2019 Ram 1500 eTorque V-6: Real-World Fuel Economy
After driving the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque packages (both the V-6 and V-8 options), we thought you might want to know, in more detail, how the standard eTorque V-6 with the eight-speed transmission performs in the real world. Thankfully, Ram allowed us some extra time with a mid-level Big Horn Quad Cab 4×2 (a little less than $44,000) for a leisurely drive from Lexington, Ky., to our offices in downtown Chicago.
The Big Horn came standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar eTorque V-6 that offers an EPA fuel-economy rating of 20/25/22 mpg city/highway/combined for the 4×2 and 19/24/21 mpg for the 4×4.
During our initial 400-mile highway-biased run (with one stop for lunch), we covered the distance in a little less than seven hours and averaged 25.7 mpg — not bad for a 4,900-pound (we weighed it) half-ton pickup. Once delivered to Chicago, other test drivers were able to run the truck through a more suburban- and city-biased drive cycle, gathering even more observations and insights.
To begin, one driver noted that one of the best things about this new powertrain is how it doesn’t drive like a normal hybrid vehicle with the normal power and thrust penalties you have to endure. Since eTorque only uses the smallish battery-pack-supplied electric drive system (really just an assist system) on takeoffs and to help smooth out the stop-start modes, it’s fairly invisible to detection unless you’re really hunting for the assist points. For a vehicle of this size, the eTorque does provide noticeable off-the-line assistance, making it feel stronger than you’d expect.
In fact, several of our test drivers noted they appreciated added “pickup” at stop signs and stoplights, but they didn’t appreciate that they couldn’t call up some kind of screen or interactive graphic to let them know when the system is helping them. Clearly, Ram is prioritizing the idea of maximizing efficiencies with a more subtle system when providing added thrust at takeoff (about one half of the first tire rotation) or when the transmission upshifts and downshifts between gears, rather than providing some kind of intrusive and dynamic new technology. Our only quirk with the system came on slower-speed neighborhood driving, where the transmission had some trouble with the 1st-to-2nd and 2nd-to-3rd shift points; they were just a touch too harsh, which is likely, we suspect, about fine-tuning the software.
The system is designed to be transparent, and with the exception of a small amount of launch and gear-shifting softness as well as a fairly aggressive stop-start/stop strategy, it is. However, we noted that the truck responded more “traditionally” with the Tow/Haul mode engaged, which also disengages stop-start. Additionally, given that the system is invisible, there is no dedicated screen or icon to let you know when you’re benefiting from the added technology (at least for the V-6; the V-8 does offer a microscopic “Eco” light). We think that’s a missed opportunity.
From the comments of several of our test drivers, if you’re sensitive to throttle feel, you’ll notice some subtle launch and shifting benefits. Otherwise, you’re likely not to notice any differences from non-light hybrid versions at all. Still, we’d like to see more transmission settings to more fully utilize the benefits of the battery power — some kind of possible sport mode, maybe a more aggressive eco mode and how about something extra (since we’re in Chicago) for snow? Surely giving the driver more options and functional control of the benefits would be a good thing.
During four different trips with the Big Horn Quad Cab, we found a pretty good variety of abilities. From loaded with family and gear to long and empty cruises, here’s what we recorded.
Trip One
35-mile trip in rush-hour traffic with an empty pickup in moderate (68-70 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures: 21.7 mpg
Trip Two
94-mile trip with some suburban traffic getting out of town for a long trip to Indiana in mild (75 degrees F) temperatures. Two adults and child, plus all the overnight gear and toys: 23.0 mpg
Trip Three
147-mile trip from Indiana, back to Illinois and back to Indiana with hotter temperatures (81-84 degrees F) but a lighter load and heavier throttle foot (but minimal traffic): 21.2 mpg
Trip Four
85-mile trip from Indiana to Illinois with a full load of gear and family, plus the hottest temps (88 degrees F): 24.2 mpg
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