Consumer Reports says Ram 1500 tops fuel economy fight [w/video]
Wed, Aug 27 2014
In this case, CR took a look at the fuel economy of the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and found that it came out on top of the fullsize pickup truck pack. The Ram did so with 20 miles per gallon overall and 27 mpg on the highway. CR gave the truck a total road test score of 82. The EPA says that the EcoDiesel 1500 gets 28 mpg on the highway, 20 mpg city and 23 mpg combined. Comparing official EPA numbers, the Ram is also the best among trucks in its class. It's nice when people agree on something.The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has "about the same fuel-economy numbers that we typically see in a midsized SUV." – Jake Fisher
As we know from first-hand, long-distance experience, you can push the 1500 EcoDiesel to 38 mpg. CR found in its own testing that the truck had, "about the same fuel-economy numbers that we typically see in a midsized SUV," said Jake Fisher, CR's director of automotive testing, in a statement.
Speaking of midsized SUVs, CR also announced this week that the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid got the top spot in CR's ratings in that category. CR liked pretty much everything about the SUV, saying that the "transitions between electric power and the gas engine are seamless" and that, "the new Highlander also handles better, with a steadier ride and reduced body lean in corners." You can find more at the CR website, in the October print issue of Consumer Reports or in the video and press release below.
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RAM ECODIESEL 1500 TOPS CONSUMER REPORTS FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK RATINGS
Redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid Climbs to Top of Midsized SUV List
Yonkers, N.Y.- The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel climbed to the top of Consumer Reports' full-size pickup truck ratings with an impressive performance in the organization's fuel economy tests.
The EcoDiesel (82 point overall road test score) turned in a best-in-class fuel economy of 20 mpg overall and 27 mpg on the highway, to help it score better than the previously tested Ram 1500 V8 (81) regular gas version and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT (80).
"These are about the same fuel-economy numbers that we typically see in a mid-sized SUV. The Ram is currently the only truck to offer turbo-diesel technology. It will be interesting to see what impact it will have on the half-ton truck market," said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports engineers found the EcoDiesel to be as luxurious and refined as the previously tested V8 version. The EcoDiesel remains fully capable of doing dirty work when duty calls. A unique coil-spring rear suspension gives it a smooth ride, and the interior is whisper-quiet.
Consumer Reports noted some telltale diesel clatter at idle and low speeds, but the engine noise is well-hushed when cruising. Some buyers may like hearing the distinctive diesel engine note. The continued interior and powertrain improvements make the Ram a particularly well-rounded choice for most consumers.
Updated test results for the Ram EcoDiesel are available today atwww.ConsmerReports.org.
In other tests, the redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid's impressive performance earned it the top spot in Consumer Reports midsized SUV ratings. Consumer Reports engineers found it refined and comfortable, loaded with creature comforts, and the ability to tow 3,500 pounds. Yet it gets a very thrifty 25 mpg overall, which is the same as many small SUVs and midsized sedans.
The Hybrid takes the smooth, powerful V6 from the regular Highlander and adds a hybrid battery pack and three electric motors, increasing horsepower by 10, to 280. In place of the conventional six-speed automatic transmission, the Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission, which is well-matched to the engine. That combo delivers 25 mpg overall, which is 25 percent better than the regular Highlander's 20. Power delivery is smooth. Transitions between electric power and the gas engine are seamless. And the Hybrid can usually propel itself on electric power up to about 35 mph.
The new Highlander also handles better, with a steadier ride and reduced body lean in corners. When pushed to its handling limits, a well-tuned stability-control system kept things secure. Energy-saving regenerative brakes make the pedal a little touchy, but stopping distances were good.
Testers were impressed with Toyota's new infotainment system, which has simple menus that make it easy to select functions, as well as knobs for volume and tuning. It also has excellent voice controls and one of the most comprehensive Bluetooth streaming-audio interfaces Consumer Reports has seen.
Complete tests results of the redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid, as well as additional reports for the recently tested Chevrolet Suburban("Very Good"), Chevrolet Tahoe ("Very Good"), and Ford C-Max Hybrid("Very Good"), are available online at www.ConsumerReports.org and in the October issue of Consumer Reports, on newsstands starting August 28, 2014.
Consumer Reports' testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Roughly 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process. CR buys all its test cars anonymously from dealers. Other reviewers base their evaluations on press cars that are hand-picked by the automakers.
Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.
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OCTOBER 2014
© 2014 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports®.
Redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid Climbs to Top of Midsized SUV List
Yonkers, N.Y.- The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel climbed to the top of Consumer Reports' full-size pickup truck ratings with an impressive performance in the organization's fuel economy tests.
The EcoDiesel (82 point overall road test score) turned in a best-in-class fuel economy of 20 mpg overall and 27 mpg on the highway, to help it score better than the previously tested Ram 1500 V8 (81) regular gas version and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT (80).
"These are about the same fuel-economy numbers that we typically see in a mid-sized SUV. The Ram is currently the only truck to offer turbo-diesel technology. It will be interesting to see what impact it will have on the half-ton truck market," said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports engineers found the EcoDiesel to be as luxurious and refined as the previously tested V8 version. The EcoDiesel remains fully capable of doing dirty work when duty calls. A unique coil-spring rear suspension gives it a smooth ride, and the interior is whisper-quiet.
Consumer Reports noted some telltale diesel clatter at idle and low speeds, but the engine noise is well-hushed when cruising. Some buyers may like hearing the distinctive diesel engine note. The continued interior and powertrain improvements make the Ram a particularly well-rounded choice for most consumers.
Updated test results for the Ram EcoDiesel are available today atwww.ConsmerReports.org.
In other tests, the redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid's impressive performance earned it the top spot in Consumer Reports midsized SUV ratings. Consumer Reports engineers found it refined and comfortable, loaded with creature comforts, and the ability to tow 3,500 pounds. Yet it gets a very thrifty 25 mpg overall, which is the same as many small SUVs and midsized sedans.
The Hybrid takes the smooth, powerful V6 from the regular Highlander and adds a hybrid battery pack and three electric motors, increasing horsepower by 10, to 280. In place of the conventional six-speed automatic transmission, the Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission, which is well-matched to the engine. That combo delivers 25 mpg overall, which is 25 percent better than the regular Highlander's 20. Power delivery is smooth. Transitions between electric power and the gas engine are seamless. And the Hybrid can usually propel itself on electric power up to about 35 mph.
The new Highlander also handles better, with a steadier ride and reduced body lean in corners. When pushed to its handling limits, a well-tuned stability-control system kept things secure. Energy-saving regenerative brakes make the pedal a little touchy, but stopping distances were good.
Testers were impressed with Toyota's new infotainment system, which has simple menus that make it easy to select functions, as well as knobs for volume and tuning. It also has excellent voice controls and one of the most comprehensive Bluetooth streaming-audio interfaces Consumer Reports has seen.
Complete tests results of the redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid, as well as additional reports for the recently tested Chevrolet Suburban("Very Good"), Chevrolet Tahoe ("Very Good"), and Ford C-Max Hybrid("Very Good"), are available online at www.ConsumerReports.org and in the October issue of Consumer Reports, on newsstands starting August 28, 2014.
Consumer Reports' testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Roughly 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process. CR buys all its test cars anonymously from dealers. Other reviewers base their evaluations on press cars that are hand-picked by the automakers.
Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.
- 30 -
OCTOBER 2014
© 2014 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports®.
By Sebastian Blanco
See also: Toyota celebrates 30th anniversary of Land Cruiser 70 with Japan rerelease [w/videos], Autoblog Podcast #394, Autoblog Podcast #394.