Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel Launches, Matches Silverado Diesel Highway MPG
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Ram Truck just unveiled the 2021 Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel, touted as a fresh, more fuel-efficient option for the Ram pickup roster. However, despite its new-and-improve fuel economy ratings, the Ram 1500 HFE fails to best the Chevy Silverado diesel when it comes to efficiency.
The latest 2021 Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel posts fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. By comparison, the Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel matches the Ram with regard to city and highway fuel efficiency at 23 mpg and 33 mpg, respectively, while surpassing the Ram in combined fuel efficiency with 27 mpg, 1 mpg more than the Ram’s 26 mpg combined.
For reference, we have listed the mpg ratings for both models below, as well as several other models in the segment:
| Model | Drivetrain | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 2WD | 23 | 33 | 27 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | 2WD | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 HFE | 2WD | 23 | 33 | 26 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | 2WD | 22 | 32 | 26 |
| 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 4WD | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| 2021 Ford F-150 | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | 4WD | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | 4WD | 21 | 29 | 24 |
Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel
To note, the “HFE” in Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel stands for “High Fuel Efficiency.” The new Ram is equipped with a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 powerplant mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The HFE model is only available with 2WD, and is offered in a crew cab four-door configuration with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed. Further equipment specs include 20-inch wheels, a black bumper and grille, a tonneau cover, side steps, and cloth bucket seats. Pricing starts at $42,240 ($43,935 including $1,695 destination) with sales ramping up in Q2 of 2021.
Chevy Silverado
By comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 diesel is equipped with the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, which mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine option is available in several different body configurations, including Double Cab / Standard Bed, Crew Cab / Short Bed, and Crew Cab / Standard Bed. Pricing starts at $42,390 ($44,085 including $1,695 destination) for 2WD Double Cab / Standard Bed LT models, and is available now.
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Not much information here, is this another over geared under capable truck like they have done before with a tonneau cover (their your sign) throw on it?
Put a tonneau cover on the Silvy and we’re back where we started!
Ironically tonneau covers have been reported that they don’t improve fuel efficiency.
Think so, throw a few empty soda cans in the back of your truck and hit the highway, think they’ll be there when you return?
The air going over and around the cab slams into the front side of your tailgate (not good). Also creating a whirlwind in the bed of the truck and disrupting said airflow over the truck.
GM even patent the rear half tonneau cover which had a panel continuing down from the leading edge sloping down over the wheel wells to the bed floor. This configuration prevented the air from hitting the front of the tailgate while allowing the air rolling over the cab to push on the whole height front of the bed as well as the rear window. Maximizing the “push” from the air. This plus the air rolling off the “back half” of the tonneau cover created the optimal condition.
This was back in the mid to late ’80’s, it was a big to do as they used their wind tunnel for testing having one at their desposal.
Eh, I’ve been known to throw a can or 2 in the bed, they usually lightly swirl around and end up in the front of the bed by the cab. Same with snow, you get a little that blows out but for the most part it all stays in there. Leaves as well, not that I haul leaves but still find a bunch in there in the fall. And that’s with an 8′ bed which I would assume is worst case. I agree, there is air that goes over the cab hitting the tailgate, but I’m not sure it’s enough to make a noticeable difference on MPG.
Ram mpg numbers are usually slightly less than what they state. GM goes conservative and is usually always on point. If you watch TFL Truck they do real life mpg tests for various trucks.
I tend to see the same thing. Also on MT’s real world mileage GM seems to fair better than others.
The Silverado needs to be put back at its 29 highway rating as it was for 2019/2020 model years. The EPA’s ridiculous lame excuse that suddenly is in another weight class is utter bullocks as that doesn’t seem to affect the fully loaded higher riding Rams or 70K fully kitted F-150’s.