The new 2025 Ram 1500 trucks have lighter and more efficient engines compared to the older V8 ones. But running them might not be cheaper because they need different types of fuel.
Last year, Ram revealed the new 1500 without the V8 option, replacing it with inline-six engines. These new engines promise the same power and performance but use less fuel. We don’t have exact numbers for how much fuel they save yet, but similar engines in Jeep models have shown some improvement.
For example, a Jeep with a V8 engine gets about 15 miles per gallon, while one with a turbocharged six-cylinder gets two more miles per gallon. We found some information in the owner’s manual of the 2025 Ram 1500 that gives us a better idea of how these engines work.
Before the older V8 engine could run fine on regular 87-octane fuel, but Ram suggested using at least 89-octane for the best performance. The new Standard Output Hurricane engine is similar in this regard.
The manual says this engine is made to meet pollution rules and give decent fuel economy when using regular 87-octane gas. But like the older V8, it needs 91-octane or higher for stronger performance, especially in hot weather or when towing heavy loads.
So, the Standard Output model can still use cheaper 87-octane fuel while using less gas. This engine makes an impressive 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque in its basic form.
But things are different with the High Output version of the Hurricane engine. The manual says this one needs at least 91-octane fuel. This higher-grade fuel lets it reach its full power of 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque.
However, because it needs more expensive fuel, it might not save you money on gas compared to the old V8, which could use cheaper 87-octane fuel. But it does produce fewer pollutants, which is good for the environment.
If you care about using less gas, Ram will soon offer even more efficient options, like the Ramcharger and the fully electric REV variant.
The Standard Output engine comes standard on certain trims like the Rebel and Laramie. For a bit extra money, you can also get it on other trims like the Big Horn and Tradesman. The V8 engine is no longer available, but the base 3.6-liter V6 is still an option.
To get the powerful high-output engine, you’ll need to go for the Limited, Limited Longhorn, or Tungsten models, which are more expensive. The Tungsten model, for example, could cost around $90,000.
Interestingly, the best towing capacity is offered with the Standard Output engine, allowing specific models to tow up to 11,560 lbs, which is more than the best high-output towing capacity by 820 lbs.
