They are currently testing a 2014 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel and a 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins (370/800 version). According to their facebook posts, they are averaging 27.9 mpg in the 1500 and over 20 mpg in the 2500 at 75 mph, and have climbed over 5000 feet in elevation during their highway cruise so far. They said they "Aren't trying to maximize mpg, but give you a real world number at 75".Sound promising.

I'm more surprised and impressed at ~20mpg out of the 6.7L ISB than the ~28mpg from the little 3.0L. I expected great economy numbers from the 3.0L so the ~28mpg doesn't shock me.Hats off to Cummins if they've found a way to squeeze a legit 20mpg out of an engine producing 370hp/800tq moving a 7500lb truck at 75mph.

Another reason to get the 3.42's I guess :B

Would be interesting to see similar tests of truck with the optional gear ratios.

ib516 wrote:They are currently testing a 2014 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel and a 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins (370/800 version). According to their facebook posts, they are averaging 27.9 mpg in the 1500 and over 20 mpg in the 2500 at 75 mph, and have climbed over 5000 feet in elevation during their highway cruise so far. They said they "Aren't trying to maximize mpg, but give you a real world number at 75".Sound promising.My wife's Fusion doesn't average 28 mpg no way a truck will average that. Unless you are averaging 28 mpg 100% highway without traffic.

The Rams have magical powers. Lets see what gets printed in Diesel Power Mag.

Diesel Power magazine test | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

larry_barnhart
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
we have a winter neighbor with a 45 ft Foretravel MH and the DEF has been a nightmare. He was telling us at happy hour and is not very happy with all of it issues.chevman
Turbo_Diesel_Du
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
On the 2500, must have used a good tow rope.
ib516
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2013
Yes, the ram 2500 is 3.42 only when equipped with the diesel. They also have made other improvements to maximize mpg, like a fully disconnecting front axle and DEF.
ib516
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2013
larry barnhart wrote:
anybody know if the new 1500 diesel needs DEF?
chevman

Yes they require DEF
jspence1
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
I guess this is the problem with statistics you can make them say what ever you want.

If I could get 22 mpg out of a truck on my daily commute I'd be very happy and I think that is probably a realistic number based on what you have said. I personally thought 28 was unrealistic. I think I'm going to start claiming my Excursion gets 22 mpg because I was able to "average" that on one 1800 mile trip. Although in reality it's 16 mpg day in and out.
jus2shy
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
jspence1 wrote:

My wife's Fusion doesn't average 28 mpg no way a truck will average that. Unless you are averaging 28 mpg 100% highway without traffic.

I've pulled 22 mpg on the highway at 100% highway speed and an average speed of only 49 mph, lots of stop and go through a city and top speeds of 75mph. That is hand calculated. Seems like the new RAM EVICS are only 3% to 5% optimistic over actual for the most part. I have no doubts that the 1500 can possibly hit 28mpg on pure highway driving. Hell, it can probably hit 30mpg if it stays at a steady 60mph. Also remember that the ecodiesel is only rated at 240 hp.
mtofell1
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
As much as a I hate to admit our government stumbles upon something good, the new requirements for MPGs are forcing manufacturers to really put on their thinking caps and make some efficient vehicles. Of course, just basic technology and consumer demand has an impact too.

As a consumer it's just exciting to watch the advancements in power and efficiency, regardless of brand.
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
anybody know if the new 1500 diesel needs DEF?
chevman
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
anybody know if the new 1500 diesel needs DEF?
chevman
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2013
Were those numbers 'hand calculated' OR via the 'Lie-O-Meter'?