20 MPG combined for the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic 2WD with the 3.6L V6 isn’t going to win any hypermiling competitions, but for the contractors, ranchers, and small business owners who rely on this truck, it’s a perfectly acceptable trade-off for capability and affordability. This isn’t a truck someone buys to impress their neighbors, it’s a tool, a workhorse, and the 3.6L V6 offers a reasonable balance between capability and fuel efficiency. More powerful engines are available on the Ram 1500, but the V6 provides adequate power and reasonable running costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the truck’s weight and aerodynamic profile become more noticeable. The highway estimate, however, shows where the eight-speed automatic transmission shines. This transmission allows the V6 to cruise at lower RPMs, maximizing fuel efficiency on long stretches of open road. These highway numbers can be easily achieved with moderate use.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for this 2019 Ram 1500 Classic at $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. This cost can vary significantly depending on driving habits, regional fuel prices, and the type of driving, so consider how you use your truck to understand the real-world cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, remember that real-world fuel economy always varies. Factors like cargo weight, towing, driving style, and even tire pressure all impact your truck’s efficiency. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will quickly drop fuel economy, whereas smoother driving habits will help you land closer to the EPA estimates or even exceed them, especially on the highway. Expect to be diligent to see numbers close to the EPA estimates given the Ram 1500 Classic’s inherent weight and purpose.

How it compares

The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic with the 3.6L V6 is in a competitive segment. The comparable Ford F-150 with its base 3.3L V6 achieves roughly similar figures with an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with its 4.3L V6 comes in slightly lower. Understand that the fuel economy is very similar but the trade off may be power for the Silverado. These small differences matter for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency first. For those who are not concerned with fuel economy data, check out all Ram fuel economy data. To see how this stacks up, check out the 1500 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Ram 1500 Classic. Ensure that tires are properly inflated and that the engine air filter is clean. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, allowing the truck to glide easier, saving fuel.

Avoid excessive idling, which consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine, especially during warmer months when the AC isn’t needed. This is particularly important for contractors who spend a significant amount of time on job sites.

Use the cruise control effectively. On long highway drives, cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This will help you to keep your fuel consumption down.

Lighten the load. The more weight you carry, the harder the engine has to work. Remove any unnecessary cargo from the bed or cab to improve fuel economy and allow the truck to perform better.