New Ram Gets Best V-6 MPG & Towing

Posted by Mark Williams | August 23, 2012

From what Ram Truck tells us, they have been green-lighted by the EPA to promote the best-in-the-half-ton-segment fuel economy numbers for the Ram 1500, beating out the previous top dog, the 3.7L V-6 Regular Cab F-150 with 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, with a combined total of 19 mpg.

Although we haven't driven this exact truck yet, Ram tells us their HFE (high fuel economy) model, which will come equipped with the Fiat-sourced engine Start/Stop technology, will have 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and offer a combined total of 21 mpg. We were also told, even non-HFE models without the Start/Stop technology will still offer 17 city and 25 highway mpg, which is still class leading. Ram also tells us, although these numbers have not been certified by the EPA yet, they fully expect the Hemi with the new 8-speed to have the best fuel economy numbers for the segment as well.

Additionally, Ram is bragging that their new Pentastar and TorqueFlite 8 transmission will offer several hundred pounds more towing capacity with the V-6 than the previous champ -- again, the 3.7L Ford F-150 (of course, that does not include the twin-turboed EcoBoost option).

Rated to tow 6500 pounds when properly equipped, the Ram 1500 V-6 will lead the class (meaning the non-aspirated or turbo class) but has yet to start implementing the J2807 procedures (and the resulting towing numbers), waiting instead to see when both GM and Ford begin their new testing procedures. With that said, the maximum tow rating they are promoting is 10,450 pounds, along with a max payload number of 1930, with iether the V-6 or the V-8.

We've included a rather exhaustive towing chart (Download Tow Chart Ram 1500) that Ram Truck had for us at the event, but there doesn't seem to be any of the maximum towing and payload numbers they spoke about at the event, which we assume has more to do with the exact max towing or payload option packages that are necessary to get those specific ratings. Still, this should give you a good idea what the new Ram has to offer and how it stacks up.

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Comments

Sorry Ford, better take those "best in class" ads off the air.

Posted by: Gall | Aug 24, 2012 12:07:42 AM

Nice photo shop work. No tire tracks or maybe those HFE tires are also eco-friendly;)
That base model truck would look cool in black.
I wonder how long Chevy will wait before they play their cards?
Competition is great for the consumer.
Nice to see some impressive mpg numbers.
Small trucks RIP.

Posted by: Lou | Aug 24, 2012 12:37:28 AM

I knew Ram wasn't going to be a miracle worker.

Ram needed a new engine, 2 extra gears, auto start stop, active shutters, hard tonneau cover, automatic suspension lowering, wheel to wheel side steps to eak out a 1 mpg lead over Ford in V6 city fuel economy.

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 1:46:51 AM

Dave,

Ford needed a new engine and a new transmission which had two extra gears to eek out a nominal gain in FE over the Dodge V6, so what is your point?

BTW the hard tonneau and wheel to wheel running boards are not needed to get the 18mpg rating. Something that you made up does not make it true. However, they are an option if you want to get even better FE then the Ford, but I’m guessing Ram doesn’t want to make of the Ford buyers emasculated.

BTW, who has better FE, Ford or Ram? Ram does, now go cry in the corner.

Posted by: AtAGlance | Aug 24, 2012 1:55:07 AM

Who is the lader? Which engine or tuck you buy, depends on which lead you may have.

With the way Fred Diaz and others were going on and on about being the leader, I was expecting MUCH more of a lead from Ram.

The primary model of the Ram 1500 lineup, the 4.7-liter with a V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic will get 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. This is not class leading. Ford's 5.0 is better at 15 city and 21 mpg highway. GM's primary model 5.3 is better - can get 15 in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Ram only matches (doesn't lead) what Ford has in V6 city economy.

The HFE model V6 is only 1 mpg better in the city and Ford doesn't even have DI or start stop on their V6 and they have two less gears!

The Hemi is not class leading. It won't be available with an 8 speed until later in 2013. For now, EB still currently beats the Hemi.

Max payload is only 1930. This is poor and not class leading.

Towing is decent at 10,450 but not class leading.

If it is true that the next gen GM's get 27+ mpg then what little fuel economy lead Ram has won't be for long.

The point is the "all new" Fiat-Ram still faces an uphill battle. And of this talk about being the class leader of everything was just that. Just talk. They have nice improvements, but they are not class leading in everything like they said they would.

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 3:34:24 AM

*leader

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 3:34:48 AM

Basically all Ram is class leading at is V6 highway economy.

To use Ram's own words against them: "What is proven trumps what is claimed."

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 3:46:12 AM

Dave, Stop whining! RAM is the CLASS LEADER now. If all you want to do is bash Ram, then stop. This is a pro-Ram post.

Lou,

25 mpg!!!!!

RIP Ford F150. It was nice knowing you.

Ram THE CLASS LEADER is taking out Ford in 2013.

GUTS
GLORY
THE CLASS LEADING
RAM!

Posted by: HEM 426 | Aug 24, 2012 3:58:45 AM

Lou, Between this and the new V6, 4x2 fuel economy soars from last year's 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway up to an estimated 17 city and 25 highway, a massive 20 percent jump that BOOTS Ford's 3.7-liter V6 (17 city/23 highway) off the best-in-class podium. A new Ram 1500 HFE model adds a start/stop system and other tweaks that are good for 18 mpg in the city.

GUTS
GLORY
RAM THE CLASS LEADER BOOTS FORD OFF THE BEST IN CLASS PODIUM
RAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: HEM 426 | Aug 24, 2012 4:04:58 AM

Gall: No, Ram better take down those promo videos where they were claiming Ram would be the class leader in fuel econ, towing, and payload for 2013.

I now see why Ram did not want to release the numbers at first and just used a bunch of buzz words like "class leading" and "more guts" and "more glory."

Towing: Ram is NOT the class leader.

Payload: Ram is NOT THE class leader.

Fuel Economy: V6 Ram leads in highway.
V6 Ram matches Ford's lead in city.

To get to a "class leading" 18 in the city, Ram uses a HFE "package" which is actually the lighest possible chassis, a 4x2 Regular Cab short bed with a 3.21 ratio. PUTC left out this important detail but I found it on Motor Trend.

At best, Ram leads in half of a category.

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 4:26:07 AM

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ram

Posted by: mechanic | Aug 24, 2012 4:55:07 AM

Lou, RIP F150.

LOL.

GUTS
GLORY
ASS KICKING FUEL ECONOMY CHAMP RAM!!!!!

Posted by: mechanic | Aug 24, 2012 5:02:44 AM

Lou, New Ram Gets Best V-6 MPG & Towing

B E S T

Posted by: mechanic | Aug 24, 2012 5:03:43 AM

Keep typing Dave, you might convince yourself one of these sentences.

Ram has best base V6:
V6 FE
V6 Towing
V6 Hauling

Ram has yet to release numbers for Hemi but Motortrend stated:
Hemi 8 speed will tow well over 11,000lbs.
Insideline stated:
Hemi and 8 speed will have better FE then the Egoboost.

And I bet Ram throws a HD airbag setup in for a "max tow/haul" package and sets that max haul up there with the Ferd.

Posted by: AtAGlance | Aug 24, 2012 5:38:32 AM

Read it again: "With that said, the maximum tow rating they are promoting is 10,450 pounds, along with a max payload number of 1930, with iether the V-6 or the V-8."

MAX towing 10450, not class leading
MAX payload 1930, not class leading.
V6 fuel economy only class leading on the highway.
Matches Ford in city.

"Insideline stated (Hemi) Will have"....that is the future, not now. I bet when the acutal numbers come out will be half-assed better economy like in the V6 where Ram halfassed the economy rating, only giving it better hwy.

If Ram is going to clam class leading they are going to have to go heavy on the fine print.

Posted by: Jason | Aug 24, 2012 5:51:40 AM

HAHAHAHA, LOOK AT THE FORD GUYS!!!! THEY ARE RUNNING SCARED!!!!

Posted by: TypeKey | Aug 24, 2012 5:58:34 AM

What's that ticking sound? Better call tony. Ram last in quality.

Posted by: X007 | Aug 24, 2012 6:41:04 AM

It's good, but I'm not blown away by the numbers. For the amount of technology crammed into this truck, I would have expected 25mpg in a crew cab 4x4 truck (like everyone buys), not just a 2wd regular cab HFE package truck.

I'd still like to see it with a diesel. I think the extra gears would really help to make a slow-to-rev diesel shine. Then we might see that mystical 30mpg number from a full size truck.

Posted by: Paul810 | Aug 24, 2012 6:52:49 AM

Lou, Who has the best fuel economy?

GUTS
GLORY
2013 RAM!

Posted by: TECH | Aug 24, 2012 6:56:28 AM

Not bad at all, Im sure ram just like ford still has room to make the trucks more mpg friendly, and more power. They normally don't start the works out at their max mpg, or power. So they still have room to match or best the next truck.

Posted by: johnny doe | Aug 24, 2012 7:27:09 AM

Look out F-150 and Silverado...............here comes the 2013 RAM. Your days are numbered.

GUTS
GLORY
CLASS LEADING
BEAUTIFUL
RAM

Posted by: RAM#1_FordLastPlace | Aug 24, 2012 8:07:05 AM

All the spam guys need to get it together quickly, your moms are waiting to take you to school, don't be late!!!!!!

Posted by: K | Aug 24, 2012 8:25:59 AM

Yo! @Dave! EcoBoost is a different class! A turbocharged engine is obviously going to have more power than a normally-aspirated engines--especially at higher altitudes like the Rocky Mountain range. Tell me that the non-EcoBoost V6 from Ford surpasses the Pentastar numbers. Give me documentation to prove it.

Posted by: DWFields | Aug 24, 2012 9:26:55 AM

@paul810: Not everybody buys a 4x4 Crew Cab. Not everbody wants one or needs one. You know what assumptions do to you, right?

Posted by: DWFields | Aug 24, 2012 9:28:49 AM

I stand corrected, where is Hemi at? That half ton Ram doesn't even have a higher payload than the "gutless" mid size trucks.

Nice to see the FE #'s improving, all others will keep it up which is good to see. I am still not a 100% sold on start stop technology being reliable. Starters have been known to go out, that is starting just once before driving, how reliable are these gonna be starting maybe a 100 times each time you take a drive? I would hate to be stuck at a stop light with it not starting. I know it is good for FE as idling is the most wasteful of gas but starting is also one of the hardest times on a motor.

In all honesty I would like to see the #'s of the V8 as that is the most bought engine, if I am getting a full size it is because I need it and a 6 won't cut it. If I am going to get a 6 it would be in a mid size. If the hemi can get 23 hwy that is a good start. 17 city would be good to but I doubt it if the 6 is getting that.

Posted by: Tyler | Aug 24, 2012 9:37:11 AM

"and Ford doesn't even have DI "

The Pentastar does not have Direct Injection.

Source: http://www.pentastars.com/

Seriously if any of you are going to whine and cry and bash each other, at least figure out how to use Google.

Standard V-6 Towing for the 1500 Ram V-6 is 6,500 lbs.

Source: http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=12165&mid=2

Standard V-6 Towing for the F-150 is 6,000 lbs.

Source: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/towing/

Max Payload for F-150 3.7L is: 1710 lbs

Source: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/payload/

Max Payload for Ram V-6 is: 1930lbs.

So Standard V-6 truck to Standard V-6 truck the Ram wins in: Payload, Fuel Economy, and Towing.

Also there is nothing in the Chrysler press release commenting on:

Fuel economy for V-8 models.
Towing for V-8 models.
Payload for V-8 models.

So once again, all the ignorant, uneducated people come on here making claims when they aren't true. When Chrysler releases all the official numbers then fire away. Otherwise you look like an idiot.

Posted by: 5door | Aug 24, 2012 9:38:53 AM

What junk the pentastar v6 sucks drove a 2012 journey RT yesterday that was a pretty crappy engine !!!!! Felt like it was 3 cyl lol

Posted by: Harleyf150 | Aug 24, 2012 9:44:12 AM

"Towing: Ram is NOT the class leader.

Payload: Ram is NOT THE class leader."

Please show me where in the Chrysler press release the towing and payload figures for 5.7L V-8 8 speed models.

I'll help you:

http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=12165&mid=2

For the record:

What we do know that the 2013 Ram is best in class for standard V-6 trucks in: (all facts confirmed by doing homework)

Towing
Fuel Economy
Payload.

Once again though, no figures have been released by Chrysler for 5.7L V-8 models. (Confirmed by reading the press release by Chrysler)

Posted by: 5door | Aug 24, 2012 9:44:38 AM

"What junk the pentastar v6 sucks drove a 2012 journey RT yesterday that was a pretty crappy engine !!!!! Felt like it was 3 cyl lol"

I highly doubt you did. Considering your screen name is "HarleyF150" I seriously question why you would be in a Chrysler dealership.

Also Wards disagrees with you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward's_10_Best_Engines

Posted by: 5door | Aug 24, 2012 9:53:11 AM

Wow...some of you guys should just save yourselves the trouble and just whip 'em out and compare 'em already.

Judging by the content posted, I'm gonna guess that Dave has a tiny schmeckle. Just sayin'...

I'm out!

Posted by: AJ | Aug 24, 2012 10:01:10 AM

So they gave it best v6 fuel economy and best naturally aspirated v6 towing, but the base model will be the same old 4.7 v8. So it would be like paying for an Ecoboost without all the power. Uh oh
And didn't the Ram guys brag how it was going to get 25 mpg with the Hemi v8 while towing 12,000 lbs?

Posted by: Tom With A Ranger | Aug 24, 2012 10:16:41 AM

I love ram trucks as much as i adore chevy trucks but i am a true ford fan. Ram fans need to understand that chevy has to go down first before ram takes down ford. Chevy is an uphill battle but to beat ford, ford will need consecutive years of either bad sales or poor reliabilty. It is nice to dream a little but to live in this fantasy world is not productive. Ram fans grow up. Your tiny little existence is rather youthful.True ram trucks did not occur into the 1980's.

Whatever meager advantage Ram has now, ford will annihilate very soon. To be the best one needs to beat the best not simply match them. Right now chevy is in a pinch and ram can take advantage of this but if they react too late then ram trucks will be nothing more than blimps on the map.

Ram truck fans hear this: there is a very brittle line that seperates ram trucks from titans and tundras, learn your position and be respectful. Ram trucks sell less than chevys and ford and are not nearly as capable or fuel efficient.

Posted by: Allistar Evans | Aug 24, 2012 10:18:17 AM

"Ram trucks sell less than chevys and ford and are not nearly as capable or fuel efficient."

And yet the final specs have not been released for 5.7L HEMI models with the 8 speed including towing and fuel economy.

Do you need to learn how to read as well?

Posted by: 5door | Aug 24, 2012 10:28:32 AM

It was my friends journey and yes i only own Fords and i thought the pentastar engine sucked Dodge makes some crappy products man. U dont really see any Junkie Rams at my oil rig in Alberta Canada and if there is Ram in the oil patch here its already running like crap with not even 30000 km on it. The pentastar engine blows and the Ram is a joke!!

Posted by: Harleyf150 | Aug 24, 2012 10:30:00 AM

"And didn't the Ram guys brag how it was going to get 25 mpg with the Hemi v8 while towing 12,000 lbs?"

So post your source then!

Uh oh! Because you don't have one.

Again no specs have been released for the 5.7L 8 speed models.

Posted by: 5door | Aug 24, 2012 10:30:02 AM

5door, look at the comparison your making. Are you familiar with the term BIAS? This comparison your making is a new redesigned ram versus an older ford. This new ram has new features and technologies that are nonexistent on ford. Your criticism is laughable. Your a stern believe of facts but are blind to look just beyond your eyebrow. I am equally intelligent if not more and I can clearly see a discreptency here. You are either ignorant or totally oblivious to this comparison.

Next time, think before your quick to ask for sources or facts as sometimes the obvious is just that. Im sure your a nice guy and all. Monkey see monkey do lol! EeeEee Aaaaaahhh!

Freak'n retard! much like most of ram fans.

Posted by: Allistar Evans | Aug 24, 2012 10:48:23 AM

What a terrible let down.
Of the 4 axle ratios available in the 1500 platform: 3.21, (3.55, 3.92-the only '4x4' choices), 4.10.
Only 3.21 & 3.55 are available with the V6.
The V6 does not get the option of the BW 44-44 transfer case-the one that has a clutch transfer system.

So the logical choice is to wait for the Chrysler built ZF 8hp70 coupled to the 5.7 V8.
4x2: 3.55 axle ratio, with standard size tires 265/70 17.
4x4: 3.92 axle ratio, "on demand" 44-44 transfer case with oversized 275/60 20 tires.

Everything else is a distraction. 300hp@6400rpm, and 6400rpm is the rev limiter.

Posted by: George | Aug 24, 2012 10:49:25 AM

Attention everybody, do not ask for facts or sources or links related to constructive criticism of your comment when apparently your comparison is unequal. Please provide a fair comparison and hopefully there is less uneducated comments for stupid people breed stupid people.

Congratulations Ram trucks for being temporarily the best truck. We all know( ahem, ford fans) who makes the best trucks. So enjoy your 6 months of publicized fame. You will migrate back to third place where you belong. On your way down, please say hi to the chevy fans and see if they enjoy looking up to ford and you will be looking up to both. Go hibernate in your hellhole and please think before you speak, or better yet, don't speak at all.

Posted by: Allistar Evans | Aug 24, 2012 10:54:47 AM

@Allistar Evans Monkey see monkey do lol! So thats like you compareing the chevy 5.3L vs fords new motors? Yes you nailed you're self on the head pretty good. Monkey see monkey do lol!

Posted by: johnny doe | Aug 24, 2012 11:37:38 AM

"BTW the hard tonneau and wheel to wheel running boards are not needed to get the 18mpg rating."

Wrong. The hard tonneaou cover is standard on the 18 mpg HFE.

From AutoBlog: "the new HFE (High Fuel Efficiency) model walks away with a drag coefficient of .36 due to its STANDARD tonneau cover."

Why are we finding more info on this alleged best V6 MPG rating on the car sites? Mortor Trend also revealed that to get the 18 mpg it is a 2wd Regular Cab short bed with 3.21.

Who drives regular cabs? As Mark said in the $30k shootout, where is the value in a regular cab? How come the same question is not being asked of Ram?

The hwy economy impresses me but the city does not, and why make it a regular cab short bed? Are people buying many regular cabs any more? This 18 mpg configuration forces us to compromise our people-hauling abilities, and cargo hauling abilities, especially when compared with the others. Clearly, there is some good stuff here, but in the end, fancy features/1mpg better city economy can't outweigh our need for extra interior space or bed space.

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 11:43:04 AM

It is pretty bad when on of the worst journalist car blogs online has more information then pickuptrucks.com. This is becoming a trend now it seems lately.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/2013-ram-1500-crew-cab-slt-4x4-first-drive-review-video/

Posted by: Jugger | Aug 24, 2012 12:03:16 PM

@Dave

It's just a numbers game thats why. Here is the one and only truck that gets the 25 hwy, any other truck you get less. Like some of the towing and payload #'s, it is one certain level of truck and the rest are regulated down below that. All the manufacturers do it, nature of the beast. That is why you have to take things with a grain of salt. Like the ricers with their big turbo set ups that make "700hp", that is on a race gas race tune only. In street trim they make "500" if they are lucky, they couldn't be driven very long on that race set up, its more a bragging thing...

Posted by: Tyler | Aug 24, 2012 12:05:25 PM

"An HFE regular-cab model, fitted with an aero-enhancing tonneau cover, is available with a stop-start feature that increases city fuel economy by 1 mpg."

http://blog.seattlepi.com/topdown/2012/08/23/2013-ram-1500-gets-bumper-to-bumper-upgrades/

"The new HFE (High Fuel Efficiency) model boasts a headline-grabbing 18-mpg city/25-mpg highway EPA fuel economy rating. It's built on the lightest-possible Ram 1500 chassis, a Regular Cab 4x2 with the 6 foot, 4-inch bed, with an 8-speed automatic and tall 3.21:1 final drive."

http://m.motortrend.com/roadtests/trucks/1208_2013_ram_1500_first_drive/viewall.html#ixzz24U5Fd4LW

To get to 18 mpg it must be a regular cab (short bed) with hard tonneau cover. See I told you so. The devil is in the details.

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 12:06:49 PM

Tyler,

Ram is the only one who increases fuel economy due to the size of the cab (RC) and tonneao covers.

GM, Chevy, Ford, Nissan and Toyota don't do this. Does a short wheel base EcoBoost or 5.3 Chevy with the right tires and the right tonneao cover get 1 mpg? Probably. That's where the problem is.

If you're going to say it gets 18 mpg, these details should have been spelled out in the original article by Mark specially since he dislked the regular cab in the $30k shootout so much.

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 12:16:33 PM

Lots of butthurt Ford and Chevy people on here.......the 25 MPG HWY is across all cabs for 4x2. HFE, air suspension, are not required for the HWY number, side steps, and tonneau cover are not required. Ford leads in nothing related to Fuel economy now with the exception of Ecoboost vs. Hemi. The 5.7 8 speed comes out in January so the Eco Boost will fall too I am sure.

From the outside it would appear that Ram still has plenty of MPG levers left to pull as the 3.6 doesnt incorporate direct injection or Multi Air yet.

Posted by: WARFISH | Aug 24, 2012 1:55:07 PM

"Ram truck fans hear this: there is a very brittle line that seperates ram trucks from titans and tundras, learn your position and be respectful. Ram trucks sell less than chevys and ford and are not nearly as capable or fuel efficient."

Allistar...what is this "brittle line" that you speak of? Look back to the July sales right here on PUTC and you'll see that Ram sold 3X as much as Tundra, and the Titan is nowhere to be found.

IF anything, it is more of a "brittle line" between GM and Tundra in terms of design, innovation, and quality. Ford and Ram are both making some pretty good stuff right now that's above the others.

Brand loyalty is obviously the only thing that's been allowing Chevy to hold onto that 2nd place spot with such a subpar outdated truck. Otherwise, it would be right down there with the Titan.

Posted by: AJ | Aug 24, 2012 1:59:22 PM

@warfish

People are pointing out other wise saying it states with tonneau or regular cab. Show some proof it is across all cabs regardless of air suspension, tonneau or cab...

Posted by: Tyler | Aug 24, 2012 2:27:26 PM

25 highway is across all cabs, but the 18 city is not. 18 mpg requirees a HFE which is not only requires start stop but a regular cab, short box, 4x2 with 3.21 and a standard hard tonneau cover. This should have been made clear by Mark. He only mentioned the stop stop requirement.

Take the shortest wheel base and lightest Ford or Chevy, install a cover, and you could increase mpg, too.

Posted by: Dave | Aug 24, 2012 2:40:47 PM

Just looked at that towing chart download. Payload ratings are pretty dismal. It goes from 940 pounds to 1,630 pounds, but most are around the 1,300 - 1,400 pound range.

That's nothing to brag about. No wonder that's not mentioned in the writeup

Posted by: rsholland | Aug 24, 2012 4:02:13 PM

The Ram is a really nice truck, no question. However, I would be very leery of buying any Chrysler product with the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 in it right now. Chrysler is having problems with the cylinder heads on these engines.

Posted by: Big Bob | Aug 24, 2012 5:25:06 PM