17 MPG combined is a key reality for owners of the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic 4WD with the 5.7L Hemi: practicality and capability take precedence over outright fuel sipping. This isn’t a truck bought for hypermiling; it’s a tool, often purchased by those who prioritize traditional truck qualities like reliable towing, payload capacity, and the visceral rumble of a V8 engine. Fuel economy is acknowledged, but it’s rarely the primary deciding factor.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates place the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic 4WD 5.7L at 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, compounded by the truck’s weight and engine displacement. The highway number, while better, still acknowledges the aerodynamic challenges of a full-size pickup. The eight-speed automatic transmission certainly helps optimize efficiency at cruising speeds, but even with its best efforts, the Hemi’s thirst is undeniable.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,100 for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic 4WD 5.7L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in city driving and 45% on the highway, at the national average fuel price. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate; your actual fuel cost will vary depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. If you’re frequently towing or spending a lot of time idling on job sites, expect that $3,100 figure to climb.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Owners report numbers often hovering around the EPA’s combined 17 MPG, although aggressive driving or consistent heavy loads can push it down to the low teens. Conversely, careful highway driving, particularly when unloaded, might see numbers closer to 22-23 MPG. Tire pressure, weather conditions, and even the specific blend of gasoline can subtly influence fuel consumption.

How it compares

The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic 4WD 5.7L isn’t winning any fuel economy contests. A similarly equipped 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 and four-wheel drive typically sees around 16 MPG combined. A Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 and 4×4 is in roughly the same ballpark, also typically around 16 MPG combined. The Ram’s fuel consumption aligns with its peers, showcasing that V8 power in a full-size truck demands a certain level of fuel expenditure. Buyers considering the Ram 1500 Classic are often less concerned with Prius-like efficiency and more focused on the truck’s reliable capabilities and more approachable price point than the newer generation Ram 1500. See all Ram fuel economy data and 1500 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 5.7L Hemi has plenty of power, but stomping on the gas pedal will quickly drain the fuel tank. Gentle acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, especially from a stop. A light foot is key.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Minimize idling. Idling burns fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, shut off the engine. This is particularly relevant on job sites where trucks often sit idling for extended periods.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel economy. Cruise control prevents unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, leading to more efficient highway driving. Avoid using cruise if the terrain is extremely hilly, which may cause shifting and reduce MPGs.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling extra cargo adds weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed or cabin of the truck. This is especially true for contractors and other tradespeople that often fill their trucks with heavy tools and equipment.