22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2016 Ram 1500 4WD with the 3.0L EcoDiesel, it’s an acceptable compromise. This isn’t a truck for someone prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else. It’s for the owner who needs real truck capability, towing, hauling, four-wheel drive, but wants to reduce the pain at the pump as much as possible. They accept that this Ram won’t match a Prius, but they appreciate that it offers some efficiency without sacrificing the utility they require.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this particular Ram 1500 configuration achieves 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the truck’s weight and aerodynamic profile work against it. The 26 MPG highway rating, enabled by the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and the diesel engine’s inherent efficiency at steady speeds, is the more impressive number. It indicates that longer trips won’t be quite as punishing to the wallet. While these are useful baseline figures, remember that driving style and load will significantly impact these numbers in the real world.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA’s estimates, expect to pay $2,550 per year to fuel this 2016 Ram 1500 4WD EcoDiesel. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blended average of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that diesel fuel prices fluctuate, and depending on your region, you may pay more or less than the average. And if you regularly tow heavy loads or primarily drive in the city, your actual annual fuel cost will likely be higher.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but driver experience plays a major role. Expect some variance based on individual habits. Frequent hard acceleration, aggressive braking, and lots of idling will drag down fuel economy. Towing, even moderately sized trailers, drastically reduces MPG. Cold weather can negatively affect diesel engine efficiency.

On the other hand, careful driving with a light foot and minimal idling can yield results closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates, especially on long highway stretches.

How it compares

The 2016 Ram 1500 4WD EcoDiesel’s fuel economy stands out against some of its gasoline-powered competitors, but not against all trucks. A similarly equipped 2016 Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and 4WD achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined, making the Ram a slightly better choice for fuel efficiency, for the same vehicle class. However, that advantage shrinks when compared to a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 and 4WD, which achieves an estimated 19 MPG combined; the difference becomes negligible for some buyers. Examining all Ram fuel economy data as well as 1500 MPG across all years paints a clearer picture of how Ram trucks stack up.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Diesel engines benefit greatly from smooth, steady driving. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed as much as possible. The Ram’s transmission programming will work with the driver to find and maintain efficient and appropriate gears for driving conditions.

Ensure that your Ram 1500 is properly maintained. Regular oil changes with the correct specification of oil are crucial for diesel engines, as is maintaining proper tire pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, directly impacting fuel economy. The correct tire pressure can be found on the sticker located on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling, especially during cold weather. Modern diesel engines warm up relatively quickly while driving, and prolonged idling simply wastes fuel and causes unnecessary wear. If you anticipate a stop longer than 30 seconds, it is generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine.

Carefully plan your routes, particularly if you frequently tow. Avoid congested areas and routes with steep inclines whenever possible. This will reduce the amount of strain on the engine and transmission and improve overall fuel efficiency. Towing significantly reduces MPG, but mindful route planning can help reduce the impact.