22 MPG combined won’t get you into a hypermiling competition, but for a 2015 Ram 1500 4WD with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, it’s a respectable number. It balances what the truck can do with its fuel consumption. People buy this truck because they need a reliable workhorse with decent towing capacity, a comfortable ride, and the confidence of four-wheel drive, plus they don’t want to fill up the tank constantly.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Ram 1500 4WD EcoDiesel are 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The 19 MPG city number is reasonable for stop-and-go traffic and short trips. Drivers will likely find the 26 MPG highway number achievable on longer trips, especially at a steady speed. The 8-speed automatic transmission helps by keeping the engine in its best power range and maximizing efficiency when cruising on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Ram 1500 to be $2,550. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices when calculated. Fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local prices, which provides a useful baseline for budgeting. Those who drive mostly short commutes in the city will likely see higher annual fuel costs than those who spend more time on the highway. Watch fuel prices in your area and adjust accordingly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a comparison, real-world fuel economy can vary based on several things. Aggressive driving, towing, heavy loads, and even low tire pressure can all impact fuel efficiency. Owners say they see numbers slightly below the EPA estimates in mixed driving, around 20-21 MPG, but achieving the 26 MPG highway rating is possible with a light foot and good conditions. Towing will greatly reduce fuel economy, potentially dropping it into the low teens or even single digits, depending on the weight.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size pickup trucks of the same time, the 2015 Ram 1500 4WD EcoDiesel does well. The Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 gets about 22 MPG combined in 4×4, but some like the Ram’s diesel better for towing. A comparable Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 gets around 18 MPG combined, even with cylinder deactivation. For those considering Ram, all Ram fuel economy data is available, and you can review 1500 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep tires properly inflated. This reduces rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy, especially during highway driving. Check your tire pressure monthly, and before long trips.

Avoid fast acceleration and braking. Hard starts and stops use more fuel than gradual speed changes. Watch traffic and try to maintain a consistent speed. The Ram’s 8-speed transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, so let it do its job.

Minimize idling. Modern engines, including the EcoDiesel, don’t need long warm-up periods. Idling wastes fuel, especially in cold weather. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save gas.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo adds weight, which impacts fuel consumption. Remove unnecessary items from the truck to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency.