube · Nov 11, 2025
Towing
  • Towing MPG: When towing, fuel economy can drop to 12-15 mpg. 
  • Heavier loads: With very heavy loads (e.g., a 17,000 lb 5th wheel), mileage can drop to under 9 mpg. 

This video demonstrates a fuel economy test of a Ford F-250 diesel while towing a trailer: 59sTFLnowYouTube · Apr 9, 2025
Other considerations
  • High-output (HO) engine: The high-output version of the 6.7L engine offers more power with little to no difference in fuel consumption compared to the standard engine under normal conditions. 
  • Engine break-in: New engines may have lower fuel economy until they are broken in. 
  • DPF delete: Aftermarket modifications like a DPF delete may increase MPG, but this is not recommended for street use. 



How many miles per gallon does a 2025 Ram 2500 Turbo Diesel get?


The 2025 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine gets an estimated 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, though real-world results vary. Some reviewers have reported highway mileage reaching 25 mpg when using adaptive cruise control, but fuel economy will decrease significantly when towing or hauling. It is important to note that heavy-duty trucks are exempt from EPA testing, so these are estimates and not official ratings.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the fuel efficiency of the 2025 Ram 2500 diesel: 58sAmerican Cars And RacingYouTube · Jun 30, 2025

  • City: 16 mpg 
  • Highway: 21 mpg 
  • Real-world highway: Some drivers report achieving up to 25 mpg on the highway, especially with the new 8-speed transmission and adaptive cruise control. 
  • Towing/Hauling: Fuel economy will be lower when towing or hauling heavy loads. 



How many miles per gallon does a 6.7 Cummins RAM 2500 get?


A 6.7L Cummins Ram 2500 gets an estimated 14-16 mpg in the city and 17-21 mpg on the highway, depending on the model year and specific configuration. Real-world fuel economy is often lower, especially with heavy towing, but many owners report getting over 20 mpg on the highway when unloaded, particularly with newer models. 
This video reviews the 2025 Ram 2500 Cummins and its fuel economy: 58sAuto Auction RebuildsYouTube · Sep 8, 2025
MPG breakdown

  • City: Approximately 14-16 mpg.
  • Highway: Approximately 17-21 mpg.
  • Mixed/Real-world: Around 15 mpg is a common average for mixed driving. 

Factors that affect MPG
  • Towing: Hauling a heavy load will significantly decrease fuel economy. 
  • Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce MPG. 
  • Model year: Newer models with updated transmissions may show improved efficiency. 
  • Tire size and modifications: Larger tires and aftermarket modifications can impact fuel economy. 


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.