The 2017 Ram 1500 2WD with the 5.7L HEMI V8 gets 17 MPG combined, an important consideration. This is not a fuel-sipping compact car. It’s a full-size, light-duty pickup truck designed for hauling, towing, and providing a comfortable work platform. Buyers accept this fuel economy for the capability and power this particular Ram configuration delivers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Ram 1500 2WD 5.7L achieves 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the truck’s weight and engine displacement affect mileage. The highway number is better, thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, improving efficiency on long stretches of open road. These figures are highly dependent on driving style. Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will significantly lower them.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ram 1500 2WD 5.7L is $3,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of the estimate. Fuel prices fluctuate, so your actual annual cost might be higher or lower depending on where you live and prevailing gas prices. This number alone might push some buyers toward the smaller V6, or to look at 1500 MPG across all years to consider other options.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but your real-world mileage will vary based on driving habits, load weight, tire pressure, and weather conditions. Owners who primarily use their Ram for commuting in stop-and-go traffic or frequently tow heavy loads can expect to see MPG figures closer to the city estimate or even lower. Those who primarily drive on the highway and practice efficient driving techniques might come closer to the 22 MPG highway number. 17 MPG combined is a benchmark, not a guarantee.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2017 Ram 1500 2WD 5.7L is in the middle of the pack. The Ford F-150 with its 2.7L EcoBoost V6, for example, boasts 22 MPG combined, a significant advantage. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, equipped with the 5.3L V8, achieves similar MPG figures to the Ram in most configurations. Diesel options, like what you see from the Nissan Titan XD, often provide better mileage than the gasoline-powered trucks, but come with increased purchase price and maintenance costs. Potential buyers should weigh the fuel economy figures against the desired performance and towing capabilities when making their decision. All Ram fuel economy data can vary wildly from trim-to-trim.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Adopt a gentle driving style. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. The HEMI V8 is responsive, but it drinks fuel when pushed hard. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Using cruise control on the highway can further help to maintain consistent fuel consumption.

Keep your Ram properly maintained with regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire pressure checks to improve fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. A well-tuned engine simply runs more efficiently.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around excessive cargo in the bed of the truck will negatively impact your fuel economy. Only carry what you need, and remove any unnecessary items. Consider removing aftermarket accessories, such as heavy-duty bumpers or light bars, if they are not essential for your typical use case because these additions add weight and aerodynamic drag.

Minimize idling. Letting your Ram idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a few minutes, turn off the engine because modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently.