2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Review ― Beefed-Up Diesel Power & Towing

The story of the 2020 Ram 1500 pickup centers around the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. That's because the truck itself isn't any different except for the return of the 3.0-liter turbo V6 EcoDiesel engine, which was absent from the lineup when this truck was redesigned last year. But this isn't the same EcoDiesel engine. Yes, it's still a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, but every significant part is different. It now makes more power and class-leading levels of torque, it offers higher towing capacity, and it sips less diesel fuel. Ram also makes it easy to get one because the EcoDiesel option is available in every trim level ― including, for the first time, the Rebel off-road trim level we're driving today.

This new, fully redesigned EcoDiesel V6 feels altogether more willing to respond to inputs, and it has no trouble getting the truck up to speed and merged with traffic. For its part, the eight-speed automatic is just as smooth as it ever was. As for the 2020 Ram 1500 itself, it's still the same great pickup as last year. Its link-coil rear suspension gives it exceptional stability and comfort, and the spacious and comfortable cabin is insulated from external noise. Our diesel-powered Rebel rides on somewhat knobby off-road tires, but both road noise and the characteristic diesel engine sound are nicely muted. You still hear some of each, but only enough to know that you got what you paid for.

More About the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

The 2020 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that was fully redesigned just last year. It debuted to much fanfare, but the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 option sold in prior years was absent from the lineup. This year a much-improved 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 returns, and it generates more power and torque and can support higher tow ratings than before. What's more, Ram is adding the Rebel off-road model to the list of models that can be equipped with the diesel option.

The only notable change for the 2020 Ram 1500 is the addition of a newly redesigned diesel engine. At first glance, not much has changed: The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is still a turbocharged V6 diesel engine that will come paired with a proven eight-speed automatic transmission. But nearly every component of the engine has been rethought.

The result is 260 horsepower and a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque. These represent significant gains over the engine it replaces, which made 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Torque hasn't only increased by 14% ― it also occurs 400 rpm lower in the rev range, where its effects will be even more useful when towing or hauling.

These significant gains in engine output add up to a big increase in the EcoDiesel's maximum tow rating. Last time around, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel couldn't manage even 10,000 pounds. But the new 2020 engine will be rated to pull as much 12,560 pounds, the highest diesel tow rating in the class.

Despite their higher upfront buy-in cost, diesel engines appeal to truck buyers for simple reasons: They offer better fuel economy and overall range, and their abundant torque makes towing and hauling feel more effortless. Diesels are particularly good at doing both at once by providing respectable fuel economy and range while towing a trailer.

We're glad to see a diesel engine back in the Ram lineup for 2020. The new Ram 1500 is an excellent truck, and we're believers in the EcoDiesel engine.

Read more about the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel: https://www.edmunds.com/ram/1500/2020/

Watch the Ram 1500 take on other popular trucks in our Truck Comparison Test video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g9Y40QSS-U

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