2016 RAM 1500 HFE EcoDiesel Review

Hi All:

Final drive of the 16 RAM 1500 HFE with the Super EcoDiesel. Maybe. More on that later...

Even with 10 miles of stop and crawl, there is nothing that is going to hold this super truck back.

Diesel fuel prices in Southern California are as much as 25% lower than gasoline and the Super diesel pulls over 43 mpg in Southern California's finest. Meaning that witch called the 405.

As long as you fake shift it to keep revs in the slow stuff below 1,250 and keep your higher speed wants to 65 or below, this thing will eat alive most gasoline anything out here in the land of the sun. It costs the same as a Prius driver at 50+ mpg but with all the utility and room of a Pickup. Wow is all I can add.

Next in the roundhouse is our first drive of a 36 highway rated 16 Chrysler 200 with the 2.4L. I was at the reveal years ago and it is about time we take a drive despite it possibly being in its own last year of existence. Not sure what FCA is going to do about CAFE but they must have something up their sleeves?

Wayne

 

Is the CAFE requirement lower for crossovers and SUVs?

 

Hi Mike:

Yes it is. The RAM 1500 HFEs may already meet CAFE but they do not sell enough of the EcoDiesels to make up for all the HEMIs. Not sure if the HEF Pentastar makes it yet?

Edwin, a footprint calculation is involved to help trucks too. Why? The domestics wanted it that way I guess?

Charlie, so true.

I am getting this truck back for a run between LA and Denver early next week. Sea Level to over 11,000' and back down to just over 5k and just over 1,000 miles. Doubt I can do that on a single tank in late winter.

Wayne

 

Hi Edwin:

Not yet. FCA has picked up a ton of credits so they can skate for a year or two but they will have to move soon.

The 2016 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel may already be 2025 compliant? It has an unadjusted 26.4/41.0/31.4 mpgUS city/highway/combined rating which may be enough given its footprint to meet the 2025 specs.

Wayne

 

Hi Airbalancer:

Here in Calif. Diesel is much less expensive than gasoline for who knows what reason???

2016 Chrysler 200c First Drive


Final calibration fill in Del Mar, Calif.: Gasoline: $2.99/gal while Diesel is $2.49/gal.​

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Having a little fun with a smartphone and an efficient truck this afternoon...

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Arrived in Baker, Calif. for a free curly fries and free Double Jack through two promotions at the Jack in the Box. That burger is 1,140 calories. WTH!

148 miles covered so far. Climbing from ~ 800' to 4,200' and back down to ~1,100' shows the 2016 RAM 1500 HFE holding its own... Vail Pass, the Continental Divide and the 11,000' Eisenhower Tunnel await tomorrow however. Headwinds up to 35 mph while climbing to the Cajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mtn range sucked!

Just to early to tell if the RAM will make it without refueling or not?

Wayne

 

Hi All:

#LGG4 and the 2016 #Ram 1500 HFE #EcoDiesel.

This is what the I-15 looks like at the California/Nevada border this evening when everyone engages their warp drives.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

The Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel took a little detour down Sin City's strip. It cost almost an hour and 4/10ths of an mpg but when in Vegas, you have to drive the strip!

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Soon after the Ram 1500 HFE EcoDiesel reached AZ.

#LG G4 is even capturing stars in the sky on some of these.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

Great to be driving this super truck vs sitting behind the monitor.

Wayne

 

Hi All:

The #Ram 1500 HFE #EcoDiesel finally reaches a reasonably high summit in UT at 35.0 mpg.

Last 100 miles down to 5,200 sees the truck at 38.7 mpg now. Thank goodness.

Wayne

#NoWorries ... #Turbo #Diesel #Efficient

 

Hi Edwin:

I had this truck two weeks ago and after 2,000 miles incl. another Journalist inbetween, about an 1/8. It will easily last 10k miles.

Wayne