I love my limited, but I'm not getting anywhere near EPA estimates, either (and I'm a conservative driver). It sounds like we are not alone, though. Check out this video from TFL Truck:
I wasn't overly surprised at this. Let's look at some facts:
1. We know the 22MPG highway rating for a Rebel is not correct. It has 3.92 gears, rides higher, and has much heavier tires. The real rating is somewhere nearer to 20MPG
2. I believe they were doing 70MPH on the highway if I recall correctly. This is out of line with EPA testing guidelines. That's why all trucks were lower than their stated EPA numbers.
3. The Ram isn't broken in.
Given they got 17.9 on the second trip with the Rebel, I'd say they're really not that far off if off at all. If they did a test to EPA standards they probably would see nearer to 20MPG, which would be pretty close to what the real EPA MPG is for this truck.
Honestly I was happy to see they even got 17.9 out of it at those speeds. That's basically in line with my expectation, since I NEVER get EPA numbers on any of my vehicles, and I'm not a hard driver at all. My wife neither. There are so many variables to MPG and the EPA testing is about as pie-in-the-sky as it gets. Basically perfect driving situation numbers. Reality isn't perfect.
For reference, here are some of the vehicles I've owned and driven over the years:
1. 2001 Dakota 4.7L - 15MPG all the time. I forget the rating, but it was definitely higher.
2. 2004 Pontiac GTO - rated 17/29 I believe. You couldn't get 29MPG out of this car if you drove it off a clif.
3. 2002 Ford Explorer 4.0L - 15MPG
4. 2003 Ford Expedition 5.4L - I actually think I get the EPA numbers with this, which is 12 MPG!
5. 2015 Durango 3.6 Pentastar - again, forget what this one is but my wife gets like 17 average because it's mostly crappy driving to/from work and short trips around shuttling kids. On a trip I think I got it to 21MPG once (me driving)
So overall with my limited range of vehicle experience, I've learned the EPA numbers are rarely attainable, so I don't get too crazy about it. Is there a lack of truth on the sticker? For a Rebel, yes. I knew that going in but I can see how the average buyer might be surprised, and I blame the EPA and the manufacturers for not making options that affect MPG more clear.