Several months ago I replaced my 2008 Honda Ridgeline with a 2020 RAM 1500 with the 3.6L V6 and 3.55 differential 4x4 (Big Horn Level 1). The truck only had 10,000 miles on it and was still under factory warranty. The truck was basically new and I was able to pick it up from a dealer for under $34,000. I primarily use this truck (suburban home owner) as a commuter vehicle (40 miles round trip to work). I also pull a 17' hard side camper cross-country (about 3,000 Lbs), and pull a 17' boat. You could say my truck usage is fairly light duty. I'm not using this as a work truck or pulling really heavy loads. I live in Wisconsin so I also have winter driving to contend with.
I did a lot of research about the V6 before I bought the truck, and really saw mixed reviews. I also saw a lot of inaccurate information. Because of that, I thought I would document my impressions as other prospective buyers may be looking for an opinion. So here we go with a few thoughts:
1) I absolutely love this truck. It rides and drives very nice, it's quiet, spacious, good technology, etc.
2) The V6 is more than enough power for me. Yes, I'm sure the V8 would be fun, but I just don't need it. Most of my drive to work is 70 MPH roads. The V6 meets my needs just fine. I believe I would have paid at least a $6,000 premium for the V8 in a truck the same age, same miles, etc. To me, it wasn't worth it.
3) Gas mileage - If I set the cruise on the highway at 65 MPH (rolling hills) I've gotten as much as 26 MPG. The unfortunate part is I'm not patient. I usually set the cruise at 80 MPH (on a 70 MPH road) and my MPG drops to about 17 to 18 MPG. Between highway and city driving I've been averaging about 18 MPG. Again, I have a bit of a lead foot. If I were motivated to maximize MPG, the truck is very capable of it. The terrain I driving is what I would call "rolling hills". It's not flat, but not steep hills.
4) One thing all of the reviews got right: throttle lag. For the sake of maximizing MPG, the acceleration has a bit of a slow start / Lag. I do find it a bit annoying. I know there are devices that will improve the throttle response, but it doesn't annoy me that badly. Again, most of my driving is on the highway with the cruise control on. The throttle lag is probably my biggest irritation. One other irritation is I've experienced gas pump shutoff's while filling my gas tank. That seems to be a common complaint as well.
Considering the condition of the truck, the miles, and the price I paid for it, I find it to be an absolute value. I would recommend the V6 to anyone who was going to use the truck in a way similar to me.
I did a lot of research about the V6 before I bought the truck, and really saw mixed reviews. I also saw a lot of inaccurate information. Because of that, I thought I would document my impressions as other prospective buyers may be looking for an opinion. So here we go with a few thoughts:
1) I absolutely love this truck. It rides and drives very nice, it's quiet, spacious, good technology, etc.
2) The V6 is more than enough power for me. Yes, I'm sure the V8 would be fun, but I just don't need it. Most of my drive to work is 70 MPH roads. The V6 meets my needs just fine. I believe I would have paid at least a $6,000 premium for the V8 in a truck the same age, same miles, etc. To me, it wasn't worth it.
3) Gas mileage - If I set the cruise on the highway at 65 MPH (rolling hills) I've gotten as much as 26 MPG. The unfortunate part is I'm not patient. I usually set the cruise at 80 MPH (on a 70 MPH road) and my MPG drops to about 17 to 18 MPG. Between highway and city driving I've been averaging about 18 MPG. Again, I have a bit of a lead foot. If I were motivated to maximize MPG, the truck is very capable of it. The terrain I driving is what I would call "rolling hills". It's not flat, but not steep hills.
4) One thing all of the reviews got right: throttle lag. For the sake of maximizing MPG, the acceleration has a bit of a slow start / Lag. I do find it a bit annoying. I know there are devices that will improve the throttle response, but it doesn't annoy me that badly. Again, most of my driving is on the highway with the cruise control on. The throttle lag is probably my biggest irritation. One other irritation is I've experienced gas pump shutoff's while filling my gas tank. That seems to be a common complaint as well.
Considering the condition of the truck, the miles, and the price I paid for it, I find it to be an absolute value. I would recommend the V6 to anyone who was going to use the truck in a way similar to me.
No issues with it, I’ve replaced the tires at 52k and just recently replaced the battery. Mileage is usually 22-23 mpg on the highway with the cruise set at 70-75. The only towing I’ve done was with the larger U-Haul single axle trailer from south Louisiana to Las Vegas; mileage varied from ~19 mpg on the flat to 12.5 mpg in west Texas against a 25-30 mph headwind. I’m pretty pleased with the truck!
