The EcoDiesel has landed. That’s right, the long-awaited third-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 powered 2020 Ram 1500 models are arriving in dealership showrooms. The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel models will join the recently reintroduced 2019 Ram 1500 Classic with the second-generation EcoDiesel engine, to offer more trims, capability, and affordability for the half-ton diesel market, than ever before.
The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has an unsurpassed 29 mpg (8.0 L/100 km) highway rating for its 4×4 models. That is very impressive considering that 4×4 models make up more than 80% of the U.S. full-size truck market (95% of the market in Canada). For those not requiring a 4×4 offering, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 4×2 offers a rating of 32 mpg highway when properly equipped.
What is also impressive is the towing ratings for the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. With its best-in-class diesel ratings of 480 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers a best-in-class diesel towing capability of 12,560 lbs. (5,697 kg). While the 3.0-liter Duramax 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 does squeeze out 33 mpg in its 4×2 models when properly equipped, the Duramax powered Silverado only has a towing capacity of 9,300 lbs. (4,218 kg).
We had a chance to drive the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel lineup before the official ratings were announced and we were impressed with what we saw in the real world. We drove a Tradesman Quad Cab 4×2 and Rebel Crew Cab 4×4 that shocked us with their results while driving in normal conditions and not hypermiling it like some automotive publications do.
The third-generation EcoDiesel also shocked us with its overall quietness, both outside and inside the cabin. While acceleration is not on par with a Hellcat, when you put the pedal down there is a momentary stutter for just over a second and then when boost kicks in, the EcoDiesel likes to go. To us, it was comparable to a Pentastar V6 powered Ram 1500.
So for those who have waited to get some time behind the wheel of the new trucks, you may want to check out your local Ram Truck dealer inventories. We are hoping to spend some more time with the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel soon in the near future, so stay tuned.
