About to pull the trigger on a new 1500 Limited and can’t decided between the Hemi or EcoDiesel. I do a lot of highway driving and pull our cargo trailer (4-5k pounds) about 10% of the time. Is the diesel the better choice? The diesel is actually less than the Hemi with current incentives. Let me know your thoughts.
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EcoDiesel or Hemi?
- Thread starter airclnr
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NC Rebel
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Currently getting 25.5 average mpg and that's about 50/50 city-hwy. As far as issues , I have a recall that needs to be done on a ground bolt. I've been waiting for the dealer to contact me when the "part " arrives . Other than that been extremely pleased with the diesel .
Willwork4truck
Spends too much time on here
Search the forum, and go to the other ram forums about the diesel, just make sure you are reading about the new 3.0 version. A lot of complaints about the older version that came out in 14’. As far as towing with the hemi, it will do what you want easily, just gets 8-10 doing it.
Non-towing highway mileage will depend on gearing and speed, the best I’ve seen regularly reported is 21-22 at maybe 70mph on flatter terrain with 3.21’s, no lift and no aggressive tires. 3.92’s seem to average 17-18 highway, give or take again without lifts or changes in tires.
Lots of mpg threads with some real unhappy owners and some claiming near Prius mileage, lol. Here’s my average highway mpg bone stock (see image).
In short, you’ll want to compare expected maintenance costs (more expensive oil changes and fuel filters) and more expensive fuel (some parts of the country are .70-1.00 more per gallon) against the return when you sell (a plus for diesel) and better highway and towing mileage.
If you like performance then you might be disappointed with the diesel. If you want mpg’s then diesel is better. You don’t tow heavy enough to strain a hemi.
That’s a tough call.
Non-towing highway mileage will depend on gearing and speed, the best I’ve seen regularly reported is 21-22 at maybe 70mph on flatter terrain with 3.21’s, no lift and no aggressive tires. 3.92’s seem to average 17-18 highway, give or take again without lifts or changes in tires.
Lots of mpg threads with some real unhappy owners and some claiming near Prius mileage, lol. Here’s my average highway mpg bone stock (see image).
In short, you’ll want to compare expected maintenance costs (more expensive oil changes and fuel filters) and more expensive fuel (some parts of the country are .70-1.00 more per gallon) against the return when you sell (a plus for diesel) and better highway and towing mileage.
If you like performance then you might be disappointed with the diesel. If you want mpg’s then diesel is better. You don’t tow heavy enough to strain a hemi.
That’s a tough call.
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Having owned both the ecodiesel and hemi engines, I prefer the hemi. I enjoyed the 25 mpg I was seeing with the oil burner, but I really missed the hemi power and sound. It was an easy choice for me to go with the hemi on my latest truck.
I have a 2019 Limited and am trading it in tomorrow on a 2020 EcoDiesel. The mileage is just dissapointing and I find the Hemi lacks low end torque. It feels lazy around town and needs to be wound out. I do a ton of highway driving as well.
Yes the Hemi is faster, but it's a truck, it's not fast. Personally I'd go with the diesel for yourself. The hemis (especially in limited trim) don't get anywhere near their posted mileage. The diesel seems to be very close to its stated mileage.
Yes the Hemi is faster, but it's a truck, it's not fast. Personally I'd go with the diesel for yourself. The hemis (especially in limited trim) don't get anywhere near their posted mileage. The diesel seems to be very close to its stated mileage.
jermball623
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I've got a level and 33's with 3.92s and averaged 16 mpg on a 700 mile trip with my hemi the other day averaging around 72 mph. Not complaining because if I slowed down it would be better but I'm not too worried about the mileage. Still gets better than my wife's 6.2 chevy.
Willwork4truck
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Some real world numbers there.
Deezl
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Kidder
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Ecodiesel is more expensive to maintain with its ridiculously expensive oil filters, oil, and then there is the fuel filter(s) and DEF.
Deezl
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I beg to differ. The EcoDiesel only calls for an oil change every 15,000 mi. With the savings in fuel mileage, it comes out even with, if not ahead of, the hemi. BTW, I have owned both, and currently work for FCA.
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If he's getting a better deal on the diesel and with the fuel savings it will more than pay for itself.
Deezl
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Spot on. Just drive both, and get whichever you like best. You really can't go wrong with either.
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Deezl
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Willwork4truck
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Thanks for showing pricing. Might help OP decide.
Kidder
Well-Known Member
Interesting on the oil filter. Folks on this forum were quoting prices closer to one like this.Oil, fuel, and air filters.
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