2020 RAM 1500 Eco Diesel – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs
The Modern-Age Workhorse
Whatever heavy-load lifting your chores call for, you can count on the full-size RAM 1500 pickup to do the job. That’s because it’s got up to four different engine options to choose from including a 3.0L diesel and a mild-hybrid V8. The result is what matters most – best-in-class towing capacity and that’s doing it without skimping out on safety and tech features. All being said, the multitude of trims and options is sure to configure the RAM 1500 to fit any pickup truck demands of any sort.
Firstly, let’s be clear here. The RAM 1500 is not just a standard workhorse. It’s premium. Sporting a luxurious cabin, a full size 12” infotainment system and perforated leather seats, and adjustable air suspensions for for improved ground clearance and city or highway fuel economy, RAM 1500’s got the upper hand to rightfully compete with the America’s top pickup truck contenders mainly the GMC Sierra 1500 and Ford F150.
Powertrain and Capabilities
Our tester comes equipped with the 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine that produces just 260 horsepower, but the 480 lb.ft of torque makes acceleration and instantaneous torque demands on hill climbs a brisk with a colossal towing capacity of 12,560 lbs. But it’s ultimately the 5.8L HEMI V8 with the optional eTorque mild-hybrid system that makes the RAM 1500 the ultimate pickup truck status with 11,610 lbs and 12,750 lbs towing capacity respectively while outputting 395 horsepower on both variants. Still, the award-winning 3.6L Pentastar V6 with mild hybrid eTorque shouldn’t be neglected if your workload doesn’t call for the monstrous torque. It will still get 305 horsepower with a towing capacity of 7,730 lbs.
Regardless of trim, you’ll get one of the industry’s best – an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission made by no other than ZF Industries themselves. All configurations will also come standard with 4×4 wheel drive system.
Available is also an exclusive four-corner adjustable ride height air suspension that can control the RAM 1500’s ride height from 8.7′ to 10.7″. Lowering the ride height reduces drag and fuel economy while the higher ride height allows for better ground clearance. It’s great for what it does, but for general off-roading, we still prefer the more conventional fluid-damped suspension for more control and stable ride over rough terrain.
Purpose-Built Features
The RAM 1500 packs a few clever tricks to make your general workload easier with its unique MultiFunction tailgate. In addition to its dampened tailgate, it can also split open sideways for added convenience and unobstructed access when a trailer hitch is in use. Two additional RAMBOX Cargo that are lockable and illuminated by LED’s are located on both sides of the truck bed for convenient access such as power tools. An electronic inverter is also built-in to provide 115V outlet that can supply up to 350 watts of power.
Exquisite Interior
It doesn’t get any better when it comes to the interior. RAM leaves its competition behind in the category with its well stitched perforated leather interior and rugged; yet, functional layout. A top-notch 12” Uconnect infotainment touchscreen screen employs not just navigation and media, but climate controls as well. The clock-work analog instrument cluster blends harmoniously with its center multi-function display with 3D graphics to display vehicle telemetry such as tire pressure, battery voltage, and towing conditions. If that’s not all, the interior even employs active noise cancellation technology to mute unwanted exterior road noise for a quieter cabin space.
Shotgun or not, it makes no difference as both front and rear row seats are equally spacious and comfortable. The rear seats can even be folded up for added cargo space, or tiled backwards for improved comfort.
Final Thoughts
From smooth and seamless acceleration to an inviting interior, the RAM 1500 is so much more than just a workhorse, it’s a lifestyle. RAM has went beyond its conventional engineering wisdom with think-outside-the-box ideas to improve convenience, functionality and comfort with its RAMBOX, 60/40 split folding tailgate, adjustable rear seats and 4 engine configurations to meet any workload demands.
Our EcoDiesel trim comes priced in at $49,395 plus $1,895 for freight. Strictly speaking of diesel options, that’s more than the asking price of the Ford F150 Lariat and Chevrolet 1500 Duramax at $48,936 and $47,730 respectively. While it costs more out of your pocket, there’s no denying that the RAM 1500 offers unmatched premium qualities and well-thought out exclusive features that distinguishes itself as a unique breed within the pickup truck world.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2020 RAM 1500
- Model : EcoDiesel Limited
- Vehicle Type : 4-door Crew Cab full size half tonne pickup
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Engine : 3.0L V6 Diesel
- Transmission : 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode
- Price as tested: $51,290
Pros
- Exceptional styling and build quality
- Unique adjustable ride height suspensions offer better fuel economy and excellent ground clearance
- Exceptional cabin interior quality
- Best in class towing capacity
Cons
- Higher cost compared to other pickup options
- Air-suspensions tends less controlled and refined compared to conventional fluid-damped suspensions