Owners of the 2020 Ram 1500 4WD with the reliable 5.7L V8 get about 19 MPG combined. Nobody buys this truck for fuel efficiency. They buy it for its mix of capability, comfort, and that distinctive Hemi rumble. The fuel economy, while not great, is what you pay for this level of performance and utility. This truck is designed for work and play, often at the same time, and the fuel consumption reflects that purpose.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for this Ram 1500 configuration are 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. To understand these numbers, consider the Ram’s size and weight. Stop-and-go city driving, with its constant acceleration and braking, is always hard on large vehicles. The eight-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine running efficiently, but physics matters. You can more easily reach 22 MPG on the open road, especially when cruising at consistent speeds. The 5.7L V8’s broad torque curve allows for relaxed highway driving, which helps fuel economy in those conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ram 1500 4WD 5.7L V8 at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual costs will vary depending on your driving, the type of fuel you buy, and local fuel prices. Someone who mainly drives their Ram for short trips in town will probably spend more than this, while someone who mainly does highway driving may spend less. Think of this as a starting point for understanding the potential cost of owning this truck.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a guide, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Payload, towing, and aggressive driving will all greatly affect your MPG. Hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer will reduce fuel efficiency, sometimes a lot. And hard acceleration will also hurt your fuel economy. On the other hand, careful driving, keeping tires inflated, and regular maintenance can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Some owners have reported slightly better highway mileage than the official rating, but this usually takes effort and good driving conditions. Before buying, compare 1500 MPG across all years.

How it compares

When you look at full-size trucks, fuel economy is an important thing to consider. The Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 gets around 20 MPG combined, while the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 gets about the same as the Ram, around 19-20 MPG. A Toyota Tundra with its 5.7L V8 is lower, at about 15 MPG combined. The Ram often focuses on ride comfort and interior quality, which appeals to truck buyers who might trade a little bit of gas mileage for a nicer experience. See all Ram fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Driving style is very important. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The Hemi V8 responds well, but gently pressing the gas pedal will save fuel, especially in city driving. Look ahead at traffic and keep a consistent speed when you can. This uses less fuel and reduces wear on your truck.

Tire pressure is more important than many realize. Check your tire pressure often and make sure it matches what’s on the door jamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Properly inflated tires also help handling and make your tires last longer.

Keep weight down. Extra cargo in the truck bed puts more load on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove anything you don’t need for daily driving. This can improve your MPG, especially on short trips.

Think about turning off cylinder deactivation when towing. The 5.7L Hemi uses Fuel Saver Technology (cylinder deactivation) to improve fuel economy when there’s not much load. But when towing, the system might turn on and off a lot, which can make the power feel uneven and reduce fuel efficiency. Instead, try using a lower gear to keep the engine running on all eight cylinders. That gives you more power for towing.