TurboT

I am looking to buy a Dodge diesel. I am looking at a 3500 2wd and a couple of 2500 4wd. Do the 2wd get better MPG?

duddin10

The 2wd should get a little better MPG. If you want the better MPG out of what you listed then go 2500 2wd.

duddin10

The 2wd should get a little better MPG. I don't know about the 3500. But naturally a 3500 2wd will get better than a 3500 4wd. But as far as comparing the 3500 2wd to a 2500 4wd I don't know exactly.

TurboT

In the end it will come down to what kind of deal I can get. I have a gas hog now that has no power to justify the MPG.

Blast Chamber

Since you are considering a 2wd, does that mean you really don't need 4wd? If you don't, then why pay more for it? A 2wd will always be cheaper to operate with better fuel economy due to less weight and driveline drag. Plus, there are less components to service and potentially have problems with. The only area where a 4wd will beat a 2wd financially is at resale time, but with all of the other savings I'm betting that 2wd is still cheaper to own in the long run.

That being said, if you might need 4wd, then you should get it.

donhov

Many other posts on the subject. Very little difference between the 2 as far as millage. Maintaince wise an extra differential and transfer case for fluid changes at 30K intervals. If you have any doubt about needing the 4x4 go with it as the Cummins is extremely heavy on the front axle and in slippery/ice/snow conditions you will need the 4x4. Also resale is much better on the 4x4 and you should regroup most of the difference at resale time.

XLR8R

I agree.

I think usefulness and resale would be better with a 2500 4WD than a 3500DRW 2WD.

sweetwaterguy

If you don't need the 4wd then don't do it. In Wyoming, 4wd is essential--on and off road. I have driven on snowpacked conditions over a mountain pass, driving slow and careful and not thinking I needed to shift into 4wd. Wrong!
I found it is flat scary to drive in slick conditions in 2wd. One reason is the light weight in the rear, the other is the massive torque. I just touched the throttle lightly, and it nearly put me into a spin. Now as soon as it even looks slick, I shift so I have all four wheels working.
Also earlier in the week I was putting my boat in the lake and spun the rear wheels. I would not have been able to get the boat in the water or out with 2wd only.
But again, if you have no need and never encounter those conditions, a 2wd is a no brainer for all the reasons stated in earlier posts.

XLR8R

Also, on slippery surfaces, the front driven wheels can actually pull you in the direction you want to go through steering.

Pop-Pop

Until now, all my trucks have been 4X4 and I needed four wheel drive at those times. My needs are now different so I stuck my neck out and got a 2X4. It is the best driving truck I've had in years! It hugs the ground and steers better than my 4X4's. It gets 21 MPG in mixed driving and 23 - 25 MPG on the highway. Would I rather have a 4X4? Sure, but not because I need it.