Photo: EPA
Even though it is the most opulent half-ton pickup truck out there, the 2019 Ram 1500 does its best to save fuel as well. The introduction of the eTorque belted motor/generator is the secret to the mild-hybrid system, teamed up in with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8.
The Environmental Protection Agency published the figures for both the two- and four-wheel drive models equipped with the mild-hybrid V8, and both average 19 miles per gallon on the combined driving cycle. More to the point, 17 mpg in the city and up to 23 mpg on the highway.
“Give me a break! The F-150 is better in this aspect, except for the 3.3-liter V6 on E85.” And you’re right, dear reader! The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8, meanwhile, is just as economical as the Ram 1500. This begs the question, why did Ram even bother with the eTorque in the first place?
Having to buy a lot of emissions credits from the government isn’t the best business practice out there, so there’s your answer. But don’t forget the eTorque has superior potential with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. On the flip side, the mild-hybrid system is standard on the Pentastar but optional on the HEMI. At $1,450, you could say that it’s not cheap either.
The EPA paints an even bleaker picture of the mild-hybrid V8, arguing that the system saves $300 to $500 in gasoline per year more than the ICE-only drivetrain. “So should I buy it?” The premium is definitely worth it as long as you do lots of miles or if you tow a lot of stuff.
As opposed to the HEMI V8 without the mild-hybrid system, the drivetrain optioned with it can tow an extra 1,140 pounds. This makes the 2019 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 eTorque the best-in-class pickup truck for towing, enabling a maximum rating of 12,750 pounds.
Pricing for the 2019 model year starts at $31,695 for the Tradesman with the HEMI V8 without eTorque, which sounds somewhat too much for a half-ton workhorse when you think about it. The F-150 XL with the 3.3-liter V6 is $27,705 while the Silverado LT kicks off at $29,795. If our intuition is correct, the Tradesman with the mild-hybrid V6 could be cheaper than the 'Rado.
“Give me a break! The F-150 is better in this aspect, except for the 3.3-liter V6 on E85.” And you’re right, dear reader! The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8, meanwhile, is just as economical as the Ram 1500. This begs the question, why did Ram even bother with the eTorque in the first place?
Having to buy a lot of emissions credits from the government isn’t the best business practice out there, so there’s your answer. But don’t forget the eTorque has superior potential with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. On the flip side, the mild-hybrid system is standard on the Pentastar but optional on the HEMI. At $1,450, you could say that it’s not cheap either.
The EPA paints an even bleaker picture of the mild-hybrid V8, arguing that the system saves $300 to $500 in gasoline per year more than the ICE-only drivetrain. “So should I buy it?” The premium is definitely worth it as long as you do lots of miles or if you tow a lot of stuff.
As opposed to the HEMI V8 without the mild-hybrid system, the drivetrain optioned with it can tow an extra 1,140 pounds. This makes the 2019 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 eTorque the best-in-class pickup truck for towing, enabling a maximum rating of 12,750 pounds.
Pricing for the 2019 model year starts at $31,695 for the Tradesman with the HEMI V8 without eTorque, which sounds somewhat too much for a half-ton workhorse when you think about it. The F-150 XL with the 3.3-liter V6 is $27,705 while the Silverado LT kicks off at $29,795. If our intuition is correct, the Tradesman with the mild-hybrid V6 could be cheaper than the 'Rado.
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