12 MPG combined. The 2023 Ram 1500 TRX doesn’t sip fuel, it guzzles it. But to fixate solely on that number is to misunderstand the appeal of this apex predator of pickup trucks. The TRX is not about practicality or economy; it’s about unadulterated, supercharged performance and off-road dominance. Its buyers aren’t cross-shopping with Prius owners. They’re seeking the most outrageous, factory-built pickup truck imaginable, and they’re fully aware of the cost at the pump. The fuel bill is simply the price of admission to a very exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 10 MPG in the city and 14 MPG on the highway paint a clear picture: the TRX is thirsty regardless of driving conditions. The city figure suffers from the constant stop-and-go driving and the need to repeatedly accelerate the truck’s considerable mass. On the highway, things improve slightly, but the aerodynamic profile of a brick and the ever-present temptation to unleash the supercharger keep the fuel consumption high. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to optimize gearing for efficiency, but it’s fighting a losing battle against the sheer power and weight of the vehicle. The 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 wasn’t designed with fuel efficiency in mind, and it makes no apologies for it. Drivers with a need for speed won’t complain about the fuel consumption because this is the price of having one of the fastest trucks on the market.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX is $4,800. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a substantial amount, even compared to other full-size trucks, and it’s a clear indicator of the TRX’s gas-guzzling nature. Remember that this is just an estimate. Actual fuel costs can vary significantly depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of driving (e.g., mostly city vs. mostly highway). Off-road antics will reduce that MPG number even more. The EPA figure also assumes that the truck is exclusively filled with gasoline, but some owners may use premium fuel to maximize the performance of the supercharged engine, which would further increase the annual cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the TRX often falls short, particularly for drivers who enjoy the truck’s performance capabilities. Expect to see MPG numbers in the single digits if you frequently engage the supercharger or spend time off-road. Conservative driving, with gentle acceleration and consistent highway speeds, may yield closer to the EPA estimates, but it requires a level of restraint that few TRX owners are likely to possess.

Ultimately, the TRX’s fuel economy is heavily dependent on driving style, and those who embrace the truck’s performance capabilities will pay the price at the pump. When you’re looking at all Ram fuel economy data, remember that the TRX is a significant outlier.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance pickups, the TRX’s fuel economy is predictably poor. The Ford F-150 Raptor, with its turbocharged V6, achieves an EPA-estimated 15 MPG combined, a significant improvement over the TRX. Even the less extreme Ram 1500 Rebel with the 5.7L Hemi achieves 19 MPG combined. The crucial distinction is that the Raptor and Rebel, while capable off-road trucks, don’t offer the same level of raw, supercharged power as the TRX. The TRX wasn’t built to compete with these trucks based on MPG. Consider the 12 MPG in the context of the 702 horsepower on offer. The audience for this truck wants something closer to a muscle car than a standard truck. And for many buyers, the tradeoff is acceptable.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the TRX’s thirst for fuel, maximizing efficiency is an uphill battle, but there are a few strategies owners can use. First, avoid unnecessary idling. The supercharged engine consumes a surprising amount of fuel when idling, so turn off the engine whenever possible. Consider the 1500 MPG across all years and remember that idling is consistently a contributor to low MPG.

Second, be mindful of your driving habits. The TRX’s supercharger is a major contributor to its poor fuel economy, so avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain consistent speeds on the highway. Restraint will result in noticeable improvements in fuel efficiency even though it’s tempting to unleash the engine’s full potential.

Third, ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which can negatively affect fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level.

Finally, consider using the truck’s selectable drive modes to your advantage. The “Auto” mode is designed to optimize fuel efficiency and traction in various driving conditions. While other modes may offer enhanced performance, they often come at the expense of fuel economy; selecting the mode better suited for higher efficiency will see some marginal gains.