RAM 1500 EcoDiesel vs Gas
Are you eyeing a brand new (or second-hand) Ram truck? You’re in luck because it’s a popular choice in the US for a reason. Plus, you have many engine options available to suit any kind of driving needs, whether for hauling, off-roading, or daily driving. There is a Ram truck that fits your needs. And if you are looking at two options, Ram 1500 EcoDiesel vs gas options, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option. This guide aims to inform you about whether to go for the EcoDiesel or gas option, and what you can expect with each.
Key Takeaways
• EcoDiesel is a type of engine that optimizes the horsepower and torque capacity of your vehicle while utilizing every bit of fuel in the tank for higher efficiency.
• The EcoDiesel engine was introduced to the Ram trucks and Jeep vehicles in 2014.
• The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel engine offers higher torque and horsepower, better fuel economy, and more maximum payload and towing capacity than the gasoline powered engine.
• However, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a higher base price than the gasoline powered engine version.
What is EcoDiesel?
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has created such a buzz when it first came out because of the promise of an eco-friendly way to generate more horsepower and torque out of your vehicle while optimizing your fuel efficiency. If you are looking for a more eco-efficient way to maximize your vehicle performance, it is the way to go!
The EcoDiesel engine on the Ram is a game-changing addition to the Ram lineup, which offers several powertrain milestones that only the brand can offer. It offers the highest torque rating and towing capacity. This engine was also the first to reach beyond the 1,000 miles range.
It is a type of diesel engine that is available in Ram trucks and Jeeps since 2014. Made with graphite iron, an advanced clean diesel technology, aluminum twin-cam heads, and a biodiesel capacity, it is the engine of choice for many eco-conscious drivers looking for maximum efficiency.
This engine type is integrated with components that ensure your vehicle satisfies standard emission testing. In addition, running on this engine ensures you can achieve the best fuel economy, whether you’re driving on the city or highway.
RAM 1500 EcoDiesel vs Gas
The RAM pickup trucks are notable in the industry for its award-winning performance. It is made even better with the introduction of the EcoDiesel engine. Now, how does the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel vs Gas compare? Let’s dig deeper into each one to help you pick the right one for your truck.
Quiet Operation
The third generation of the Ram EcoDiesel was released in 2020 and it has greatly improved from the earlier versions. This engine offers quiet operation with minimal vibration inside the cab, even when driven on a highway. In addition, the EcoDiesel engine is also notably for its smooth passing power.
Off-Road and Towing
Another game-changing aspect of the EcoDiesel is its impressive towing and off-roading capacity. The latest generation boasts 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft torque. It is more powerful than the Ram gas engine, making it more capable to tow and run efficiently in off-road conditions, especially under muddy conditions or when climbing steep roads.
Coupled with Ram’s air suspension, towing with the Ram EcoDiesel engine is a breeze. It offers impressive stability, which makes towing smooth and reliable under any traffic conditions. With its max payload of 2,040 lbs, it is considerably similar in performance to the traditional Ram gasoline engine that has a maximum payload of 2,100 lbs. Therefore, you aren’t losing power and performance for its efficiency. But here is the main difference, the towing capacity of the EcoDiesel is 12,560 lbs whereas the gasoline engine can only haul up to 7,730 lbs.
Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is estimated at 22 MPG on the city, or 33 MPG on the highway. The latest engine performance is a huge upgrade from the previous iterations, which have an average MPG rating of 19 MPG on the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
On the other hand, the fuel efficiency rating for the gasoline powered engine is 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
Cost
The slightly higher cost of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel means it has a base price of $38,585, while the gasoline powered engine has a starting price of $36,535. That is over $2,000 price difference. However, while you are paying for slightly more money in the upfront with the EcoDiesel version, you can get more savings in the long run with the higher efficiency rating that the EcoDiesel offers without losing power and towing capacity.
Why Choose the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel?
The following are the benefits you can enjoy when choosing the EcoDiesel version:
• Increased horsepower
• Higher torque
• Increased towing and payload capacity
• Higher fuel economy rating
• Environmentally-friendly and efficient
FAQs
Is EcoDiesel better than gas?
EcoDiesel is one of the greenest options for a truck. Aside from the excellent fuel ratings, they can also deliver great horsepower and torque compared to the gas engines. If you are looking for more power while being eco-friendly, EcoDiesel is the better option.
Why is Ram discontinuing the EcoDiesel?
RAM trucks are popular due to their dependability, especially if you drive a truck for heavy-duty use. The reason why RAM has decided to abandon production of EcoDiesel Ram trucks is due to their commitment to switch to battery-electric vehicles.
Is the Ram EcoDiesel better than the HEMI?
When it comes to fuel-efficiency, the EcoDiesel is hard to beat, especially compared to the HEMI. It is also a decent alternative to the HEMI because aside from its fuel economy, it can also have decent towing capacity.
Who makes Ram EcoDiesel engine?
VM Motori is the manufacturer of the Ram EcoDiesel engine. It is a subsidiary of the Stellantis brand, and a sister company of Ram and Jeep.
