The 2022 Ram 1500 Classic 4WD with the 3.6L V6 gets 19 MPG combined. This truck isn’t designed for hypermilers, it’s built for those who need a workhorse without the price tag of a brand-new, heavily optioned pickup. The fuel economy is a trade-off those buyers are often willing to make for a proven, reliable platform at a more accessible price point.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Ram 1500 Classic 4×4 with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 will achieve 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving that often plagues job sites and suburban errands, while the highway number presents a more optimistic view for longer commutes or weekend trips. Remember that these are estimates.

Aggressive driving, heavy payloads, and even weather conditions can significantly impact these numbers in real-world scenarios. Understanding these potential variances is key to budgeting accurately for fuel costs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,300 for the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic 4WD 3.6L. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway miles, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This $2,300 figure is likely outdated now, as fuel prices have fluctuated considerably since the EPA’s original estimate. Consider this number a baseline.

Users in areas with higher fuel costs or those who drive more than 15,000 miles annually will see a higher fuel bill. It’s advisable to use current local gas prices and your anticipated driving habits to get a more precise estimate of your potential fuel expenses. You can view all Ram fuel economy data on our site.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often varies. Drivers who frequently tow or haul heavy loads will undoubtedly experience lower MPG numbers. Similarly, those who spend a significant amount of time idling on job sites or navigating congested urban areas shouldn’t expect to consistently achieve the EPA’s highway estimate.

The Ram 1500 Classic, despite its age, benefits from an 8-speed automatic transmission, which helps to optimize fuel economy at various speeds. Driving style remains a crucial factor. Smooth acceleration and consistent speeds will yield the best possible results.

How it compares

Compared to some of its newer competitors, the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic 4WD 3.6L’s fuel economy lags slightly. For example, a similarly equipped 2022 Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and 4×4 can achieve around 20 MPG combined. A Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 2.7L turbo and 4×4 gets roughly the same. The older design of the Ram Classic doesn’t offer some of the fuel-saving technologies found in newer trucks. However, buyers often accept this difference due to the Classic’s lower initial cost. For those less concerned with peak fuel efficiency and more focused on value, the Classic remains a good option. Check out 1500 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important. Keep your tires properly inflated and ensure your engine oil is clean and at the correct level. A well-maintained engine will run more efficiently and contribute to better fuel economy. Ignoring basic maintenance can slowly erode your MPG, costing you more at the pump in the long run.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items from the bed of your truck that you don’t need. Extra weight puts additional strain on the engine, which burns more fuel. Emptying out tools, equipment, or other cargo will not only improve fuel economy but also improve handling and braking performance.

Drive smoothly. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. The 8-speed automatic is designed to shift efficiently, so let it do its job without unnecessary surges in power demand.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed can significantly improve your fuel economy on long stretches of road. Cruise control helps to minimize variations in speed, which can waste fuel. Use cruise control on level highways to maximize efficiency.