19 MPG combined is what you get for the 2024 Ram 1500 4WD equipped with the reliable 5.7L HEMI V8. This isn’t a truck purchased for its fuel efficiency; it’s a truck bought for its strong capability, its distinctive styling, and the effortless power of its eight-cylinder engine. While some might wince at the pump, Ram 1500 owners understand that true truck capability requires more fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 Ram 1500 4WD 5.7L achieves 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. These figures show the HEMI’s strengths and weaknesses. The city MPG demonstrates the fuel demand of stop-and-go driving with a large displacement engine. The highway MPG, while still not stellar, shows the benefit of the 8-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, improving fuel economy when maintaining a steady speed. Knowing the driving conditions where you spend the most time is key to understanding how accurately these numbers will reflect your personal experience.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that owners of the 2024 Ram 1500 4WD 5.7L HEMI will spend approximately $2,750 on fuel annually. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price, which fluctuates considerably. Your actual fuel costs may vary based on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and even the climate in which you live. This $2,750 figure provides a benchmark, but it’s not a guarantee.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers are a good starting point, real-world fuel economy often differs. Factors like driving style, terrain, and cargo weight all play a significant role. A heavy foot will drastically reduce your MPG, as will consistently towing or hauling heavy loads. Many Ram 1500 owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates when driving conservatively, but it’s not uncommon to see figures dip lower during demanding work. Some drivers, who prioritize fuel efficiency and stick to highway driving, may achieve slightly better numbers.

How it compares

The Ram 1500 4WD 5.7L’s fuel economy is comparable to other full-size trucks. The Ford F-150 with its 5.0L V8 and four-wheel drive achieves a similar 19 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 and four-wheel drive also hovers around 19 MPG combined. The Toyota Tundra, while offering a hybrid powertrain option for improved efficiency, sees around 18 MPG combined from its standard V6. This comparison is important because truck buyers often weigh capability versus fuel costs closely. While hybrid and smaller displacement turbocharged engines exist, many truck buyers still prefer the feel and sound of a traditional V8, accepting the associated fuel penalty. Exploring all 1500 MPG across all years allows shoppers to see a broader range of options within the brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are critical for maximizing fuel efficiency in any vehicle, but particularly in a large truck like the Ram 1500. The HEMI engine responds well to a light foot, and avoiding unnecessary hard acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Tire pressure plays a surprisingly large role in fuel economy. Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check them regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Minimize idling. Modern engines are surprisingly efficient when started, and idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s almost always more efficient to turn off the engine. This is especially true in the Ram 1500, where the large displacement V8 will quickly burn through fuel when idling.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove any unnecessary aftermarket accessories that increase wind resistance, such as roof racks and oversized tires. Even driving with the tailgate open creates more drag than driving with it closed. These small changes can add up to noticeable fuel savings over time.

Consider a driving style adjustment. While the HEMI V8 is known for its power, shifting earlier and avoiding high RPMs can significantly improve fuel economy. Try using the truck’s gear selection feature to manually limit the upper gear range in surface street driving. Exploring 1500 MPG across all years can help gauge how driving style affects fuel consumption.