Competition is fierce amongst full-size pickup vehicles lately. But if we’re compelled to select a favourite, it is the 2020 Ram 1500. With its spectacular onboard know-how, good-looking design, nice functionality and comfy experience high quality, this truck is absolutely exhausting to beat. That’s even more true now, with the addition of a diesel engine to the Ram 1500 lineup. Offering good points in gasoline economic system, towing and payload, however with out ruining something we already like concerning the Ram, the EcoDiesel engine is a good addition to a unbelievable truck.
It’s torque-tastic Ram’s new 3.0-liter V6 might have the identical displacement as the corporate’s outgoing EcoDiesel engine, however 80% of its components are new. For 2020, the engine has a brand-new turbocharger, consumption ports and combustion system. The pistons have been redesigned and have thinner rings for much less friction. A brand new, low-pressure exhaust gasoline recirculation system reduces energy loss from the turbo. The finish result’s an engine that provides extra energy and torque than its predecessor, whereas providing reductions in noise, vibration and harshness.

This 3.0-liter V6 produces 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque — 8% and 14% good points, respectively, over the outgoing engine. What’s extra, that class-leading torque comes on at simply 1,600 rpm, which is 400 rpm earlier than earlier than. That means there’s extra low-end grunt upon preliminary acceleration, and the retuned, eight-speed automated transmission manages the ability so easily you possibly can barely inform it is there in any respect.

You’ll discover some audible diesel clatter underneath exhausting acceleration, or when initially pulling away from a stoplight. But total, this engine is freed from the noise, vibration and harshness traits lots of people affiliate with diesel powertrains. You will not get the identical speedy response as you’d in a Ram 1500 with its naturally aspirated V6 or V8 choices — particularly now that they’ve 48-volt mild-hybrid techniques for added electrical enhance. But roll into the throttle and the Ram rewards you with clean torque energy. Both round city and on the freeway, this engine’s refinement is significantly appreciated.

With the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, the Ram 1500 can tow as much as 12,560 kilos.
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Otherwise, the EcoDiesel-powered Ram drives the identical as every other 1500 mannequin. The steering is obscure, however appropriately weighted — typical for a full-size truck. What no different pickup can match, nonetheless, is the soft experience afforded by the Ram’s elective air suspension. If you may routinely be urgent your truck into road-trip responsibility, that is an possibility you may positively need to spec. According to the EPA, two-wheel-drive Ram 1500 EcoDiesel fashions ought to return gasoline economic system rankings of 22 miles per gallon metropolis, 32 mpg freeway and 26 mpg mixed. Adding four-wheel drive lowers these numbers to 21, 29 and 24, respectively. After every week of combined driving, nonetheless, we noticed gasoline economic system nearer to 22 mpg. The Ram EcoDiesel can haul 2,040 kilos in its mattress or tow 12,560 kilos behind it — the latter being a best-in-class quantity. The Ram’s elective air suspension has a self-leveling function to maintain the experience clean whereas towing, and the blind-spot monitoring function covers the size of the trailer. Of course, the very best towing help within the pickup truck section proper now nonetheless comes from Ford, with its Pro Trailer Back-Up tech, which makes reversing as simple as turning a dial. Be positive to take a look at our information to all issues towing for extra on that. Oh, and remember about Ram’s new multifunction tailgate, which folds down like regular, however has barn-door, side-opening performance as nicely. It’s not fairly the origami grasp that GMC’s MultiPro tailgate is, nonetheless. The 12-inch Uconnect infotainment system is a standout function within the Ram 1500’s cabin.
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A snug cabin with glorious tech Inside, the 2020 Ram 1500 is identical because the 2019 mannequin we reviewed earlier this 12 months. And as a result of Ram affords the EcoDiesel engine on each single 1500 mannequin, you possibly can have this new powertrain in every thing from the essential work-truck spec to the high-end Limited. Even the off-road-ready Rebel is accessible with diesel energy.

In its greater trim ranges, the Ram 1500 could be actually luxurious. Soft leather-based surfaces coat the dashboard and seats, and all the switchgear has a stable, premium really feel to its motion. The rear seats can recline for added passenger consolation, too. Order the Crew Cab physique model and back-seat passengers are handled to a ton of headroom and legroom.

Infotainment tech is dealt with by Chrysler’s Uconnect software program, and it is best seen on Ram’s elective 12-inch, vertically oriented touchscreen. The show is as lovely to behold as it’s wealthy with options, and instantly responds to enter. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all included, and whereas the menu construction could be a little complicated — particularly for local weather controls (you need to open a separate display screen to activate heated seats) — it is arguably the very best multimedia tech out there in any pickup. Heck, it is higher than what you get in six-figure automobiles from premium automakers. Happily, Ram does not skimp on driver help tech, both. The 1500 could be loaded up with all types of recent facilities, together with lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, each of which cowl the size of a trailer. Parallel and perpendicular parking help are additionally out there, as are adaptive cruise management and forward-collision warning. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a truck we would fortunately drive on the day by day.
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A fantastic engine for a terrific truck Ram does not provide the one diesel engine within the full-size pickup section. The Ford F-150 Power Stroke is a stable possibility, however cannot greatest the Ram in energy, torque, payload or towing. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra provide an inline-six diesel engine, with a wholesome 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and whereas its 2,302-pound payload ranking bests the Ram 1500, these vehicles can solely tow 9,300 kilos. Finally, there’s the Nissan Titan XD, which is extra of a heavy-duty pickup than the rest, what with its Cummins V8 engine and 555 pound-feet of torque. Of course, the Titan XD is not lengthy for this world, so… As far as we’re involved, the Ram 1500 affords the very best diesel package deal within the section. But it does not come cheaply. You’ll pay a $4,995 premium over a 3.6-liter V6 mannequin, or $3,000 over a Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and eTorque mild-hybrid help. That means a two-wheel-drive Ram 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab EcoDiesel is available in at $36,890, plus $1,695 for vacation spot, which is not a ton of coin. Of course, even with out the diesel engine, the Ram continues to be a prime choose in its class. The EcoDiesel possibility solely broadens its attraction.