How quick and efficient is the all-new 2019 Ram 1500? This is what we are here to find out. TFLtruck’s annual Gold Hitch testing is all about getting the real-world towing MPG, 0-60 MPH, and Ike Gauntlet numbers. This way you can compare trucks directly and pick the one that best fits your needs.
2019 Ram 1500
While Ram completely redesigned the 2019 truck from the frame up, the engine remains largely unchanged. It’s still the 5.7L HEMI V8 that is rated at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an updated 8-speed automatic transmission.
The new truck is a bit lighter than before, Ram removed about 225 lbs from the truck when compared to the outgoing model. This was done with the use of advanced high strength steel in the frame, aluminum hood, tailgate, and other improvements.
We ran the 0-60 MPH test at our regular test track – IMI Motorsports. As always, we are about 1-mile above sea level (with about 17% less air density). Trucks are slower here, but we have tested dozens of trucks. Check out the list of quickest 0-60 MPH trucks.
This fully loaded crew cab 4×4 Longhorn ran at 7.95 seconds, which puts it about midpack among the other trucks.
How does the new Ram HEMI do on the highway when towing a 7,000 lbs trailer? More specifically, how efficient is it at our 98-mile highway mpg loop? We use the same truck stock in Hudson, Colorado as we have done for the past several years. We trace exactly 98 miles on the interstate at a steady 70 MPH (cruise control).
The truck was very stable when towing at speed, and the transmission remained mainly in 7th gear (sometimes going to either 8th or 6th). The overall towing experience was relatively easy, and the truck did not seem like it was working very hard.
The final calculated result at the pump was 9.4 MPG, which is near the top (number three) among all the other gas-powered half-ton trucks we have ever tested. Check out the list of Towing MPG results for more data.
Join the fun in the video below.
