The eagerly anticipated release of the 2025 Ram 1500 brought with it the introduction of the powerful 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder Hurricane engine. However, as the official EPA fuel economy ratings have revealed, the new engine isn’t significantly more fuel-efficient than the old Hemi V8 it replaces.
the Fuel Efficiency Ratings
The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2025 Ram 1500 equipped with the Hurricane engine showcase the following figures:
- Model: 2025 Ram 1500 2WD Hurricane
- City MPG: 18
- Highway MPG: 25
- Combined MPG: 21
- Comparing these figures with the 2024 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine reveals that while the Hurricane engine offers more power and torque, its fuel efficiency is not drastically improved.
One thing to note is the absence of a hybrid setup for the Hurricane engine, unlike its predecessor, which featured the eTorque hybrid system. This absence hints at a potential opportunity for a Future EV hybrid system, which could enhance both efficiency and performance.
The 2024 Ram 1500 with the eTorque V8 showcased the benefits of hybrid assistance, especially during launch. This electric motor’s support at critical moments helped improve efficiency and power delivery. Without such assistance, it’s understandable why the Hurricane engine might not surpass the V8 in fuel efficiency.
Exploring Engine Specs and Performance
The comparison between the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane engine reveals intriguing differences:
- Hemi V8:
- Power: 395 hp
- Torque: 410 lb-ft
- Hurricane SO:
- Power: 420 hp
- Torque: 469 lb-ft
- Hurricane HO:
- Power: 540 hp
- Torque: 521 lb-ft
While the Hurricane engine offers superior power and torque, an interesting detail to note is that the towing capacity of the 2025 Ram 1500 with the Hurricane engine is slightly lower than its predecessor. This will most likely not sit well with much of towing customer base.
Potential for Hybridization and Future Developments
Despite initial comparisons that suggest the Hurricane engine’s efficiency isn’t significantly improved, there’s optimism regarding potential future developments. The hybridization of the Hurricane engine could unlock a new level of efficiency and performance, catering to buyers who prioritize both power and fuel economy.
Sam Fiorani, chief analyst at Auto Forecast Solutions, highlights the existing potential for hybridization, noting that the necessary components are already available. A hybrid transmission could not only enhance performance but also improve fuel efficiency, presenting a compelling option for Ram as they navigate evolving consumer preferences.
While the 2025 Ram 1500 Hurricane 6-cylinder engine may not showcase a significant leap in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, the potential for hybridization and future advancements holds promise for a more balanced and efficient driving experience.
