The 2018 Ram 1500 4WD with the 3.6L V6 engine gets 19 MPG combined. No one buys a four-wheel-drive, full-size pickup expecting Prius-like fuel efficiency, it’s true. This is a workhorse, a hauler, a truck designed for utility. The V6 is a strong engine, but it’s still moving a large vehicle. Owners accept this fuel economy for the capability the Ram 1500 offers, they need its towing capacity, bed space, and all-weather traction, and fuel economy is just one factor, outweighed by practical needs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Ram 1500 4WD 3.6L gets 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the truck’s limitations in stop-and-go traffic, where its weight and aerodynamics count against it. The highway number is better, as the truck achieves a more efficient cruising speed. However, even on the open road, the Ram 1500’s size keeps it from matching smaller vehicles’ fuel economy. Drivers mostly in cities will see numbers closer to 16 MPG, while those who frequently travel on highways can expect to be closer to 23 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ram 1500 4WD 3.6L is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Costs will vary depending on driving habits, fuel prices in your area, and actual miles driven annually. This $2,300 estimate is a benchmark for potential owners to consider. It represents a recurring expense to factor into the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing, real-world fuel economy often differs. Terrain, driving style, and tire pressure can impact your MPG. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and heavy loads will all reduce fuel efficiency. Gentle driving habits, proper tire inflation, and minimizing cargo weight can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Payload and towing also drastically impact fuel consumption. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, is important to maintaining optimal fuel economy.

How it compares

For full-size, four-wheel-drive pickups, the 2018 Ram 1500 4WD 3.6L’s fuel economy is competitive. The 2018 Ford F-150 4WD with its 2.7L EcoBoost V6 achieves a slightly better EPA-estimated combined MPG of 20. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD with the 5.3L V8 comes in at 18 MPG combined. These differences can add up. Comparing 1500 MPG across all years and engine options can help buyers decide what model suits them best. For fuel efficiency, the F-150’s EcoBoost engine might be appealing, while those focused on traditional V8 power might sacrifice fuel economy for the Silverado’s capabilities. See all Ram fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is important, the Ram 1500 is a heavy truck, and pressing hard on the gas pedal burns fuel to get it moving quickly. Smooth acceleration will help you conserve fuel and maintain a consistent speed.

Pay attention to your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consumes more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, this is especially important when the temperature changes.

Minimize idling, letting the engine idle wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go, this is especially true in warmer climates.

Anticipate traffic flow. By anticipating traffic patterns and slowing down gradually, you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Maintaining a consistent speed is more fuel-efficient than constantly speeding up and slowing down.

Remove unnecessary weight. Hauling extra weight reduces fuel economy. Clear out any unnecessary items from the bed or cabin of your truck, even a few hundred pounds can make a difference, particularly during city driving.