Photo: TFLtruck
The question is: can a Ram 1500 V6 eTorque be more efficient than a Ford F-150 V8? Can it be more efficient when towing a 7,000 lbs load on our 98-mile mpg loop at a mile above sea-level? Both trucks were driven at a constant 70 mph on the test highway (which has a maximum speed of 75 mph) back-to-back on the same day.
Full size trucks represent the most competitive and best selling segment in the United States. Currently, Ford is leading the sales race, but Ram is closing in on second place.
We asked every automaker to send us their most efficient towing truck. Interestingly, Ford opted for their V8. Our Ford F-150 tester came with Ford’s lauded 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8, it puts out 395 horsepower and 400 lbs-feet of torque. It’s connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and it has a 3:15 rear axle ratio. Unlike most of our test trucks, it’s rear-drive.
Our Ford F-150’s MSRP, as equipped, was $45,660.
Ram sent us their newest Ram 1500 with a 305 hp, 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V6 that makes 269 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with Ram’s new eTorque electrical assist/mild hybrid system that gives the truck a little electrical shove off the line for increased efficiency. It’s hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Ford, the Ram came to us with four-wheel drive and a 3:55 rear end.
Our Ram 1500’s MSRP, as equipped, was $44,275
How did it turn out?
Our Ford F-150 tester is EPA rated at 16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The Ford F-150 got, according to the truck – 9.5 mpg. According to the pump, 9.2 mpg. That’s a little optimistic for the truck.
Our Ram 1500 tester is EPA rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. The Ram 1500 got, according to the truck, 9.1 mpg. According to the pump, 9.0 mpg. That’s an acceptable margin of error between the truck and pump in our book.
Check out how those results came about in this video!
