Each of the three engines produced for the 2014 Ram 1500 light-duty pickup provides plenty of muscle, starting with the standard Pentastar 3.6L V6 and its 305 hp. The 5.7L Hemi V8 is able to tow over 10,000 pounds, and the 3.0L Diesel option delivers an impressive 27 mpg highway.
Key Points
- Engine options for the 2014 Ram 1500 include the 305-hp 3.6L V6, the 395-hp Hemi V8, and 420 lb.-ft. torque on the 3.0L turbodiesel.
- The Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine appeared as the standard powerplant. It is able to pull your family’s camper weighing up to 7,450 pounds.
- The 5.7L Hemi V8 provided a muscular option for the hard-working pickup. Featured on the Sport and Express, it is paired with either the six or eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Stretch your fuel farther with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 and its EPA-estimated 27 mpg highway. Hitch up and pull up to 9,200 pounds using its impressive torque.
Pentastar 3.6L V6 Appears as the Standard Engine for the 2014 Ram 1500 with a Lightweight Yet Durable Block
The standard Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine is found on the entry-level trims for the 2014 Ram 1500 including the Tradesman, HFE, SLT, Big Horn, Outdoorsman, and Laramie.
With 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, its lightweight aluminum design has a 220 cubic inch displacement, 24 valves, and sequential multi-port injection. It features a 10.2:1 compression ratio with a 96 x 83 mm bore and stroke. The dual overhead cam is chain-driven while aluminum alloy pistons lower its overall weight without giving up added muscle.
Variable valve timing enables it to attain up to 25 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive and the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The engine will run on E85 fuel, but you give up fuel economy scoring just 12 mpg city and 17 highway.
The V6 enables you to tow up to 7,450 pounds in a quad cab with a regular box and the appropriate towing equipment.
2014 Ram HFE Trim Stands for High Fuel Efficiency, but not a Better Engine
When on the hunt for even better gas mileage numbers in a light-duty pickup, the 2014 Ram 1500 HFE offers the best numbers for this model, but not due to its powertrain. It has the same Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine and transmission as the Tradesman, but the control module reprograms shift points and throttle response to eke out an additional mile per gallon for city driving. An included tonneau cover also reduced turbulence and drag, but that’s about it.
2014 Ram 1500’s Longstanding 5.7L Hemi V8 Brings Serious Muscle with 395 hp, a Rumbling Dual Exhaust, and Modest 22 Miles per Gallon
When hunting for a powerful engine for your 2014 Ram 1500, you won’t go wrong with the iconic 5.7L Hemi V8. The beefy powertrain is featured on the Express and Sport trims and was offered as an available option for all other versions except the HFE. Early 2014 trucks were sold with the six-speed transmission while later models were treated to the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic.
Put your foot down and listen to the dual exhaust sing as it pours out 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. Its 345 ci displacement houses 16 valves with hydraulic lifters and roller followers. A 99.5 x 90.9 bore and stroke, sequential fuel injection, and a compression ratio of 10.5:1 combine for impressive durability and performance. Under the hood, you will find a cast-iron block and two spark plugs per cylinder to optimize combustion.
Even though it is a big V8, the Hemi is still capable of earning up to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway with the eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission. If you find one with a six-speed transmission, it only scores 20 mpg highway. The eight-speed was only offered on late 2014 trucks due to production delays.
Tow up to 10,450 pounds when the 2014 Ram 1500 is configured with a regular cab, long box, and 2WD.
2014 Ram 1500’s 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Lowers Maintenance Costs with a 10,000-mile Oil Change Interval and Increased Longevity
The 2014 model year stands as the debut for the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine for the Ram 1500. Buyers could opt for the diesel on any trim except the HFE, Express, or Sport. Featuring clean diesel technology, the engine is capable of traveling up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. It uses a standard oil cooler and 5W-30 motor oil which helps to lower your maintenance costs while maintaining durability. You will need to top up its diesel exhaust fluid approximately every 3,000 miles.
The turbocharged diesel pumps out 240 horsepower while surpassing the Hemi on torque with 420 lb.-ft. Its tow rating maxes out at 9,200 pounds with a regular cab, long bed, and 2WD. But, those high torque numbers allow for improved acceleration at the lights while under load.
Its specs include a compact 182 ci displacement, 83 x 92 mm bore and stroke, and a 15.5:1 compression ratio. The chain-driven dual overhead cam design includes 24 valves. The engine employs common rail fuel injection with solenoid injectors. Compact graphite iron comprises the cylinder block and bedplate.
Diesel engines often boast a reputation for excellent fuel mileage numbers. The 3.0L V6 on the 2014 Ram 1500 supports that perception with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
All Three Engines Provide all the Muscle Needed to Maximize Performance of the 2014 Ram 1500
It can be tempting to decide that your hardworking truck needs V8 power to tackle construction jobs and weekend expeditions. However, all three engines offered for the 2014 Ram 1500 give you enough muscle for most applications. The 3.0L EcoDiesel provides the best fuel efficiency. The 5.7L Hemi will head off-road without blinking. But, the 3.6L V6 gives you all the acceleration and dependability demanded in a versatile family vehicle.
Photos: Stellantis
