Home FAQ

Which Ram 1500 has the best gas mileage?

The Ram 1500 with the best overall fuel economy is the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, particularly in two-wheel-drive configurations. If you’re limiting yourself to gasoline-powered engines, the 3.6L V6 with eTorque is the most efficient option. Actual mileage varies by year, trim, drivetrain, payload, and driving conditions, so check the latest EPA estimates for your specific configuration.

Best overall fuel economy in the Ram 1500 lineup

The Ram 1500’s engine lineup includes a diesel and several gasoline options. The EcoDiesel frequently delivers the highest mpg, especially in 2WD setups, with fuel economy influenced by drivetrain, cab/bed choice, and tire setup.

3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (diesel) — typically the top mpg option across the lineup, especially in 2WD configurations; note that it runs on diesel fuel, not gasoline.

3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque (gasoline) — the most efficient gasoline option, offering solid highway efficiency and balanced city performance.

5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque (gasoline) — provides greater capability and power at the cost of lower mpg compared with the smaller gasoline engine.

In practice, the EcoDiesel yields the best overall fuel economy across most configurations. If you must choose from gasoline engines, the 3.6L V6 with eTorque is the most efficient option.

Gasoline-only options and how they compare

If your requirement is strictly gasoline power, the Ram 1500’s efficiency leaders within that subset are the 3.6L V6 with eTorque and, to a lesser extent, the 5.7L Hemi depending on use case; their mpg is lower on average than the EcoDiesel but higher than many full-size V8 setups in certain configurations.

Gasoline engine efficiency at a glance

3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque — best-performing gasoline option for efficiency within the Ram 1500 lineup.

5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque — strongest for towing and performance, but typically the least fuel-efficient choice among the current engines.

Remember that real-world results depend on drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), axle ratio, cab/bed configuration, payload, tires, and driving style. For precise numbers, consult the EPA's fueleconomy.gov database for your exact model year and trim.

Tips for maximizing fuel economy in a Ram 1500

Beyond selecting the right engine, several practical steps can help you improve fuel economy in daily driving and job use.

Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.

Use the most appropriate drive mode and avoid heavy payloads when mpg is a priority.

Schedule regular maintenance, including spark plugs, air filters, and oil changes with manufacturer-recommended fluids.

Adopt fuel-efficient driving habits: smooth acceleration, steady cruising, and minimizing prolonged idling.

These factors can narrow the gap between EPA estimates and real-world mileage, especially in mixed driving conditions.

Summary

The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 offers the best overall fuel economy for the Ram 1500, with the gasoline-based 3.6L V6 eTorque as the most efficient gasoline option. Always verify model-year-specific EPA ratings for your exact configuration, and consider driving needs, payload, and drivetrain when evaluating mpg. A careful combination of engine choice and driving habits will optimize your Ram 1500’s fuel efficiency.

Is the 3.0 L hurricane better than the 5.7 Hemi?

The 3.0L Hurricane engine generally offers more horsepower and torque than the 5.7L HEMI, provides better fuel economy, and has a smoother, more modern power delivery, while the 5.7L HEMI offers a traditional V8 exhaust note and slightly higher maximum towing capacity. The Hurricane is a modern, twin-turbocharged inline-six designed for efficiency and power, while the HEMI is a naturally aspirated V8 known for its traditional rumble.
You can watch this video to compare the driving experience of both engines: 51sCTech-reviewYouTube · Mar 1, 2025
Performance and power

Horsepower: The standard 3.0L Hurricane makes 420 hp, compared to the 5.7L HEMI's 395 hp.
Torque: The Hurricane produces 469 lb-ft of torque, more than the HEMI's 410 lb-ft.
Acceleration: The Hurricane accelerates more quickly, with a 0-60 mph time around 5 seconds compared to the HEMI's 6 seconds.

This video demonstrates the difference in acceleration between the two engines: 54sCTech-reviewYouTube · Oct 30, 2025
Fuel economy

The 3.0L Hurricane is more fuel-efficient, with an estimated 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway for the standard output version.
The 5.7L HEMI with eTorque is rated around 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway.

Towing and payload

Towing: The 5.7L HEMI has a slightly higher maximum tow rating (up to 12,750 pounds) than the Hurricane (up to 11,550 pounds).
Payload: The HEMI can also haul slightly more, but the Hurricane is still capable for most normal hauling needs.

Driving experience

Sound: The HEMI has a characteristic and more aggressive V8 exhaust note, while the Hurricane is noticeably quieter.
Power delivery: The Hurricane feels responsive with strong torque at lower RPMs, while the HEMI has a more traditional V8 power delivery, though some feel the Hurricane's overall delivery is an upgrade.

This video compares the engine sounds of both options: 37sBen HardyYouTube · Sep 21, 2025
Which is right for you?

Choose the 3.0L Hurricane if you prioritize more power, quicker acceleration, better fuel economy, and a modern driving experience.
Choose the 5.7L HEMI if you want the classic V8 rumble, a slightly higher maximum towing capacity, and a traditional engine feel.

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.

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

15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
5.7L HEMI® V8 Engine With eTorque:
17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway (2WD) 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway (4WD)

What 1500 truck gets the best MPG?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine typically gets the best gas mileage, with an EPA-estimated 23 MPG city / 33 MPG highway / 26 MPG combined for the two-wheel drive version. The GMC Sierra 1500 offers similar performance with a slightly lower highway rating (29 MPG) for its diesel model. For a gasoline-only option, the Silverado 1500 with the TurboMax four-cylinder engine is a strong contender, achieving up to 20 MPG combined.

Diesel options
This video reviews the fuel economy of the Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine: 51sGetty's GarageYouTube · Jul 23, 2025

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (3.0L Duramax diesel): Up to 23 MPG city / 33 MPG highway / 26 MPG combined. This is often cited as the most fuel-efficient full-size truck.
GMC Sierra 1500 (3.0L Duramax diesel): Up to 23 MPG city / 29 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined (for 4WD models).

Gasoline options
This video discusses the fuel efficiency of various pickup trucks, including the Ford Maverick Hybrid: 54sEveryman DriverYouTube · Aug 1, 2024

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2.7L TurboMax): Up to 20 MPG combined.
Ram 1500 (3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque): Up to 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway.

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.