23 MPG combined won’t stun anyone, but it’s a respectable figure for a full-size, rear-wheel-drive truck like the 2017 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. This isn’t a compact crossover aiming for Prius-level efficiency; it’s a reliable workhorse capable of towing and hauling, and that capability requires fuel. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel caters to a specific buyer: someone who needs a truck’s utility but also values fuel efficiency higher than outright V8 power.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Ram 1500 2WD EcoDiesel show 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure is achievable with a measured driving style. The key is to avoid aggressive acceleration, letting the diesel’s abundant low-end torque do the work. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps considerably here, keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range.

On the highway, that 27 MPG reflects steady-state cruising on relatively flat terrain. Expect that number to dip if you’re consistently driving at higher speeds or tackling significant inclines. Wind resistance also plays a significant role at highway speeds, so a loaded bed or aftermarket accessories will negatively impact fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ram 1500 2WD EcoDiesel is $2,400. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. (This assumes a 55% city / 45% highway driving split, which is the EPA standard.) Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the specific routes you drive, and, most importantly, the price of diesel fuel in your area.

Diesel prices tend to fluctuate more than gasoline prices, so factor that into your budget calculations. The efficiency of diesel engines is highly sensitive to maintenance. Neglecting scheduled maintenance will decrease fuel economy substantially more in a diesel vehicle than in a gas one.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG often deviates. Owners of the 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel report figures slightly below the EPA estimates, especially in mixed driving conditions. Towing, even relatively light loads, will drastically reduce fuel economy. Expect numbers to plummet into the low teens when pulling a trailer. However, drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency and actively manage their driving habits have reported exceeding the EPA highway figure consistently. The truck rewards a smooth, deliberate driving style.

How it compares

Compared to other full-size trucks from 2017, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel held an advantage in fuel economy. The Ford F-150 with its 2.7L EcoBoost V6 typically achieved around 22 MPG combined. General Motors trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, even with their smaller V6 engines, rarely matched the Ram’s diesel efficiency, averaging closer to 20 MPG. None of those trucks offered a diesel option.

The Nissan Titan XD, with its available Cummins diesel engine, came close to the Ram diesel, but with a combined 18 MPG, its heavier duty components came at the cost of fuel economy. For someone cross-shopping fuel economy in a full-size truck, all Ram fuel economy data clearly shows the EcoDiesel variant as a leader. You can also see the 1500 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation is critical for maximizing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. This is especially important for heavier vehicles like trucks, where tire pressure has a proportionally larger impact.

Anticipate traffic flow and practice smooth acceleration and braking. Avoid sudden bursts of speed or hard braking, as these actions waste fuel. Allow plenty of following distance and let off the accelerator early when approaching stop signs or traffic lights. The Ram 1500’s long wheelbase benefits greatly from slow and steady inputs.

Minimize idling time. Diesel engines, while more efficient than gasoline engines at idle, still consume fuel when stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern diesels start quickly and reliably, making it easy to avoid excessive idling. Diesel emissions are high during prolonged idling, so avoiding it can also benefit the environment.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy, especially on relatively flat roads. Avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the system may downshift aggressively to maintain speed, negating any fuel savings. The eight-speed automatic in the 2017 Ram 1500 helps it maintain an efficient speed even on rolling hills.