20 MPG combined is fine for the 2016 Ram 1500 2WD with the 3.6L V6, especially considering it’s a light-duty pickup. It can haul materials, equipment, and family comfortably. No one expects Prius-like efficiency, but they need a reliable, versatile vehicle that won’t completely break the bank. This Ram 1500 strikes that balance, offering pickup utility without the low fuel economy of some more powerful V8 options.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Ram 1500 2WD 3.6L are 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go driving typical of urban environments, where the truck constantly accelerates and decelerates. The eight-speed automatic transmission tries to help, but it’s still a full-size pickup. The highway MPG shows what the Ram 1500 can achieve when cruising at a constant speed.

The truck’s aerodynamic design helps to reduce drag, and the transmission’s top gears keep engine RPMs low. These numbers depend heavily on driving style, so be aware of how you are driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ram 1500 2WD 3.6L is $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices, and it assumes an even mix of city and highway driving. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on local fuel prices, your driving habits, and the type of driving you do (more towing equals higher bills). This figure is a useful benchmark, but it’s essential to factor in your own specific driving conditions for a more realistic estimate. If you want to compare to 1500 MPG across all years, use the search on this site.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners of the 2016 Ram 1500 2WD 3.6L frequently say that their actual MPG is close to the EPA’s combined figure when they drive responsibly. Aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, or significant idling can noticeably impact fuel consumption. Weather conditions and terrain also play a role; colder temperatures and hilly areas generally decrease fuel efficiency. A well-maintained vehicle, with properly inflated tires and regular servicing, will also perform closer to the EPA estimates. Modifications to the vehicle, like larger tires or lift kits, can negatively affect fuel economy.

How it compares

In the light-duty truck segment for 2016, the Ram 1500 2WD 3.6L’s fuel economy is competitive. The Ford F-150 with its 2.7L EcoBoost engine achieves slightly better figures, around 22 MPG combined. Some versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offer similar MPG, around 18 MPG combined with their smaller V6 engine. This comparison is critical to buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency alongside pickup truck capability. Those cross-shopping models also appreciate having access to all Ram fuel economy data to help them select the right truck.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The eight-speed automatic transmission in the Ram 1500 is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, but it can only do its job if you drive smoothly. Gentle acceleration allows the transmission to upshift sooner, keeping the engine in its most efficient range.

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 tires to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so there’s no need to let it run unnecessarily.

Plan your trips wisely. Combining multiple errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts and reduces overall driving distance. Cold starts are less fuel-efficient because the engine takes time to reach its optimal operating temperature.

Consider removing unnecessary weight. Carrying around extra weight in the truck bed or cab increases fuel consumption. Remove any items that aren’t needed regularly to improve fuel efficiency, especially if you use the truck as a daily driver but only occasionally haul heavy loads.