The RAM 1500 pickup truck is a capable full-size pickup truck. It has more talent than most other pickup trucks in its class because it offers a wide range of trim levels with something for every driver and has the best suspension in its class. Whether you’re looking for just the basics or want an upscale, luxury people hauler, the RAM 1500 can get it done. In addition to the range of trim levels, the RAM 1500 has several different powertrains, each with a different mpg rating. Here’s a closer look at the RAM 1500 and its fuel economy ratings.
The Engine Lineup
RAM offers the 2022 1500 with five different engines. Each one has more horsepower than the last, and each is available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (4WD). The fuel efficiency for each of the engines depends on the drivetrain. Here’s a look at the details for all of the engines.
The 3.0-Liter EcoDiesel Engine
- Two-wheel drive (2WD): 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway.
- 4WD: 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway.
- Horsepower: 260 horsepower.
- Torque: 480 lb-ft.
- Max towing Capacity: 12,560 pounds.
The 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 Engine With eTorque
- 2WD: 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway.
- 4WD: 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.
- Horsepower: 305 horsepower.
- Torque: 269 lb-ft.
- Max towing Capacity: 7,730 pounds.
The 5.7-Liter HEMI V-8 Engine
- 2WD: 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway.
- 4WD: 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway.
- Horsepower: 395 horsepower.
- Torque: 420 lb-ft.
- Max towing Capacity: 11,610 pounds.
The 5.7-Liter V-8 Engine With eTorque
- 2WD: 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway.
- 4WD: 18 mpg city, 22 mpg highway.
- Horsepower: 395 horsepower.
- Torque: 410 lb-ft.
- Max towing Capacity: 12,750 pounds.
The Supercharged 6.2-Liter HEMI V-8 Engine
- 4WD: 10 mpg city, 14 mpg highway.
- Horsepower: 702 horsepower.
- Torque: 650 lb-ft.
- Maximum speed: 14,500 rpm.
The 2022 RAM 1500 Performance
The mpg ratings are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a pickup truck’s performance. Every RAM 1500 comes with either a coil spring rear suspension or the optional air springs, which help this truck provide an impressive ride. Drivers with models equipped with air suspension can adjust the ride height to help make the RAM more fuel efficient or make it more capable of tackling off-road terrain. This truck’s responsive steering system and powerful brakes add to the experience behind the wheel and make it comfortable to ride in on long trips.
RAM’s eTorque system helps increase fuel efficiency. It’s a mild version of a hybrid powertrain that uses a battery instead of an alternator. This system helps strike a good balance between the performance you want from a pickup truck and the fuel economy that’s more practical for everyday driving.
The 2022 RAM 1500 Trim Lineup
The entry-level RAM 1500 is the Tradesman. This model comes with 18-inch steel wheels, black bumpers, automatic headlights, and black door handles. It has heated and power-adjustable side exterior mirrors and power windows and door locks.
Stepping up to the Big Horn/Lone Star gets you 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome bumpers instead of black, and body-colored door handles. This model also adds fog lights. The Rebel adds off-roading capabilities by building on the Big Horn with all-terrain tires, hill descent control, underbody skid plates, and tow hooks. It also has an electronic locking rear axle and comes standard with a Class I trailer-towing receiver hitch.
The Laramie is the RAM 1500 that takes a turn toward luxury. It comes with LED headlights, power-folding side exterior mirrors, and a power-sliding rear window. Inside, it has leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Longhorn takes luxury a step further with 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED headlights, side steps, and a spray-in bed liner. It also comes with a power tailgate release. Inside, the reclining rear seats are a hit with backseat passengers, and the rear under-seat storage comes in handy when you have items such as tools or electronics you want to keep out of sight. Another level up to the Limited adds power-deployable running boards on the outside and premium-leather bucket seats on the inside.
The TRX sets itself apart from the other RAM 1500 models because it’s the only model available with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. It adds to the exterior with flared fenders and has amber LED lights embedded into the hood scoop. It also has upgraded engine cooling, larger brakes, and a performance exhaust. The TRX trim adds underbody skid plates and has a unique lifted suspension with Bilstein adaptive dampers along with massive 35-inch all-terrain tires.
State-of-the-Art Towing Technology
While towing decreases fuel efficiency, it’s an important feature for most pickup truck drivers. RAM makes towing easier and safer with innovative towing technology. Some of the features you can get with the RAM 1500 include:
- Trailer 360-degree Surround View Camera: Get an unobstructed view around, above, and beside the trailer with the 360-degree surround-view camera system.
- Trailer-Tow Power-Fold Mirrors: Combine these with the surround-view camera system for a bird’s eye view around both the truck and the trailer.
- Trailer Reverse Steering Control: Have more confidence when backing up with the trailer reverse steering control. It allows the driver to steer with the steering knob instead of the steering wheel for better precision.
- Cargo View and Backup Cameras: Get a better view of the trailer with the cargo view and backup cameras. These assist with properly lining up the hitch and trailer.
Now that we’ve gone over the five 2022 RAM 1500 pickup truck engines and each one’s specifications, we feel that the most efficient is the 3.6-liter V-6 with the eTorque system. You can find out more about these powertrains and the mpg ratings at Jeff Belzer Cadillac Dodge Jeep Ram. Our sales staff can show you models equipped with the engine you want and set you up with a test drive so you can feel the power of a Ram 1500 yourself.
Close-up of RAM logo on a truck by Ivan Radic is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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