The renowned third-generation 5.7-liter Hemi engine was first introduced in 2003 for the Ram 1500 and the heavy-duty lineup of trucks. This powerful V8 from RAM became a favored option due to its impressive capabilities up until now.
Dodge stopped producing the Hemi engine.
The twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine called the Hurricane was also unveiled. This engine comes in two versions: the standard-output (SO) version, which provides improved fuel efficiency, and the high-output (HO) variant, designed for greater power delivery.
The updated 3.0-liter engine, featuring two less cylinders, delivers an additional output of 25 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of torque compared to the bigger 5.7-liter V8 Hemi.
Why Stellantis’ bi-turbo I-6 engine merits its Hurricane moniker
Not only does Stellantis, which owns RAM, highlight that the Hurricane engine provides greater power compared to the Hemi, but it also claims improved fuel economy. The 2025 RAM 1500 (with two-wheel drive) equipped with the SO Hurricane reportedly gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway, dropping slightly to 24 mpg for the 4×4 version. For those who choose the HO Hurricane variant exclusively found in 4×4 models, the EPA estimates a highway fuel economy of 21 mpg.
What about real-world numbers from RAM owners? Are they getting similar results? Reports by drivers vary, with some getting as low as 17.2 miles per gallon on the SO and up to 23 miles per gallon. In terms of the HO, some owners only achieved 13.4 miles per gallon , while others were able to reach 20.5 miles per gallon .
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What Factors Influence Fuel Efficiency, and Why Is There So Much Variability in Mileage Numbers?
Measuring fuel efficiency actually depends on various elements such as gear ratios and weather conditions, to name a few. For example,
Axle gear ratios and their impact on fuel economy
One motorist recorded their gas mileage on a RAM 1500 Rebel equipped with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine paired with a 3.92:1 axle gear ratio, achieving 18.9 miles per gallon. In contrast, another individual tested a standard 1500 model also featuring a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel but fitted with a 3.55:1 gearing ratio, which yielded an improved efficiency of 19.5 miles per gallon. Although the higher numerical rear-axle ratio available for the Rebel enhances towing capability through increased torque, the lower 3.55 ratio spins fewer times per minute under normal driving conditions, thereby consuming less fuel.
Environmental factors like temperature and wind should also be considered. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, extremely low temperatures can significantly decrease fuel efficiency by 10% to 33%, varying based on the vehicle type and journey duration. The decline in fuel economy occurs because cold engine fluids do not flow efficiently enough to minimize friction effectively. Moreover, at high speeds, colder air becomes thicker, increasing drag and making the engine operate slightly harder than usual.
Additionally, consider assessing fuel efficiency under headwind conditions, which essentially exert backward pressure on the truck as it moves forward. Any extra force applied to the vehicle, such as strong gusts of wind, could lead to significantly different fuel consumption outcomes compared to driving the same route on a tranquil day.
How Does the Hurricane Engine Produce Extra Horsepower Without Compromising Fuel Efficiency?
In comparing the Hurricane inline-6 to the former 5.7-liter Hemi concerning fuel efficiency, the newer engine matches or surpasses the older one in mpg ratings, except for the high-output version. It’s worth noting that the high-output Hurricane does come with an extra 145 horsepower compared to the 5.7-liter Hemi.
The RAM can enhance both performance and fuel efficiency thanks to the Hurricane’s twin-turbo setup. The manufacturer installed smaller turbos within the engine, enabling them to spin up faster and reduce low-RPM lag. Furthermore, each turbocharger manages only three cylinders, making the boosting process more efficient compared to using a single large turbo. That said, despite these technical advantages, very few people – if any at all – favor the sound of the Hurricane over the classic growl of the V8.
The Hurricane engine is notably lighter compared to the bigger Hemi V8, which means it requires less energy to propel the truck, thus reducing fuel consumption. To illustrate, the regular Hurricane model has a weight of merely 430 pounds, with the high-output variant weighing just slightly more at 441 pounds. In contrast, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) third-generation 5.7-liter Hemi from models produced between 2003 and 2008 comes fully equipped at 560 pounds—a difference of 130 pounds against the single-overhead-camshaft (SO) Hurricane. Weight plays a pivotal role when assessing overall efficiency; for instance, the U.S. Department of Energy states that every additional 100 pounds in your vehicle could decrease miles per gallon by up to two percent.
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