Dodge Ram EcoDiesel Explained

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel was rated at up to 32 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg in the city, and 26 mpg combined, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

However, these values could be slightly different depending on specific configurations such as 2-wheel drive (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD), cab size, and axle ratio.

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has quite good towing capacities for a half-ton truck.

For example, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel could tow up to 12,560 pounds when properly equipped. This was a class-leading number at the time. The towing capacity depended on the specific model, cab configuration, and other options. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine also provided good low-end torque, which is beneficial for towing.

As for payload capacity, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel could handle up to 2,040 pounds fully loaded.

Keep in mind that when towing, it's essential to consider other factors, such as the vehicle's gross combined weight rating (GCWR), the tongue weight, and the weight of any cargo or passengers in the vehicle. It's also crucial to equip the vehicle with the necessary towing equipment, such as a hitch and wiring for trailer lights.

The Ram EcoDiesel, which uses a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, has generally been well-regarded for its fuel efficiency, torque, and towing capacity.

The Pros include:

The Ram EcoDiesel engine is known for its superior fuel efficiency compared to many gasoline engines, especially in highway driving.

Diesel engines are known for their strong low-end torque, which is particularly beneficial for towing and hauling.

The Ram EcoDiesel has strong towing capacities for a half-ton pickup, benefiting from the engine's high torque output.

The 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine used in the Ram 1500 produced 260 horsepower. This engine also provided impressive torque, with a peak of 480 lb-ft. This torque is particularly beneficial for towing and hauling, which are key tasks for many pickup truck owners.

Emissions: The EcoDiesel engine includes several features designed to reduce emissions, including a diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction. This helps the engine meet strict emissions standards.

B20 Biodiesel Capability: The EcoDiesel engine is designed to run on B20 biodiesel, which is a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel. This allows for greater flexibility in fuel choice and can contribute to reduced CO2 emissions.

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, has several reliability attributes that have been widely praised:

Fuel Efficiency: Its 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine provides excellent fuel economy, which is particularly advantageous for those who use their truck for extended distances or regular commuting.

Power and Torque: The engine offers a robust 260 horsepower and an impressive 480 lb-ft of torque, which translates into substantial towing capacity and smooth operation under load.

Towing Capacity: The strong torque output from the EcoDiesel engine is particularly beneficial for towing, and the truck's towing capacity has often been class-leading or near the top of its class.

While there have been some reliability concerns in the past, particularly with earlier models, Ram has made significant efforts to address these in recent years. The redesigned EcoDiesel engine introduced in the 2020 model year included several improvements aimed at increasing reliability.

The four-corner air suspension is an innovative system available on some models of the Ram 1500, including the EcoDiesel versions. This system offers some significant advantages over traditional steel spring suspension systems. Here are some key features:

Adjustable Ride Height: The biggest feature of the four-corner air suspension is the ability to adjust the truck's ride height on the fly. There are several preset ride heights, ranging from "Off-Road 2" for maximum ground clearance, to "Aero" for reduced drag and improved fuel efficiency at highway speeds. The system can also lower the truck to "Entry/Exit" mode for easier access when parked.

Automatic Leveling: The air suspension system automatically levels the load to assist with optimum vehicle handling. This is particularly beneficial when carrying heavy cargo or towing, as it helps to maintain a level and stable platform.

Improved Ride Comfort: The air suspension can also improve ride comfort by absorbing larger bumps and potholes more effectively than traditional spring suspensions. It also helps to reduce body roll in turns, which can be a common issue with taller vehicles like pickup trucks.

Dashboard Controls: The driver can easily adjust the air suspension using controls on the dashboard, allowing for quick changes to the ride height based on current driving conditions.

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel can be a great choice for daily driving due to several key characteristics:

Convenient Features: Depending on the trim level, the Ram 1500 can come with a variety of convenient features for daily driving, such as a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

Versatility: Even beyond its utility as a work vehicle, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel can be practical for daily use. It has plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it useful for everything from carpooling to grocery shopping.