23 MPG combined is a solid figure for a full-size pickup truck, and it’s precisely what makes the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE 2WD with the 3.6L V6 interesting. This isn’t your typical strong, off-road-ready Ram; it’s the fuel-conscious workhorse, the contractor’s companion, and the fleet manager’s dream. It’s built for a specific purpose, and its fuel economy reflects that mission.

City and highway performance

The Ram 1500 HFE achieves its 23 MPG combined rating through solid city and highway numbers: 20 MPG in the city and a respectable 26 MPG on the highway. The 20 MPG city rating is adequate and reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving. The 26 MPG highway figure is where this truck excels. It’s an achievable number on long hauls, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses that rack up serious mileage. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission helps in both scenarios, keeping the engine in its most efficient range.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the average driver of a 2021 Ram 1500 HFE will spend $1,900 per year on fuel. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually with a 55/45 city/highway driving split, using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparison, but individual fuel costs will vary significantly depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific demands placed on the truck. If you are considering other trucks, you can also view all Ram fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a solid baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary. How you drive, what you’re hauling or towing, and even tire pressure can all impact your MPG. Given the HFE’s intended use, it’s likely that many owners will be hauling cargo or equipment on a regular basis. This will inevitably decrease fuel economy. However, a light foot and diligent maintenance can help you stay closer to the EPA estimates. The HFE is meant to do work, but responsible driving can make a difference to it’s 1500 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Ram 1500 HFE’s fuel economy stacks up favorably against other full-size trucks, but trade-offs exist. A 2021 Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, for example, achieves 22 MPG combined, 20 MPG city, and 26 MPG highway in its 4×2 configuration. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 2.7L Turbo engine manages around 20 MPG combined in its 2WD configuration. While those trucks offer similar fuel economy, the Ram’s eTorque mild-hybrid system provides a unique blend of efficiency and smooth power delivery, contributing to its competitive MPG and driving experience. For buyers prioritizing outright fuel economy above all else in a full-size truck, the Ram 1500 HFE remains a top contender, although there are other trims which can offer similar fuel economy in some cases.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the most impactful things you can do is adopt smooth driving habits. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking, as these habits burn extra fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible and this powertrain will reward you.

Regularly check and maintain your tire pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Keeping your tires properly inflated not only improves MPG but also extends tire life.

Minimize idling time. If you’re waiting for more than a minute, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it than to let it idle. This is especially true for the 3.6L V6, which consumes a surprising amount of fuel at idle.

Reduce the amount of weight you’re carrying. Extra weight increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed and cabin, especially if you own the vehicle in a fleet setting and can monitor others to ensure no unnecessary weight affects the truck’s MPG.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. However, be mindful of hilly terrain, as cruise control can sometimes lead to inefficient gear changes.