Those mpg numbers sound pretty good. I usually average between 17-19mpg with my hemi, commuting back and forth to work. So I would think 27+ could be doable for me with the eco d. I would love to find a eco diesel with the 33 gallon tank. That would save me even more trips to the gas station. Doing a search, I can't find that combo anywhere near me.
Taking mpg out of the equation. As far as driving impressions, do you prefer driving one over the other, as far as hemi vs ed? Is there much difference, or pros and cons to each? Or would you say they are comparable enough where it's basically a coin toss.
27+ MPG is easily doable with the 3.21 gears in the Eco Diesel. I have hit as high as 31.8 MPG on a 500 Mile round trip averaging 60 mph. It's amazing the mileage these can get.
As for the driving experience, I much prefer it over the Hemi. As I have gotten older I am less rowdy and the Eco Diesel just glides along silently at highway speeds and is amazingly comfortable. I have owned 3 hemis' and then this eco diesel and it rides better than a $100,000 Cadillac. It's so comfortable and smooth you would think it's Electric!
Absolutely get the 33-gallon tank. To fill up and see over 900 miles of Range is comforting! If you tow the 33-gallon tank is must have in my opinion.
And speaking of towing this out tows the Hemi with ease. Ok, maybe I should say tows way more comfortably than the Hemi. Much lower RPMs, no screaming RPMS like the Hemi requires and just gets the job done. Plus you pick up 2-3 MPG more while towing which is huge.
I am not hating on the Hemi at all as it is an amazing driving experience also but not quite as amazing as the Eco-Diesel if you want a luxury driving experience. If you want a sportier, more raucous ride then get the Hemi and throw on a cat back system, and have at it!
As for long-term ownership, I am on the fence on that part. The Hemi is much simpler and maintenance surely will be less. I do fear if the EcoDiesel has an out-of-warranty engine issue it could be very expensive. For that reason, I won't keep this vehicle after the drivetrain warranty expires and trade it at about that time point. By then maybe there will be an electric ram with 1000 mile normal range and 600 miles of towing range!
Good luck in your search!