The recently redesigned light-duty Ram 1500 has become a new favorite for many customers and there are many reasons for that. The newest, half-ton Ram is handsome and provides impressive onboard technology. There are also various powertrain options including the mild-hybrid setup while the truck remains only in the class with the unique rear suspension which provides unmatched ride quality. The fifth-generation Ram 1500 is also the owner of the class-largest touchscreen. However, there is also a new 2020 Ram 1500 Diesel with the new-generation EcoDiesel engine and some class-leading ratings.
The Ram 1500 was the first in the class with the diesel engine option and now every major brand has it in the equipment list. The new Ram 1500 wasn’t available with the diesel unit for the 2019 model year but the third generation EcoDiesel unit returns in the race with some best in class characteristics. The new half-ton Ram 1500 Diesel promises the class top towing and highest torque while it is near the top in the fuel efficiency.
Ram will offer the diesel option in every trim including the off-road-focused Ram Rebel. It will be a pricey option but most affordable in class as rivals offer their diesel options in the upper grades.
With the reworked EcoDiesel engine with the increased towing, payload and torque capability and competitive fuel economy, the 2020 Ram 1500 Diesel is the top pick in the class.
The EcoDiesel unit returns to the Ram 1500’s equipment list after a year of absence but it is now the third-generation version with 80% of parts new. The engine comes with the all-new turbocharger, intake ports and combustion system. There are also new pistons with the thinner rings for the reduced friction. The truck has also a new-low-pressure exhaust recirculation system with less power loss from the turbo. The new engine benefits also from the retuned 8-speed automatic transmission system. With all improvements, the engine provides more power and torque but has also reduced noises and vibration.
As for the performance, the new-gen 3.0-liter Eco Diesel V-6 unit makes 260 hp and the class best torque of 480 lb-ft available from just 1, 600 rpm. GM’s Duramax inline-6 diesel produces 277 hp but stays behind the Ram’s EcoDiesel with the peak torque of 460 lb-ft. The best-selling Ford F-150 offers the PowerStroke diesel producing 250 hp and torque of 440 lb-ft.
The newest Ram 1500 equipped with the reworked EcoDiesel engine will also provide the best in class towing capability rated at 12, 560 pounds. The rivals from Ford and Chevy can tow up to 11, 400 and 9, 300 pounds respectively. Customers can load up to 2040 pounds in the truck’s cargo bed which has a multifunctional tailgate.
At the efficiency level, the diesel-powered Ram 1500 with the two-wheel drive should return 22 mpg and 32 mpg on the highways. With the power available on all wheels, the truck should manage 21 mpg city and 29 highways.
The 2020 Ram 1500 Diesel will appear in all available trims and there won’t be notable styling distinction between the current versions and the diesel-powered model.
The fifth-generation Ram 1500 ditched the crosshair grille style and the model comes with more elegant design which varies depending on the trim version. The model will have a unique grille style in almost every trim and it will also get black, body-color or chrome bumpers depending on the version. There will also be various wheel sizes and styles ranging from 18- to 22 inches.
The 2020 ram 1500 will return with the same interior as the current version. Buyers will be able to get the diesel-powered Ram 1500 in every trim ranging from the work-oriented specs to the plush Limited version.
The truck will be available with the cheaper cloth upholstery, 5-inch display, Wi-Fi hotspot in the lower grades while will add more premium features in the more expensive trims. The model will offer a larger 8,4-inch touchscreen or the class’s largest 12.0-inch unit. Available will also be premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, off-road upgrades and more.
The truck will also have an eye on the safety of passengers with systems such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist.
The 2020 Ram 1500 Diesel should already be at dealers. Buyers should be ready to pay $4, 955 over the base V-6 engine of $3, 000 more than for the HEMI V-8 if they want a new generation EcoDiesel engine.
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