19 MPG combined isn’t going to win any lower fuel costs awards, but for the 2021 Ram 1500 2WD with the 5.7L V8, it’s the price of admission to a very specific club. This isn’t a truck for hypermilers; it’s a truck for individuals and families who need real capability for work and play while appreciating the comfortable ride and strong power that Ram delivers. This buyer understands that towing a boat to the lake, hauling materials for weekend projects, and providing secure transport for a crew comes with a fuel cost, and they’ve made peace with that trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates provide a breakdown of this Ram 1500’s fuel efficiency: 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city rating reflects the engine’s behavior in stop-and-go traffic, where the weight of the truck and the inherent inefficiencies of combustion engines take their toll. The highway figure, on the other hand, represents the cruising fuel economy achievable at consistent speeds, aided by the 8-speed automatic transmission finding the optimal gear. The engine’s cylinder deactivation system, which shuts down four cylinders under light load, also contributes to the highway efficiency to some degree.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ram 1500 2WD 5.7L V8 is projected at $2,750.

This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific type of fuel used. This figure provides a benchmark for potential owners to consider the ongoing operating expenses of this particular Ram configuration.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, drivers should be aware that real-world MPG may vary. Factors such as towing, hauling heavy loads, aggressive driving, and extreme weather conditions can significantly decrease fuel economy. Conversely, conscientious driving, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance can help you achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates. Understanding your driving style and typical usage patterns will provide a much more accurate picture of the fuel costs you can expect with this Ram 1500.

How it compares

The Ford F-150, a perennial rival, in its 2WD configuration with the 5.0L V8, achieves an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined. Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500, equipped with the 5.3L V8 and 2WD, rates at 16 MPG city, 22 MPG highway, and 18 MPG combined. These marginal differences illustrate that the Ram’s fuel economy is within the typical range for full-size trucks with V8 engines. Some buyers might consider the Ram 1500’s eTorque mild-hybrid system on the 5.7L V8, which boosts torque and can slightly improve fuel economy, bumping the combined MPG up to 20. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the F-150 offers a hybrid powertrain option, which achieves significantly better numbers. These MPG variations become important when comparing 1500 MPG across all years, especially across different powertrains.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow to minimize hard acceleration and braking. The Ram 1500, like most vehicles, consumes considerably more fuel during periods of rapid acceleration. Maintaining a steady speed and allowing the truck to coast when appropriate will reduce fuel consumption significantly.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Underinflated tires create increased rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regular tire pressure checks and wheel alignments can help maintain optimal fuel efficiency.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Letting the Ram 1500 idle for extended periods wastes fuel, especially considering there is no stop/start to prevent this. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, it is best to turn off the engine.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps the engine operate more efficiently, as it eliminates the fluctuations in throttle input that often occur with manual speed control.

Only use four-wheel drive when necessary. Although this specific model is 2WD, understanding that 4WD systems greatly reduce fuel economy is critical to efficient truck usage. Using 4WD in dry pavement greatly reduces fuel economy compared to a 2WD vehicle, and only engages the system when facing inclement weather like deep snow, or loose surfaces such as gravel.

See all Ram fuel economy data.