2020 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel Promises To Outshine F-150, Silverado

Ram is back with another EcoDiesel engine; however, this time, the company would like to forget the problems of the last one. The new engine, which will launch later this fall and will be available across all trims and configurations, is a refined version of the previous mill without the emission scandal. It’s more powerful, though the automaker didn’t release pricing and fuel efficiency numbers. It’s the same diesel Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will use in the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.

Ram says the new engine 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase in both figures. Towing capacity is 12,560 pounds. Both Ford and Chevrolet offer diesel engines for their full-size pickups; however, the Ram’s diesel engine outperforms both. The Ford’s Power Stroke diesel makes 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque with a tow rating of 11,400 pounds. Chevy’s Duramax 3.0-liter produces 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Chevy engine has a max towing capacity of 9,700 pounds.

The engine has numerous improvements, including an 8 percent increase in horsepower and a 14 percent increase in torque over the previous second-generation EcoDiesel engine. Ram achieved the improved performance through a new-generation water-cooled turbocharger, redesigned cylinder head intake ports, optimized compression ration, lightweight aluminum pistons, and much more. The redesigned engine also reduced NVH—noise, vibration, and harshness from the cabin.

The Ram’s engine outperforms its competitors, and offering across the Ram 1500 lineup could entice more customers to opt for the engine than its competitors. However, without pricing information, making a full comparison between the diesel options of full-size pickups remains elusive. On paper, the Ram’s new third-generation EcoDiesel engine outshines the competition. More information about the engine will be available closer to its launch.

See RAM's current lineup »