Understanding the 2018 Ram 1500 MPG provides crucial insight into the balance between capability and efficiency in America’s best-selling full-size pickup truck. While designed to handle heavy towing and daily hauling, the engineers at Ram focused significantly on improving fuel economy without compromising the core strengths of the platform.
Engine Options and Drivetrain Configurations
The heart of the 2018 Ram 1500’s efficiency lies in its available powertrains, each delivering distinct MPG figures based on configuration. The standard setup paired a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with the Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, providing a blend of power and reasonable fuel economy for everyday driving. For those requiring maximum capability, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 remained an option, tuned specifically for this generation to optimize combustion and power delivery. Furthermore, the introduction of the eTorque mild-hybrid system marked a significant step forward, utilizing a belt-driven integrated starter generator to assist the V6 and V8, enhancing low-end torque and allowing the engine to shut off during coasting.
City, Highway, and Combined MPG Ratings
Fuel economy varies considerably depending on the engine choice and cab configuration, with the aerodynamic design playing a vital role in reducing drag. The base V6 with the standard rear-wheel drive typically achieves an estimated 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG. Opting for the four-wheel-drive system reduces these figures slightly to around 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG. When equipped with the HEMI V8, the numbers drop to approximately 14 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG for RWD, with 4x4 models seeing a modest decrease to 13 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG. The eTorque system effectively bridges the gap, offering roughly 2 MPG improvement across the board, making the V6 eTorque model a standout for efficiency-conscious buyers.
Engine & Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG
3.6L V6 (RWD) | 17 | 25 | 20
3.6L V6 (4WD) | 16 | 23 | 19
5.7L HEMI V8 (RWD) | 14 | 21 | 17
5.7L HEMI V8 (4WD) | 13 | 20 | 16
3.6L V6 eTorque (RWD) | 19 | 26 | 22
