2020 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel
The new 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickup’s estimated fuel economy numbers are in and they are impressive. The half-ton pickup will return 32 MPG highway for 2wd and an astounding 29 MPG highway for 4wd models. Yes, nearly 30 MPG for a 4wd pickup.
This third-generation EcoDiesel engine allows consumers to drive more than 1,000 miles in between fill-ups with an available 33 gallon gas tank. Talk about skipping the gas station more often! This is also beneficial for areas without many gas stations like parts of the American west, Australia Outback and up in remote areas of Canada.
For reference, the 2019 Ford F-150 with the 3.0L Powerstroke diesel is rated at 20/25 mpg city/hwy in 4wd and 22/30 city/hwy in 2wd. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado with its 3.0L inline six turbo diesel returns 23/29 city/hwy in 4wd and 23/33 city/hwy in 2wd. For the GMC Sierra, the numbers are slightly less with 22/26 city/hwy in 4wd and 23/30 city/hwy in 2wd due to including the off-road trim, AT4, in the EPA testing and overall weight differences.
For the 2020 Ram 1500, the EcoDiesel represents just one engine choice. Here are the MPG details on each engine:
2020 Ram 1500 EPA Numbers |
City |
Combined |
Highway |
3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel 4×2 |
22 |
26 |
32 |
3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel 4×4 |
21 |
24 |
29 |
3.6-liter V-6 eTorque 4×2 |
20 |
22 |
25 |
3.6-liter V-6 eTorque 4×4 |
19 |
22 |
24 |
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 4×2 |
15 |
17 |
22 |
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 4×4 |
15 |
17 |
21 |
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque 4×2 |
17 |
19 |
23 |
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque 4×4 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
Pricing starts at $36,890 for the Tradesman Quad Cab 2WD, plus $1,695 destination. The EcoDiesel is a $4,995 option, or $3,000 premium over the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque ($3,300 on Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel and Laramie base models).
The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab is also offered with the second-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. Pricing for the Ram 1500 Classic EcoDiesel (Crew Cab 4×2) starts at $39,140, plus destination.
Below is the official press release with all the details.
Fuel Economy Announced for New 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
October 7, 2019, Auburn Hills, Mich. – Ram Truck today announced EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2020 Ram 1500 powered by the new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel engine.
Ram’s half-ton EcoDiesel will be rated at 32 miles per gallon (mpg) highway, 22 mpg city for 4×2 models; 29 mpg highway, 21 mpg city for 4×4 models.
Ram 1500’s unsurpassed 29 mpg highway fuel economy rating for 4×4 models is significant in that 4×4 models represent more than 80 percent of the U.S. fullsize truck mix.
The Ram 1500’s all-new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel leads the half-ton pickup truck segment in torque with 480 lb.-ft. and diesel towing capability of 12,560 pounds.
The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel also leads all trucks in fuel range. Paired with an available 33-gallon fuel tank, Ram’s driving range exceeds 1,000 miles.
“The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers the best torque and towing among all half-ton diesel trucks,”
said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “Now with a 10-year track record, the Ram brand has emerged as a truck powertrain technology leader. The all-new EcoDiesel engine and Ram 1500 eTorque mild-hybrid powertrains deliver outstanding fuel efficiency alternatives for our Ram 1500 customers.”
The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is available across all models and configurations, including a first-time offering in the Ram Rebel.
The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at $36,890 for the Tradesman Quad Cab 2WD, plus $1,695 destination. The EcoDiesel is a $4,995 option, or $3,000 premium over the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque ($3,300 on Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel and Laramie base models).
The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab is also offered with the second-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. Pricing for the Ram 1500 Classic EcoDiesel (Crew Cab 4×2) starts at $39,140, plus destination.
All-new EcoDiesel engine
The third generation of the turbocharged EcoDiesel V-6 delivers increased torque and horsepower, along with superb fuel economy and minimal levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to meet the needs of Ram 1500 owners.
In the 2020 Ram 1500, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 is rated at a best-in-class 480 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm, a 14 percent increase from the previous-generation EcoDiesel V-6, that peaks 400 rpm earlier. Horsepower increases 8 percent to 260 hp at 3,600 rpm.
Several significant changes contribute to the new EcoDiesel’s improved dynamic and fuel economy performance.
The upgrades build on the EcoDiesel V-6’s attributes and performance that made it a winner of Wards 10 Best Engines award for three consecutive years.
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 uses dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder and a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks. The block is cast with compacted graphite iron, which provides strength to dampen vibrations but weighs less than grey cast iron. A compacted graphite iron bedplate adds rigidity to the block.
The EcoDiesel V-6 uses a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods for strength and durability. The aluminum alloy pistons are cooled on the underside via oil jets. Heat-treated aluminum cylinder heads use individual bearing caps to reduce friction and minimize NVH. The chain-driven overhead camshafts employ roller-finger followers.
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 is produced at the FCA Cento facility in Ferrara, Italy.
Ram 1500
The 2020 Ram 1500 is the no-compromise benchmark for durability, technology, efficiency and convenience with features never-before offered in a pickup. The Ram 1500 features up to 12,750 pounds of towing capability (5.7-liter HEMI V-8) and 2,300 pounds of payload. Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system delivers improved fuel efficiency in both V-6 (standard) and V-8 configurations. As a segment disrupter, the new Uconnect 4C with a massive 12-inch touchscreen leads the pickup world in technology, featuring split-screen capability, 360-degree camera views and exclusive content from SiriusXM with 360L. Active safety and security systems include adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind-spot Monitoring and Ready Alert Braking. Class-leading ride and handling is accomplished via a class-exclusive link-coil rear suspension system with optional Active-level four-corner air suspension. The 2020 Ram 1500 also features twice the interior storage capacity versus the competition.
Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles
The 2020 Ram 1500 is backed with a five-year /100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. The powertrain-limited warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component – engine, transmission and drive system.
The standard three-year / 36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for the Ram 1500, from the body to the electrical system.
Manufacturing
The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Regarding the mileage it takes to recoup the premium paid for a Diesel engine. “A Diesel engine is for those who drive many miles a year or tow on a regular basis”. I hear it all the time from journalists and salesmen about the cost of a Diesel engine and the break even point.
Why is everyone worried about the break even point. Here’s my point… The extra cost of the Diesel in a pickup makes the truck more valuable when you sell the truck. You don’t loose $3000 to $5000 when you drive the truck off the lot. The truck is worth more at resale, STOP talking about recouping your investment on paying for a Diesel engine it’s a moot point. A Diesel engine will save you money starting with your first fill up.