Here’s the thing: Diesel engines in cars have always had a much different purpose than do diesels in trucks. In trucks, a diesel means massive torque, and power for towing and hauling. Truck diesels are designed to work, work, work, and they’re noisy and sometimes uncivilized. In cars however, diesel engines are tuned for fuel economy, with a smoother idle and, while they typically produce much more torque than comparable gasoline engines, they also behave very differently.
The new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the first modern full-size truck to apply a car-style diesel strategy to a pickup. There’s a bit of irony in that, because the days of talking about how “carlike” pickup trucks have become are over, or they should be. America’s workhorses evolved away from being agricultural equipment a good two decades ago, and it’s no longer outrageous to expect equipment and comfort similar to a car’s in a big pickup.
In fact, full-size trucks have quite a few ergonomic merits of their own, and the new Ram 1500 isn’t shy about exploiting them. For starters, it’s a simple truth that a pickup truck’s size and height mean more interior room. Crew cab trucks frequently are as spacious as full-size cars, if not more so. The Ram 1500’s got a big, plush cabin in both Quad Cab and Crew Cab format, with chair-height seats and a massive console between the front seats that will swallow binders, a tablet computer, or even a laptop. Upgraded dash materials and a dual glovebox make the Ram’s cabin a comfortable place to be. Things get even nicer with the ultimate-ranch truck Ram Laramie, too. In addition to a rugged-looking 2-ton interior, the Laramie’s standard equipment list includes an upgraded navigation system, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers and a backup camera. For added convenience, the bed, side boxes and doors can be locked with a single button, and the Ram features a capless fuel filler.
The 3.0 liter diesel V-6 that makes the Ram 1500 unique in the market (for now) has been designed for power as well as efficiency. The small-displacement DOHC diesel produces 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is improved further with clever modulation of the electronic accessories to reduce drag on the engine. The compact engine was used primarily to reduce weight; the diesel-powered Ram is only 50 pounds heavier than a 5.7 V-8-equipped pickup. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. On the road, the EcoDiesel drives just like a V-8-powered Ram, only quieter. You’d never know there were only six cylinders under the hood, thanks to all that torque, naturally, and it drives with an easy capability. There is no diesel clatter or grumble from the engine at regular speeds or at idle. The EcoDiesel will tow up to 9,200 pounds, and a factory-installed trailer brake controller is available. Fuel economy is in the mid-20s.
The suspension provides a smooth and drama-free ride whether the road’s paved or not. The front suspension is conventional, but Ram has installed coil springs and a five-link rear, for improved lateral stability. As a result, the Ram’s ride is much less bouncy than that of many of its competitors. The available air suspension adds a load-leveling feature that compensates for heavy cargo, keeping ride height consistent. The Ram 1500 is a large vehicle, and it’s big-shouldered around town. It’s easy to drive and confident, however; there’s a good connection between the driver’s seat and the wheels, so it’s not hard to tell what the Ram’s up to. Stability control is standard, and a front park assist also is available.
The big-rig styling has been subtly updated, but still looks familiar. A big chrome crosshair grille still is the obvious centerpiece and dictates the shape of the grille. The headlights lead into fenders that are distinctly lower than the hoodline. From there it’s a traditional pickup truck, with a tall greenhouse and a choice of two bed lengths. The Ram’s bed still is available with additional storage boxes in the tops of the bed sides, and the tailgate is handsomely contoured, with a built-in spoiler.
Where pickup trucks set themselves apart from cars, of course, is in capability. The Ram offers a choice of powerful V-6 and V-8 engines in addition to the diesel, and can tow and haul loads well beyond the capability of any crossover and of most SUVs. Versatile trucks aren’t news, of course, but the Ram is set apart by its workhorse options borrowed from its big brothers, and by its comfortable cabin. Ram 1500 pricing starts at $24,200 with the gasoline V-6, and EcoDiesel prices start at just around $32,000. The diesel costs just $2,850 more than HEMI, putting it at a much lower price point than most diesels.
