Hey all. I'm strongly considering getting the 2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn with the V6. I'm tired or reading what the EPA says the mpg "should" be or how much the truck "should" be able to tow. What's it like in the real world? (MPG, towing, overall utility, etc.) Thanks!
I had the v6 in my Jeep GC. It's a great motor in terms of NVH, runs smooth, never gave me a single issue and sold it at 150,000 Km. However, matched with the 5 speed transmission, it was a pure and utter dog. It needs to rev to about 2700 RPM before the power finally came on in a noticeable way.
If you're just moving kids back and forth in the city, it's an OK option.
If you're going to work the truck, you will probably regret the v6, even with the much better 8 speed transmission.
As for MPG, I think the difference is minimal, if any. My jeep got the same mpg in winter driving that I'm getting in a heavier truck with the hemi. My truck with the hemi is hanging around 13.1 L/100KM, and my jeep was the same. On a recent 3 hour freeway trip unloaded, my truck got 9.7 L/100KM, my Jeep on the same run did a little better at 9.3 L/100KM.
I'll take the penny hit on gas every time, already I'm kind of wondering what the 3.92 axle would do instead of the 3.21. You'll never say: "gee, what was I thinking, this truck has way too much power for me". You will only think "I wish I paid less in gas", but, that difference in gas is objectively minimal. Maybe couple hundred bucks a year difference, if that.
For the price of an oil change or two per year, you get a much nicer driving experience with the hemi.