2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Is America’s Cheapest Diesel-Powered Half-Ton Truck

The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the most affordable diesel-powered full-size truck in the United States with a starting MSRP of $36,890 (excluding a $1,695 destination fee).

The base price corresponds to the Tradesman Quad Cab 2WD model but the EcoDiesel engine is an option on all 2020 Ram 1500 models and configurations. The diesel costs an extra $4,995, making it $3,000 more expensive than the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 eTorque mild hybrid powertrain.

At $38,585, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Tradesman Quad Cab 2WD is more affordable than both the Ford F-150 Power Stroke ($46,255) and the Chevrolet Silverado Duramax ($42,385), although those models come in better-equipped trim levels. Comparable trim levels of the Ram 1500 are similarly priced to the competition.

For the first time, the EcoDiesel can be had on the Ram Rebel and the previous-generation 2019 Ram 1500 Classic can also be fitted with the new, second-generation 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine. Pricing for the Classic (Crew Cab 4×2) equipped with the new diesel engine starts at $39,140, plus destination.

Also read: 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Diesel Tops Rivals With EPA-Estimated 33 MPG Highway

The new 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel produces 260 hp (264 PS) at 3,600 rpm and 480 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque at 1,600 rpm, delivering 8 percent more power and 14 percent more torque than the previous engine. It’s also the torquiest engine in its segment and it leads the half-ton pickup truck segment with a diesel towing capability of 12,560 lbs (5,697 kg).

Fuel economy ratings are not available yet but Ram will announce them when the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engines are produced at the FCA Cento plant in Ferrara, Italy and then shipped to the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Michigan where the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is built.