2020 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Crew Cab Fuel Economy Guide

The 2020 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Crew Cab delivers the power and capability truck buyers demand while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency for its class. With a combined EPA rating of 18 MPG, this full-size pickup truck balances performance with practical fuel consumption. The 5.7L V8 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission represents a solid choice for drivers who prioritize towing capacity and hauling power without completely sacrificing economy at the pump.

EPA Fuel Economy: 18 MPG Combined

The 2020 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Crew Cab achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 18 MPG. This rating reflects a mix of city and highway driving conditions and serves as the official benchmark for comparing this vehicle’s efficiency. The 18 MPG combined figure represents what you can reasonably expect over the life of ownership, assuming normal driving patterns and proper vehicle maintenance. For a truck in this category with this engine displacement, the 18 MPG combined rating is competitive and reflects RAM’s engineering efforts to optimize fuel delivery through the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy varies based on driving habits, load weight, and road conditions. The EPA’s testing methodology provides a standardized way to evaluate efficiency across all vehicles, making the 18 MPG combined rating a reliable starting point for budgeting fuel costs and comparing this RAM 1500 to other trucks. Drivers who maintain proper tire pressure, avoid excessive idling, and follow recommended maintenance schedules typically achieve results close to the EPA estimates.

City vs Highway Performance

The 2020 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Crew Cab shows notable differences between city and highway driving scenarios. In city driving, the truck achieves 15 MPG, which reflects the frequent acceleration, braking, and idling typical of urban environments. Stop-and-go traffic demands more fuel consumption from the 5.7L V8 engine, as the engine works harder during acceleration and operates less efficiently at variable speeds.

Highway driving tells a different story. On the open road, this RAM 1500 achieves 22 MPG—a significant improvement over city figures. The 8-speed automatic transmission excels at maintaining optimal RPM on highways, and steady-state driving at constant speeds allows the V8 engine to operate at peak efficiency. If you spend substantial time on interstates and rural highways, you’ll likely see fuel economy trending toward that 22 MPG highway rating. The 7 MPG difference between city and highway performance underscores how driving environment dramatically impacts overall fuel costs.

Annual Fuel Cost

Understanding the annual fuel cost helps with budgeting and vehicle ownership decisions. Using the EPA’s standard calculation of 15,000 miles driven annually and current fuel prices, here’s the math for the 2020 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Crew Cab:

Annual Fuel Cost Calculation:

• Annual miles: 15,000
• Combined MPG rating: 18
• Gallons needed per year: 15,000 ÷ 18 = 833 gallons
• Price per gallon: $3.50
• Annual fuel cost: 833 × $3.50 = $2,916

At $3.50 per gallon, annual fuel costs for this truck total approximately $2,916. This figure assumes consistent driving of 15,000 miles yearly. Drivers covering more miles or facing higher gas prices in their region will see increased fuel expenses, while those driving less or in areas with lower fuel prices will spend less. Over a five-year ownership period, fuel costs could reach approximately $14,580.

Real-World MPG Expectations

Real-world fuel economy often varies slightly from EPA estimates. Many 2020 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 owners report achieving between 17-19 MPG combined under typical driving conditions. Several factors influence actual MPG: towing trailers or carrying heavy loads reduces efficiency, while lighter driving and highway-focused routes improve it. Cold weather temperatures also decrease fuel economy because engines require more fuel to reach optimal operating temperatures.

To maximize your actual fuel economy, maintain consistent highway speeds rather than aggressive acceleration, avoid unnecessary weight in the truck bed, and ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI. Regular oil changes using the correct grade oil support engine efficiency, and removing roof racks or other aerodynamic accessories reduces drag.

How It Compares

Comparing the 2020 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Crew Cab to similar trucks provides perspective on its efficiency. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L V8 achieves approximately 17 MPG combined, placing the RAM slightly ahead. The 2020 Ford F-150 with a 5.0L V8 achieves around 18 MPG combined, matching the RAM’s efficiency. The 2020 Toyota Tundra with a 5.7L V8 achieves approximately 19 MPG combined, slightly better than the RAM 1500, though differences become minimal in this performance class.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

• Monitor tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance; check pressure monthly and maintain manufacturer specifications.
• Avoid excessive idling: Modern V8 engines don’t need warm-up time; start and drive normally to improve efficiency.
• Reduce payload weight: Remove unnecessary items from the truck bed; extra weight directly reduces MPG.
• Maintain steady speeds: Highway driving at constant speeds improves efficiency; aggressive acceleration wastes fuel.
• Use premium fuel only when required: The 2020 RAM 1500 5.7L accepts regular gasoline; using premium when unnecessary wastes money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will towing reduce the 18 MPG combined rating?
A: Yes, towing significantly reduces fuel economy. Expect MPG to drop 2-4 points depending on trailer weight and aerodynamics. The RAM 1500’s 5.7L V8 is rated for substantial towing capacity, but fuel economy will decrease accordingly.

Q: Does the 8-speed automatic transmission help achieve the 18 MPG rating?
A: Absolutely. The 8-speed automatic optimizes engine RPM across various speeds, improving efficiency compared to older transmission designs. This transmission is crucial to achieving the EPA estimates.

Q: Can I improve the 15 city MPG rating through driving habits?
A: While city driving remains less efficient than highway driving, smooth acceleration, avoiding rapid braking, and minimizing idle time can help you approach 16-17 MPG in city conditions.

The 2020 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Crew Cab delivers strong performance and capability with reasonable fuel economy for its class. An 18 MPG combined rating, supported by the 8-speed automatic transmission and modern engine management, makes this truck practical for both work and daily driving. Understanding how city and highway conditions affect your fuel costs helps with ownership budgeting.