Here’s how much Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid powertrain will improve 2019 1500 fuel economy

Quimby Mug Bayou Florida Headshot
Updated Sep 8, 2018

Ram Pickup Truck

Ram released EPA-certified fuel economy numbers today on the 2019 Ram 1500 equipped with eTorque, a mild hybrid powertrain available on the brand’s newest and most gas-efficient ½-ton.

The chart below shows that the 3.6-liter V6 eTorque in both 4×2 and 4×4 variants outperforms the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 in all configurations.

The race gets close, however, when comparing highway MPG numbers of the 4×2 V6 eTorque to the 4×2 HEMI V8 eTorque, which has the V6 edging out the HEMI hybrid by only 2 mpg at 25 and 23 mpg, respectively.

eTorque combines a belt-drive motor generator unit with a 48-volt battery pack to enable start/stop function, short-term torque assist and brake energy regeneration.

On the power front, the V6 eTorque delivers 305 horsepower and 359 lb.-ft. of torque, while the HEMI V8 eTorque packs 395 horsepower and 540 lb.-ft. of torque. The mild hybrid system adds up to 90 lb.-ft. of torque to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and up to 130 lb.-ft. to the 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

Though not currently available for model year 2019, Ram’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is expected to return to the 1500 engine lineup next year. For model year 2018, the oil burner earned MPG numbers of 20 city, 27 highway and 23 combined.