--- title: "2025 Ram 1500 High Output I6 Gets Worse MPG Than the Hemi V8" description: "The EPA released fuel economy figures for the 2025 Ram 1500, and the high-output I6 is roundly worse on gas than the old V8." date: "2024-03-21" modified: "2024-03-21" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2025-ram-1500-high-output-i6-gets-worse-mpg-than-the-hemi-v8" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "RAM News" - "Trucks" tags: - "1500" - "pickup" - "ram" --- # 2025 Ram 1500 High Output I6 Gets Worse MPG Than the Hemi V8 ![]() *Stellantis* Stellantis broke many hearts when it dropped the V8 from some of its most famously V8 models, like the [Dodge Charger]() and [Ram 1500]() pickups. The company's new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six has been tapped to fill in for the beloved 5.7-liter Hemi in pretty much all cases. For the most part it's a worthy replacement, with more power and performance than the old V8. There is a drawback, though, and it's a somewhat surprising one: fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just released the official fuel economy figures for the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, which consists of three different engine options: an entry-level 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mild-hybrid, a standard-output Hurricane I6, and a high-output Hurricane I6. And despite its two fewer cylinders and much smaller displacement, the Hurricane I6's fuel economy figures are mostly worse than the old V8's. Naturally, the high-output version of the Hurricane I6 is going to be the thirstiest, with its 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, returning 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. Compare that to the old 5.7-liter V8's 18 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined, and the new engine is less efficient across the board. Additionally, the high-output I6 [requires 91-octane fuel](), making it even more costly. It's worth noting that it's also significantly more powerful, as the the V8 only made 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. ![]() **Stellantis** However, even the standard-output is barely more efficient than the old V8. The EPA rates it at 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined, which makes it better than the V8 on the highway but worse around town, while having the same combined rating. According to the EPA's calculations, the new standard-output I6 will save $2,000 in fuel costs over five years compared to the V8 despite still being more powerful, with 420 hp and 469 lb-ft. On the flip side, though, the high-output I6 will cost $3,500 more in fuel over five years than the old V8. Admittedly, most Ram owners are going to stick with the standard-output I6, since it's more than powerful enough for the sort of work a truck needs to do, and those customers will actually save at the pump over the long term, according to the EPA. And since the high-output engine only comes on the priciest trim levels (Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten), those customers likely won't mind the hit to fuel economy. Without question, the new I6 is more powerful than the old V8 and should deliver stronger performance across the board: speed, towing, and hauling. But that increased performance will come at a price, at the pump. It's yet another reminder that [reducing emissions is not to be confused with]() improving fuel efficiency, or lowering cost of ownership. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()