When the new Ram 1500 was debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last year, the manufacturer hinted that a diesel powertrain would be coming later. In June, Ram confirmed the third-generation EcoDiesel would indeed find service in the Ram 1500, but stopped short of giving any pricing information. But today, FCA has just announced that the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel will start at $36,890, significantly less than offerings from Ford and Chevrolet.
For comparison, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax has a base price of $44,540, while the 2020 Ford F-150 Powerstroke comes in at $45,775. That means that the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is nearly $9,000 cheaper than its diesel equipped opponent from Ford, while still offering class-leading towing capability of 12,560 pounds. Very impressive.
Thanks to the all-new 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel, the Ram leads the half-ton pickup truck segment in torque with 480 pound feet, and produces 260 horsepower. While the Ford produces slightly more horsepower, the Ram is sure to have enough grunt thanks to that diesel torque. Improvements over the second generation EcoDiesel include redesigned intake ports for improved engine performance and fuel economy, as well as a high-pressure and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system, the first of its kind for a diesel engine in North America. Mileage figures have yet to be released, but are expected once the first date of sale approaches. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 for the Ram 1500 will be produced at the FCA Cento facility in Ferrara, Italy.
According to the FCA press release, the EcoDiesel will be a $4,995 option, a $3,000 premium over the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 eTorque, or a $3,300 premium on Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, and Laramie base models. For the first time, buyers will also have the option to spec a diesel engine in the Ram Rebel, a $3,300 upgrade over the standard motor. The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is also offered with the second-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel, with pricing starting at $39,140.
The idea of having a diesel engine in a half-ton pickup is enticing for a lot of buyers. It is hard to beat the sheer workhorse nature of a diesel, and the added fuel economy and towing capabilities don’t hurt either. The 2020 Ram 1500 family might already be the best group of half-tons you can buy right now, and it may have just gotten better.