This Popular Full-Size Truck Is Worst Car for the Environment, Says Study
With concerns about climate change, automakers are producing more efficient vehicles with lower emissions. Also, even setting aside the climate change issue, air pollution causes nine million deaths around the world each year. However, some vehicles are not so eco-friendly, especially large trucks and SUVs. And the worst car for the environment is a popular full-size pickup truck: the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX off-roader.
2023 Ram 1500 full-size truck is the worst car for the environment in GreenerCars rankings
The 2023 Ram 1500 TRX is renowned for its off-road prowess — with its massive 35-inch all-terrain tires, traction-enhancing 4×4 system, underbody plating, Bilstein dampers, and an electronic-locking rear differential. It also comes equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. The potent engine delivers 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, which helps the full-size truck sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Unfortunately, the Ram 1500 TRX is bad for the environment. In the annual American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) GreenerCars rankings, the 1500 TRX is the worst car for the environment — topping the site’s “Meanest List.” This is the second year in a row that it earned the dubious recognition. Also, the next worst vehicle is another off-road pickup truck, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor.
Here are the worst cars for the environment:
- 2023 Ram 1500 TRX
- 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
- 2023 Cadillac Escalade V
- 2023 Dodge Durango SRT
- 2023 Jeep Wrangler
- 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz G550
- 2023 BMW X5 M
- 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor
- 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2
- 2023 BMW X6 M
- 2023 Dodge Charger SRT
A common theme for this “Meanest List” is big trucks and SUVs. Other than the Dodge Charger sports sedan, the models on the list of worst vehicles for the environment are either a truck or an SUV. Stellantis features heavily on the list too. Along with the Ram 1500 TRX, this includes the Dodge Durango SRT, Dodge Charger SRT, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Wagoneer.
Ram 1500 TRX: Low gas mileage and high emissions
While the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX is a highly capable full-size truck, it’s quite a gas guzzler — with high emissions. The pickup gets a paltry estimated fuel economy of 10 city/14 highway mpg. In an age of increased vehicle efficiency, the 1500 TRX is an extreme anomaly.
The annual GreenerCars rankings are based on the environmental damage index (EDX) scores tabulated by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The EDX scores demonstrate the degree in which pollution from vehicles has an adverse impact on human health. This takes into account not only vehicle emissions — but also manufacturing and disposal. Other factors include the production and distribution of gasoline — or in the case of EVs — electricity.
And with an EDX score of 22, the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX is the worst car for the environment. The damage to the environment also has economic consequences. On an environmental damage per mile basis, the off-road truck costs $2.78 per mile — the highest for any vehicle.
What is the most eco-friendly car?
On the opposite side of the environmental damage spectrum, the 2023 MINI Cooper SE Electric Hardtop is the most eco-friendly car. It tops the “Greenest List” for 2023 — with an EDX score of 67 and an environmental damage cost per mile of only $0.66.
Like the MINI Cooper Electric, the next most eco-friendly vehicles are EVs: the 2023 Nissan LEAF, 2023 Mazda MX-30, 2023 Toyota bZ4X, and 2023 Subaru Solterra. Also, some hybrids made the list, including the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid, 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid.
However, if you have concerns about pollution from vehicle emissions having an adverse impact on human health, it’s best to avoid the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX full-size truck. With its low fuel economy and high emissions, it’s the worst car for the environment.
