Reader “Mentallica” pointed out that the EPA has posted 2014 Ram 1500 gas mileage, for both rear wheel drive and four wheel drive Hemis, with both six and eight speed transmissions.

The numbers show that, while Ford has been garnering laurels for fuel efficiency, Ram is now meeting or beating the lead seller of pickups, even without the forthcoming VM diesel option (which we expect to easily trump the Ford turbo-six option in fuel economy, while matching its torque — and without any lag).


Pickup owners have also noted that while the Ford V6 turbo option provides good power and gas mileage, economy plummets when under load (e.g. while towing), so that those who use their trucks for moving loads around may find the Ram Hemi to be more economical, especially with the eight-speed.

Of note, while Ford F-150 has a large-V8 option, Ram currently reserves those for the Ram Heavy Duty series. However, the horsepower difference between 5.7 Hemi and Ford 6.2 is only 16 hp. The Ram Hemi eight-speed both outpowers the F-150 5.0 V8 (by 35 hp and 27 lb-ft), but also exceeds its gas mileage — a slight difference with rear wheel drive and a substantial one with 4x4.