Ram 1500 EcoDeisel mpg figures released
27 mpg COMBINED rating. LINK "And after a stint on the long and lazy Pacific Coast Highway, we hit a mixture of 22.3 mpg. This was an average figure for us, though one member in our Ram 1500 mot...
Forum Discussion
Article wrote:
It's worth mentioning that the EcoDiesel will have a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds, will only be offered with 3.42:1 gears and will have the same payload ratings as a similarly equipped half-ton Ram with the 5.7-liter Hemi. Because of packaging, the EcoDiesel will weigh a touch more than a Hemi-equipped Ram 1500 and will have a $2,800 premium.
I'm disappointed that it will have the same low payload, but the price sounds right. The other article mentioned 27 mpg on the highway based upon their testing. EPA numbers won't officially be announced until November, so it is still all speculation at this point. For the average half ton buyer this sounds like a great deal.
Figure GM 5.3 2wd gets 20
Ford 5.0 2wd gets 21
The Ram expects to get 30% higher fuel economy for $2800 more. It will take some time to pay that difference back with highway driving, but not a terribly long time depending upon local diesel prices compared to gas prices.
I would like higher mileage to justify the cost, personally, or at least a higher payload. I'm curious what type of mileage to expect towing though. If it gets 15 or 16 mpg towing a 7000 lbs trailer vs 9 or 10 mpg in a gas motor then the differences start becoming more important for someone who takes long distance trips with an average travel trailer.
