Which RAM 2500 gets the best gas mileage?
Among RAM 2500 pickups, the diesel-powered option generally delivers the best fuel economy, especially on highway driving. Gasoline-powered models are less efficient in EPA ratings, though real-world numbers depend on payload, terrain, and driving habits.
Engine options and fuel-economy expectations
RAM offers several powertrains for the 2500. To understand which one yields the best mileage, it helps to separate gasoline from diesel options and look at typical efficiency trends across configurations.
The following list outlines the main engine options and what you can expect in terms of fuel economy. It is important to note that EPA estimates vary by model year, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4x4), axle ratio, and wheel/tire size. Use these as a general guide rather than exact figures for your specific build.
- Gasoline engines:
- 5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque: Generally the least efficient of the gasoline options, with average combined mileage often in the mid-teens to low 20s mpg depending on gearing, payload, and whether the truck is 2WD or 4x4.
- 6.4L Hemi V8: Usually offers comparable or slightly better highway efficiency than the 5.7L, with combined mileage typically in the low to mid-teens and highway numbers edging into the high teens to around 20 mpg depending on configuration.
Gasoline RAM 2500s tend to be favored for upfront purchase price, strong towing power, and availability, but their EPA fuel-economy numbers are generally lower than the diesel option, especially on highways and with payloads.
- Diesel engine:
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6: This is the standout for fuel economy in the RAM 2500 lineup. In typical 2WD configurations, highway mpg is often in the low to mid-20s, with city mpg in the teens. When equipped with 4x4, highway efficiency drops slightly, but overall combined mileage remains the strongest of the three powertrains.
Diesel-powered RAM 2500s generally deliver the best mileage per gallon, particularly on long highway drives or when not towing heavy loads. Real-world results will vary with payload, terrain, and driving style.
EPA estimates vs. real-world driving
EPA fuel-economy ratings provide a standardized baseline, but real-world results can differ drastically. Towing, payload, and terrain have a substantial impact on mileage for heavy-duty pickups like the RAM 2500. Diesels tend to outperform gasoline engines on highway efficiency, while gasoline engines can offer competitive numbers in light-duty or unladen use.
Key factors that influence RAM 2500 efficiency
Several practical factors affect miles per gallon on a RAM 2500, regardless of powertrain:
- Drivetrain: 2WD vs. 4x4 typically changes highway efficiency by a few mpg; 4x4 often reduces mpg when not towing.
- Payload and towing: Heavier loads reduce efficiency, especially for gasoline engines; diesels handle heavy towing with relatively better economy.
- Tire size and gearing: Larger tires and taller gears can lower overall mpg; factory-standard tires and gearing optimize efficiency.
- Maintenance and driving habits: Air filter condition, tire pressure, oil changes, and aggressive acceleration dramatically affect real-world fuel economy.
In practice, if your priority is maximum fuel efficiency for highway cruising or light-duty use with occasional towing, the 6.7L Cummins diesel in a RAM 2500 is typically the most economical choice among the lineup.
Tips for squeezing more mileage from any RAM 2500
Improving fuel economy on a RAM 2500 comes down to weight, aerodynamics, and driving behavior. Here are practical steps to maximize efficiency, regardless of powertrain.
- Limit payload and avoid unnecessary accessories when not needed to reduce weight.
- Maintain proper tire pressure (per the door jamb placard) and use the recommended tire size to avoid rolling resistance penalties.
- Keep the engine well-tuned, adhere to scheduled maintenance, and use high-quality fuel and oil as recommended by Ram.
- Adopt smoother driving habits: gradual acceleration, steady speeds, and anticipating stops to reduce fuel use.
- Consider highway-friendly gearing and route planning to minimize stop-and-go driving.
These practices can lead to meaningful improvements in real-world mpg, regardless of which RAM 2500 powertrain you choose.
Bottom line for best mileage
For the best fuel economy in a RAM 2500, the diesel-powered 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel typically leads the pack, especially on highway trips and when not towing heavy loads. Among gasoline options, the 6.4L Hemi generally offers better highway efficiency than the 5.7L Hemi, but both fall short of the diesel’s highway economy. Always verify the latest EPA estimates for your exact configuration and consider your typical use (towing, payload, terrain) when choosing a model.
Summary
In the RAM 2500 lineup, diesel-powered models—specifically the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel—tend to deliver the best overall fuel economy, particularly on highways. Gasoline options provide adequate performance but trade fuel efficiency for cost and towing characteristics. Real-world mileage will vary, so weigh EPA ratings against your typical payload, towing needs, and driving conditions. For maximizing miles per gallon, prioritize a 2WD diesel configuration and adopt fuel-saving driving habits.
What kind of gas mileage does a Dodge Ram 2500 get?
The Ram 2500's MPG varies by engine, with the 6.4L HEMI V8 getting an estimated 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway, while the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel gets an estimated 14-16 mpg city and 17-21 mpg highway. However, the EPA does not provide official fuel economy ratings for heavy-duty trucks, so real-world mileage may differ based on driving conditions, towing, and other factors.
Gas engine (6.4L HEMI V8)
- City: ~12 mpg
- Highway: ~18 mpg
Diesel engine (6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel)
- City: ~14-16 mpg
- Highway: ~17-21 mpg
Factors that affect MPG
- Towing: Mileage will be significantly lower when towing heavy loads.
- Driving conditions: City driving, especially with frequent stops, will result in lower fuel economy compared to highway driving.
- Terrain: Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain will also decrease MPG.
- Vehicle options: Features like different wheel sizes, tires, and optional packages can affect fuel efficiency.
What 2500 truck gets the best MPG?
The best-performing 2500 trucks for fuel economy are typically the diesel versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, GMC Sierra 2500 HD, and Ford F-250. Real-world highway mileage can range from 17-20 MPG, but efficiency varies based on the specific engine, with some sources suggesting the Duramax or Powerstroke may get slightly higher unloaded highway MPG, while the Cummins engine is often more efficient under heavy loads.
Top contenders for fuel efficiency
- Chevy Silverado 2500 HD / GMC Sierra 2500 HD (Duramax Diesel): This combination is frequently cited as a top contender for good fuel economy.
- Ford F-250 Super Duty (Power Stroke Diesel): The Power Stroke engine generally performs well, especially when unloaded.
- Ram 2500 (Cummins Diesel): This model can achieve strong mileage, especially under load, though its unloaded highway MPG may be slightly lower than the others.
Factors that affect MPG
- Engine choice: Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts in the heavy-duty class.
- Driving conditions: Mileage is heavily dependent on whether you are driving empty or towing heavy loads.
- Towing vs. unloaded: The Cummins engine, for example, is often more efficient under heavy towing loads due to its low-end torque.
- Official vs. real-world ratings: The EPA does not require mileage ratings for heavy-duty trucks, so real-world results can vary significantly from manufacturer estimates.
What is the best year of the Ram 2500 gas?
The best years for a gas Ram 2500 are generally the 2019-2024 models due to the improved frame, upgraded 6.4L V8 engine, and the more reliable eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the 2018 model year is also highly recommended as it was the last year for the previous generation, which some users prefer for its build and features before the full redesign.
This video discusses the best Ram Cummins years, which can provide additional context on Ram truck generation changes: 1mPower DrivenYouTube · Oct 7, 2025
Recommended years
- 2019-2024: These models are part of the fifth-generation (DT) redesign and feature the 6.4L Hemi V8 paired with the more reliable eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination is praised for better power delivery compared to previous years.
- 2018: As the final year of the previous generation, the 2018 model is considered a great option by many, particularly for those who prefer the previous generation's features or want to avoid certain issues found in later models.
Years to approach with caution
- 2011-2018: Some sources suggest that the 2011-2018 model years had more reliability issues, particularly with the six-speed 66RFE transmission that was paired with the 6.4L Hemi. While the 2018 is a solid choice, be aware of potential issues with models in this range.
You can watch this video to learn about one of the best years for a Ram HD Cummins: 58sJB ReviewsYouTube · Aug 16, 2023
What is the best MPG for a Dodge Ram 2500?
For those looking at the new 2023 RAM 2500 truck, MPG, or Miles Per Gallon, is an important consideration. You want to get the most for your money and not always be on the lookout for the nearest gas station. At 18 MPG, you should be able to handle most of your everyday commute and whatever the job site throws at you.
