Featured Dashboard summary March 2018

So did Honda.

 

How about Ram Pickup Diesel??? Apparently 2019 model suppose to get "mild-hybrid" system, but I don't see that option on 2018 models. 2019 Ram 1500 pickup has 48-volt 'mild hybrid' system for fuel economy

 

The diesel won't get the 48V bas start stop system, but the it is an option on the 2019 gasoline versions. EPA figures aren't available yet.

 

Thanks for the info. The current model with 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 has only 17/25 mpg. I guess, I can't expect it will be much better than current compact pick-up with four-cylinder engines. I am in a market for either a pick-up truck or a cargo van for occasional hauling. I was hoping to find a really fuel efficient truck. Bummer.

 

The EPA found a bit of software and operating mode in the Ram/Grand Cherokee diesels that FCA had not disclosed, and ordered a stop sales. An agreement has been reached in which they sell those trucks that have been sitting on dealer lots. The figures in this report are those leftover 2017's. There is no 2018 diesel Ram, though FCA says they plan to bring it back.

The mild hybrid system is standard on the V6 and optional on the V8.

At the moment, a diesel is your best bet for highest efficiency, though the F150 with 2.7l Ecoboost is rated 20mpg city and 26mpg highway. Ford is planning a full hybrid for the 2020 F150.

How occasional the hauling? A good price on a used truck or van can make up for more fuel use.

 

Yep. That's where my current search spot seems to be. That is in USED TRUCK albeit with dismal fuel efficiency. I plan to use only in town, almost never on highway, so diesel's high fuel efficiency on highway only does not help. My need is once or twice a week short trip (less than 20 miles one way) and being able to haul all kinds of stuff, like 4x8 feet plywood, 2x4 lumbers, wheelbarrow, lawn mower, bails of straws, 10+ bags of 50lb chicken feed, honeybee hives, to name a few. We had 2005 AWD Toyota Sienna minivan that I was using for this purpose. It was great. With all rear seats removed and stowed, the cargo was large enough to accept 4x8 feet plywood flat. I could put a few 12 footer 2x4 across the cargo, and deck being so low, I had no problem lifting a lawn mower onto it without any ramp. But, I had to get rid of it due to heavy underbody corrosion requiring way too much for repair.