Many Ram TRX owners anticipate frequent gas station visits, expecting fuel economy to be a significant drawback. The assumption that this powerful truck would guzzle fuel, achieving perhaps only 8 mpg, is common. However, real-world experiences are beginning to challenge this expectation, revealing surprising gas mileage figures under specific driving conditions.
One Ram TRX owner shared their unexpected discovery after breaking in their new truck. During their daily 55-mile commute, which included approximately 12 miles of city driving with several traffic lights, they observed fuel consumption that far exceeded their initial low expectations. This positive performance wasn’t a one-time fluke; it was consistently repeated over multiple trips, demonstrating a potential for better-than-expected MPG in the Ram TRX.
To achieve these surprising results, the driver employed a specific strategy: utilizing “Snow Mode” and adopting a conservative driving style. Before starting their commute, they reset the truck’s MPG meter to ensure accurate tracking, excluding idle time from the calculation. Driving conservatively meant adhering to speed limits, typically no more than 7 mph over, and maintaining a smooth pace through varying speed zones from 25-65 mph. Engaging dynamic cruise control further assisted in maintaining consistent fuel efficiency during this experiment.
In stark contrast, the same commute, when driven in “Sport Mode” with traction control activated and a more aggressive driving style, yielded significantly lower fuel economy. Even with only slightly increased speeds (around 9 mph over the limit) and more assertive acceleration and passing, the MPG dropped to just 11.3 mpg. This comparison underscores the dramatic impact driving mode and style have on Ram TRX fuel consumption.
For further context, the owner compared the Ram TRX’s MPG to their previous vehicle, a lifted 2016 Tacoma. Despite the Tacoma’s smaller V6 Atkinson cycle engine and lighter weight, it only achieved an average of 13 mpg on the same commute. This highlights the relative efficiency the Ram TRX can achieve under optimal conditions, especially considering its significantly larger engine and performance capabilities. The owner also noted their TRX was a lighter configuration, lacking options like a sunroof or tire mount, which might contribute to slightly improved MPG.
The key takeaway from this real-world experience is the effectiveness of “Snow Mode” in maximizing Ram TRX fuel economy. For owners concerned about MPG, especially during longer commutes, employing snow mode and practicing conservative driving habits can lead to pleasantly surprising results, significantly exceeding initial pessimistic expectations and offering a way to mitigate fuel costs.
