The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX’s 12 MPG combined, with its 6.2L supercharged V8, is frankly irrelevant to its target audience. These buyers aren’t cross-shopping with Prius owners; they’re seeking outrageous performance, aggressive styling, and off-road dominance. Fuel economy is a distant concern at best, a laughable one at worst, overshadowed entirely by the visceral thrill this truck delivers.

City and highway performance

The TRX’s EPA estimates break down to 10 MPG in the city and 14 MPG on the highway. The city figure accurately reflects the near-constant stop-and-go driving where the supercharger is frequently engaged to overcome the truck’s considerable mass. Highway driving offers marginal improvement, but only if you exercise restraint. Consistent use of the TRX’s immense power will negate any gains. The standard 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly, but favors lower gears to keep the engine in its power band, further impacting efficiency. Aerodynamics, or the distinct lack thereof, are also a major contributor to subpar highway numbers.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX is a hefty $4,800. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mixture of city and highway conditions, and the national average fuel price. Given the TRX’s propensity for enthusiastic driving and the likelihood of owners using premium fuel (though not required), it’s safe to say that $4,800 is a conservative estimate for many owners. If you spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic or frequently use the truck’s performance capabilities, prepare for substantially higher fuel bills.

Real-world expectations

Don’t count on hitting the EPA numbers consistently. Real-world MPG for the TRX is often worse, especially if you live in an area with heavy traffic or enjoy pushing the truck’s limits. Single-digit fuel economy is not uncommon during spirited driving or off-road excursions. Even with a light foot and a conscious effort to conserve fuel, matching the EPA estimates consistently is a challenge. The sheer weight of the truck, the powerful engine, and the aggressive tire tread all conspire against achieving optimal efficiency. Consider the fuel gauge an approximation, not a promise, and be prepared for frequent trips to the gas station.

How it compares

Unsurprisingly, the TRX lags behind virtually all other full-size trucks in fuel economy. A more mainstream Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and eTorque mild-hybrid system manages around 17 MPG combined. Even the Ford F-150 Raptor, with its 3.5L twin-turbo V6, achieves a slightly better 15 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, another off-road-focused competitor, lands around 14 MPG combined. Buyers considering the TRX aren’t prioritizing lower fuel costs, but it’s worth understanding the relative thirst of the competition. You can view all Ram fuel economy data to explore the other models’ fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While “efficiency” and “TRX” seem contradictory, there are a few things you can do to slightly improve fuel economy. Resist the urge to constantly accelerate hard, the supercharger is incredibly responsive but demands a heavy fuel penalty. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed will yield noticeable (though still unimpressive) gains.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. The TRX’s large off-road tires are particularly sensitive to pressure variations, so check them regularly.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines are designed to be shut off instead of idling for extended periods. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to conserve fuel. This is especially relevant in city driving where idling is common.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. The TRX’s aggressive styling is part of its appeal and contributes to poor aerodynamics. Removing any unnecessary cargo from the bed and ensuring the tonneau cover (if equipped) is closed can slightly improve fuel economy at highway speeds. Also, consider this fuel consumption aspect when figuring out 1500 MPG across all years.