Ram is apparently taking the MPG wars very seriously, as they recently dropped off at the TFL offices a two-wheel-drive 1500 HFE EcoDiesel without a tow hitch… but with a tonneau cover and side steps to aid in aerodynamics. An Ike Gauntlet run was out of the question. Besides the lack of a tow hitch, the HFE was rated at 7,940 pounds max towing… more than 1000 pounds less than the 9,000-pound trailer setup we use to test 1/2-ton trucks on the Ike. This truck seemingly had one purpose, maximum MPG. That being said, we didn’t have much choice but to put it on our 100-mile highway test loop to see what it could do. As an added twist, we thought it would be interesting to compare the EcoDiesel’s results against a hybrid SUV we also had during the same time. The results were interesting to say the least (see video below).
The test truck arrived with but one option, the Customer Preferred Package for $695 including fog lamps, body-colored front fascia and rear bumper, carpeted floors, and floor mats. Other than that, this was a basic work truck with vinyl seats. Missing were items one might expect on a nearly $40k vehicle… backup camera, infotainment system, and keyless entry, to name a few. But again, RAM seemingly had just one thing in mind for this truck: bragging rights.
2016 RAM HFE EcoDiesel Quad Cab 4×2
Engine: 3.0L turbo-diesel V6
Power: 240 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Axle Ratio: 3.55
EPA Fuel Economy: 21/29/24 mpg (city/highway/combined)
Max Towing: 7,940 lbs.
Max Payload: 1,510 lbs.
Base Price: $37,685
As-tested Price: $39,575 (including $1,195 destination charge)
Watch the video below to see just how much RAM is able to squeeze out of each drop of diesel.
