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: www.edmunds.co...
Watch the Ram 1500 take on other popular trucks in our Truck Comparison Test video: • Ford F-150, Ram 1500 a...
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#ram1500 #ramtrucks #Edmunds

[@joshmiller1640]

Nice looking truck, looks like a comfy ride, nice interior and I love the tailgate. Nice video.

[@Flydevice1]

That 1000 mile range blew my mind, this might make me want to get one.

[@bradhaines3142]

id stop at the station just to be off my ass for a while lol

[@Flydevice1]

Arsène Lupin I might not get one right away but wait to see if the 80% new engine is better than the old one.

[@bradhaines3142]

@@Flydevice1 a few years when they change the badly designed parts would be better

[@endocry]

The 5.7 is so good, screw a diesel.

[@Joseph-du8ws]

I like this truck and glad Ram added it back to the lineup. Tailgates on trucks are getting nicer and more functional.

[@arizona71189]

Had a 2018 eco diesel.. Drove form phoenix to Denver on a tank and a quarter of fuel.sick

[@sothickitssickk]

Did it break on your next tank and a quarter of fuel?

[@802louis]

Tom Kerkes Can you make sure the dealership throws in a fire just extinguisher

[@cadorseeliger3926]

80s and early 90s big block power with 30+mpg. I love technology!

[@Kawika997]

Just bought my rebel coming from a ecoboost ram has the best interior on the market and the engine has plenty of power!

[@youngblood23rb]

Configured a Rebel Ecodiesel to replace my Hemi Rebel, 60+ Grand, I can get a well equipped 2500 Cummins for that price, so now I am torn

[@1gr8oil]

Very nice Truck and review! I have a 2018 RAM 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi, and love it!

[@quicksandxx4763]

Cannot wait been waiting so long for this !!

[@lifestyle5795]

Man I love this truck 😍😘 and the new features got to love them..

[@rooh5825]

Better interior than Ford, better exterior than Ford, better fuel economy than Ford. Welp, time to dump Ford.

[@3_to_the_dome501]

both spends more time at the dealership than a Tundra LOL

[@yogiyoda]

ADONAI ECHAD - wish Toyota would update it soon. The Tundra is an outdated gas hog.

[@travissouthworth8937]

@@yogiyoda yeah no kidding lol

[@vee950]

Tundra spends more time at the gas pump also the eco diesel is more reliable than a tundra and lil less maintenance

[@bradhaines3142]

@@vee950 new engine, reliability gets reset. no clue how reliable the new one is. going to have to wait to find out

[@_jg00]

It’s so fun to see all the car reviewers releasing the same videos at the same time because Ram paid them to produce them. 👏🏼

[@ALMX5DP]

It's so fun to see you be ignorant.

[@joshmiller1640]

It is called an embargo, moron!

[@Joseph-du8ws]

It's so fun to see uninformed folks make comments on something they think they know about. The manufacturer tells the media when they can release the information. The media puts it out at the moment the embargo lifts, which is why they all release their videos and articles at the same time.

[@bradhaines3142]

tech does the same thing. most reviews are done weeks ahead, so the reviewers have time to notice the important things about them but have an NDA so they cant mention anything about it until a specific time. everyone wants to be the first so they all drop it asap, and then you get this.

[@zackjay71]

I so like these little diesels. The 3.0 Duramax is the king though. The straight 6 seems to be the best platform for diesels particularly the smaller ones.

[@dzlkawboy33]

You guys must have been up at the iron range off road park in Gilbert! Northern Minnesota is awesome!

[@JeepCherokeeful]

dzlkawboy33 some might not enjoy the winters though!

[@Bingoz277]

I prefer the flip down tailgate. It gives you extra cargo length for extra long loads.

[@XploreAz]

Well this tailgate does both.

[@djp4nfa]

Hello Dodge, this is Australia calling....we want/need your pick ups!

[@donretsas1791]

Look under RAM AUSTRALIA. ASV in NOBLE PARK VICTORIA at the old Nissan factory.

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

You need a new government if you want full-size trucks. With various import tariffs and economy regulations, you are going to be paying double to get a full-size truck in Australia. They are already expensive in the US. The Australian rebuilt Rams probably won't be as reliable as US built Rams. The US built Rams come from a state of the art automated factory that fits everything under strict tolerances. Refitting such a vehicle without the same automated process would lead to many points of error. The areas that could be improved through the process like the transmission or engine assembly are not done during the rebuild process.

[@zxej6879]

@Arsène Lupin - My 2016 Ram 1500 Quadcab 4wd Ecodiesel with 3.92 gears, has 143,000 miles. Most of the miles are highway in cruise control. But some of those miles are climbing long hills at highway speeds. The truck has been over Tioga Pass, the Eisenhower Tunnel, and many others. Even goes over the the famed Grapevine highway in over 100°f heat at speeding ticket speeds. So my question is, what failed?

[@Calivvamp]

Arsène Lupin if your truck blew out you either didn’t keep up with the fluids or exceeded the tow capacity on more than one occasion, or a mix of both. Don’t mistake user error for quality error

[@rooh5825]

@Arsène Lupin - LIAR

[@brontidehorse9733]

Anyone know when these trucks will be available to the public? I couldnt find them on their website yet

[@btl4220]

so what’s the Tow rating on that Rebel with the 3.21 axle ??

[@VTX1029]

I'd be surprised if the 3.21 is true, the highest axle ratio you can get now is 3.55 with the eco.

[@joshmarlatt711]

The rebel comes equipped with the 3.92 axle ratio, nothing else is available.

[@billp5424]

Isn’t this the third version of this engine? Some say third times the charm and others say three strikes and you’re out.

[@cfmotoz8626]

Wow so cheap in USA, US38k is A$56k, which is the price of the ford ranger XLT but the V8 Ram is sold for over A$120k . Ridiculously expensive!! I assume this Model will be dearer being a diesel!

[@paulehlers2225]

How's the acceleration from stop? Does it still have the dead petal feel that the gen-2 eco had?

[@williamdrijver4141]

According to TFL truck that turbo lag is still there. (Audi's latest 3 liter V6 diesel apparently has the same issue, according to German car mags. Could have something to do with emissions related software)

[@seagrass7125]

Does anyone think they could feel a 20lbft difference between the GM straight 6 to the Fiats V6?

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

As much as I can feel a 10 hp difference. The GM's straight 6 is probably better, but then you have to drive a GM truck instead.

[@genius-no5sl]

This truck is amazing

[@vstabill36]

Hopefully they put a real radiator on it now. Had a '15 and loved it except when towing you had to watch the temps constantly!! Great truck otherwise. I traded it off and kinda regret it but kinda don't.

[@patriotgame4404]

What’s the range in low power mode? That would be a more realistic test

[@EchoSigma6]

Do you know what would make the perfect truck for me? RAM designed with Toyota build quality. Personally, I’ve been disappointed with FCA. That RAM truck though is impressive new.

[@dennisdesourdyjr9232]

Any info on if this would be a good plow truck? Looking to get into my first truck and strongly considering the ram with eco diesel package.

[@zackjay71]

Not sure. But I know these in particular don’t like to be idled for long times

[@djp1234]

When is this engine coming to the Grand Cherokee?

[@akltom]

3.0 diesel grand cherokees are very popular here in new zealand. my friend bought one 3 years ago.

[@ramellin]

DJPelio As soon as they have leftovers at the Fiat tractor factory. Bet you didn’t know that.

[@djp1234]

@@ramellin They don't use fiat diesel engines. Bet you didn't know that.

[@williamdrijver4141]

@@djp1234 VM Motori is owned by FCA, but I agree, the 3 liter V6 diesel is not used in FIAT cars or trucks as far as I know

[@chrisclear4452]

Wish you could get 6 ft bed with rambox... it's one or the other not both...

[@henrymadigan538]

i wish you could get the ecodiesel in a regular cab. it is more practical around the farm,

[@CaliforniaMISC]

Jeep Wrangler eco diesel next

[@makatron]

And gladiator

[@JaviChannelTV]

I love the MPGs this engine offers but I wonder if this 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel is sluggish when accelerating compared to the 5.7L V8

[@villain3131]

I’ve had my Rebel eco diesel for a month and a half and love this truck . As far as sluggish , no . They’re is a bit of delay when accelerating but it isn’t sluggish . You can solve that with a Pedal Commander which will change the way you drive for the better .

[@zackjay71]

well In gm form. I went from the 5.3 to the 3.0 Duramax. And the Diesel is quicker

[@802louis]

Is this model of the one that comes with a fire extinguisher for the Chrysler forget to add that in

[@geebonzo]

For people who want towing power, the 'package' games that F and GM play are annoying. I can't quite get the history of the last Ram diesel 3.0 out of my head. A battery truck is not going to work for quite a while. I guess this could tide someone over. A 33 mpg number would blow me away.

[@robertrowe5957]

You better have deep pockets its junk

[@rodrigodejesus6519]

When will this truck hit the dealership

[@timf6916]

Nice

[@arifabdullah7142]

nice truck. but i dont like the gear knob. I prefer gear shift lever.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Arif Abdullah yes, that’s what feels right

[@MrLew1965]

I'm sticking with the 5.7 Hemi until this diesel is proven !

[@ramellin]

Lew Scagnetti There’s nothing to prove, it’s junk !!!

[@MrLew1965]

@@ramellin How can you say that when this motor is not even consumer tested ?

[@dylanmacaya9166]

He can say it because he's an idiot. Like so many others who like to just say shit talking out their asses. These people are more commonly known as fools, or president of the United States.

[@MrLew1965]

@@dylanmacaya9166 Well, he didn't get to become President of the free world because he was foolish & stupid, you got to give him that much at least Dylan ?! Hopefully, this Eco Diesel will preform better then the last 3.0 Diesel offering from FCA for the consumers sake ! LoL !

[@rickcottrell6465]

@@dylanmacaya9166 No matter what your talking about there's always gonna be that one that has to bring politics into it unbelievable

[@Sig721Tau]

You didn't give us the MPG rating on this truck.

[@rdsii64]

Over 38k for a base work truck means when I'm ready to replace my current truck, I will be force to buy a used truck.

Buying new in this market only benefits manufacturers. Single year light use vehicles are everywhere.

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

I never realized this, but the coolant in these new FCA designs are under very strict tolerances. My 2005 Dodge had a coolant reservoir with about a gallon between high and low. My 2015 Chrysler has about 1 cup difference. You can see under the hood of this truck the very small coolant reservoir. They also use a much better OAT coolant that doesn't corrode as much as anti-freeze.

[@bradhaines3142]

ive seen some with a 2nd res for filling, with the over flow off to the side (i guess safety?) my guess is the hot doesnt go in that one so it doesnt expand like the over flow does.

[@mr.redneck2715]

Your wrong about the torque, the torque on the Chevy i6 will out perform the v6 any day of the week! The torque curve on the i6 will be much wider and therefore put more power to the wheels for a longer period of time. If your towing side by side up hill and both are in the strongest part of the torque curve then yes the v6 will out perform the i6. If you both start from a dead stop heading uphill then the i6 will be hard to catch. I’m not saying it’s a better engine.

[@dylanmacaya9166]

Well if you won't I will. It's the better engine. As in, the diesel is, by far and away, the better engine. The diesel option is always going to be a/the better engine in any truck (or car when/ where available) and if anyone disagrees then they (whoever they/you are) have a warped (read; incorrect) view and/or idea of what the best attributes are for the powertrain of a truck (or car). It really just simply boils down to torque and mpg's are the most important aspects of a powertrain and diesels deliver that (along with unrivaled longevity) in spades. That's why diesels rule. As far as two equal trucks with the same load, but one with a gas engine and one with a diesel motor side by side with a running start (say 40 mph) at a multi mile six+% grade, the displacement of the two power plants and their respective outputs are going to be pivotal factors in the outcome of that match up of course. So I like the idea of two equally equipped Chevy Silverado's, one with the 5.3 gas engine and the other with the new 3 liter straight six Duramax or compare the Ram Eco D3 liter to the Hemi with the eTorque added even and I imagine that the diesel trucks are going to pull the same load better, as in faster (if by only just a little) and definitely while burning less fuel than the gas motors under most conditions. It's only a matter of time before someone like TFL will either validate or invalidate my guess though. I'm looking forward to seeing how that comparison shakes out.

[@mr.redneck2715]

Dylan Macaya really! That was an appropriate response.

[@2bitrasputin793]

Hmm, I want one.

[@ramellin]

2Bit Rasputin 😂😂😂

[@michaelbury1941]

Is it new that RAM made the Rebel available for 2020 without the god awful red interior? Imagine trying to relax staring at bright red every time you look in your 55k truck.

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

I think its much harder to relax in the Rebel knowing you have 33" knobby tires and having a hard on with how butch it makes you. You can probably option a 4x4 package similar to a Rebel with a Sport Appearance package.

[@dylanmacaya9166]

Sounds like you two fools are just a little too high strung and suffer from some other little mental problems that therapist MIGHT Be able to help you with.(?!) I find red quite soothing actually and could relax in the cab of the the Rebel just fine with or without red interior trim. I also don't have a problem with supposedly looking "too butch" whatever that even actually is/means since I'm as comfortable with my masculinity as I am with my femininity. Maybe it's because at the age of 47 I'm a little (read; a LOT) more mature than you younger immature types (read; shites).(!) And as far as it being the best trim level package, it is by virtue of its rear locker more than any other feature of/in the package. And now with the availability of the diesel with this package, RAM has finally created the, and I do mean THE perfect half ton truck and it's the smartest thing they ever did. The only thing that would make it more perfect would be the availability of a front locker but this truck in the Rebel trim (& with the diesel of course) is now the best truck available in the half ton segment.

[@michaelbury1941]

Dylan Macaya why the hell would you post a thread insulting people? Why do that?

[@Libertarian_Neighbor]

Does anyone think chasing the highest “numbers” makes reliability suffer. Who cares about an extra 100 lbs of payload when your empty truck is in the shop over and over again and running on the freeway in limo mode.

[@Libertarian_Neighbor]

* limp mode

[@bradhaines3142]

thats why i dont like the engine in the ford ranger, 4 cylinder putting out 270hp? and i think around 350tq, but dont quote me on that. its just more than that should reasonably be able to do for long. and ford got a reputation for engineering their 3 cylinders to run way too hard ( 1.0 liter engine at highway speeds?!) and causing them to blow head gaskets by 50k miles. this is a diesel though, which run and are designed very different, but i still dont trust RAM thanks to fiat/chrysler and their legendary reliability

[@dylanmacaya9166]

I love limo mode, it's the most comfortable more for sure, but that's only available if you get a Megacab.(!)

[@dylanmacaya9166]

*mode.(!) I guess auto correct screwed me over to.(!) Stupid phone(s)!

[@williamdrijver4141]

Car journalist should talk about "best in class" reliability instead of max towing or hauling......what's the point if it breaks down all the time.....

[@whelennut]

Does this have a Fiat diesel?

[@rxonmymind8362]

Take what I say with a grain of salt. I read on KZbin... which is a bad start to use a quote... Somebody mention that the Chrysler engineers here in the US built this engine. I don't know how true that is. But their last engine was a disaster and many people are still waiting for the rebates.

[@Flydevice1]

Rxonmymind other people said that Cummins designed the engine and gave it to VM Motori to make the engine, and apparently fiat makes reliable small diesels and are in many cars like in India where they last thousands of miles

[@ramellin]

Fresh out of Fiat tractor factory my friend and don’t let any salesman tell you different

[@JustSomeGuy641]

Only drawback to me for the Rebel is no automatic 4 wheel drive. :(

[@normt5463]

Tundra who?

[@رفيقالدرب-ع6ت]

Where cummins engine????

[@mikestronach4762]

I have owned 3 hemi. Drive 2016 rebel. Be careful FAC will screw you if something goes wrong. They and there dealers are not of good character Same with chev/gmc. If you get lucky and get a good one, well lucky you. Eco diesel blown motors. Rebel air suspension freezes. GMC Denali is a fucking nightmare. 4000 to replace shocks.

[@TheHelghast1138]

Love it

[@Slickpete83]

the real question how many "shitty FIAT quality" problems did they have with 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel lol....

[@joenissan]

Titan puts out 555 ft lbs

[@makatron]

Yeah good luck with that plastic interior and horrible ride quality

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

That's a 3/4 ton with ALOT worse gas mileage. The small diesels in 1/2 tons are more for fuel economy. Which 3/4 ton Cummins tows best is debatable. The inline 6 will be more reliable and easier to work on.

[@bobyad4879]

This video didn't give Real World fuel mileage or 0 to 60mph time. More like a Long Dodge Commercial!

[@Flydevice1]

This guys leaks real world fuel economy, he was averaging 30-33 mpg kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWTZo5x6btBsb7c

[@akltom]

you are not going to take a diesel truck for street racing, aren't you?😅

[@makatron]

0-60 times are meaningless in trucks and also it's just a first drive so not enough data for a real world mpg report.

[@bobyad4879]

@@makatron I guess I'm just Spoiled by other Truck Test KZbin sites, like The Fast Lane Truck. Fast Lane Truck gives all these specs and compares them to the other truck manufacturers. This video avoided specifications, so that's why it looked like a Dodgs commercial instead of a evaluation video!

[@rxonmymind8362]

Folks keep in mind many owners of the last ecodiesel have yet to get paid and our Canadian up north won't see a dime. The main theme in my research of Ram is customer support is abysmal after the sale. I think I'll wait for the new Toyota Tundra 2021. Toyota and Lexus have had outstanding after sale service for me and that alone will have me waiting patiently for the new Tundra. Although I'm sure we will all be underwhelmed as is par for the course for Toyota.

[@simonvance8054]

Beefed up diesel my ass. Compared to what, a 2.8 Hilux?!.. All they need to do is downsize their 6.7L Cummins to a 5.7 V8 for the 1500, it's not rocket science.. If you want 'eco' get a damn Prius! A guy in Colorado drove to CANADA and halfway back on one tank in a Ram 2500. If that's not economy I don't know what is...

[@ScottDLR]

More towing capacity without more load capacity. So at max trailer weight, it can't handle the minimum associated toungue weight. I'd like to buy one but my 9K trailer has more tongue weight than it can handle. Ram needs to upgrade its max tow so it can handle closer to 2K load capactiy. Oh and an 8' box with quad cab would be nice.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

ScottDLR they’ve got you covered, 2500 Cummins!

[@ScottDLR]

@@JeepCherokeeful Problem is, I can't seem to wear out my 2003 Cummins!

[@joseluisnoriega2873]

👌👍

[@awsdws7727]

More power, better fuel economy and breaks down twice as much

[@akltom]

normally, diesel engine has less problems compare with gas engine.

[@dylanmacaya9166]

No, ultimately breaks down less, to considerably less and will last two to six times longer for overall mileage and hours of operation in its life cycle over a gas engine plus far better torque output and fuel mileage. It's the reason this power plant has been in service for about 130 years and is the only internal combustion engine that is used for "severe duty" applications for about as long as it has existed. Diesels rule planet earth (or at least make it run, as far as human beings are concerned) and will continue to do so for decades to come.

[@gaffle-411]

The word "Eco" (ie: economy) should never be synonymous with a burly, powerful, workhorse of a pickup truck. Bad naming...

[@patriotgame4404]

I thought FCA screwed the 16 eco diesel owners over? Why would I trust them now? Lol

[@metetuncay5165]

Upgrade to 4K cameras

[@joshmiller1640]

Leave it alone man!

[@802louis]

👩🏻‍🚒👩🏻‍🚒👩🏻‍🚒👩🏻‍🚒👩🏻‍🚒

[@slaveryn7824]

Only cummins no ecoshit

[@yaimavol]

Does it really get 30+ mpg because that is the main reason you buy this truck. If the ECOFASCISTS get their way, folks, they are going to jack gas prices to the moon, and fuel economy is going to be huge. We're one election away from that.

[@demetripanos2132]

reading this comment now is funny/not funny

[@yaimavol]

@@demetripanos2132 Why is it funny? Don't tell me you fell for the climate change hoax? 1992 Al Gore told the world we have 10 years to act or it would be too late. Was he right?

[@demetripanos2132]

It's the irony that's funny. Damn lol I'm with you on it. Snowflakes got us all on edge right now I guess. Anyway, AMERICA 🇺🇸

[@demetripanos2132]

The irony was that your statement held true though

[@yaimavol]

@@demetripanos2132 Democrats just demanded this week that Biden call a date to end the gasoline engine. It's f'g insane.

[@BrianBourgeois-]

Fca junk. Better have a good code reader and handy with a ball joint press.

[@retireearly1207]

".....if only we had a code reader to measure I.Q levels and ball joint presses to squeeze fan boys

[@BrianBourgeois-]

Retire Early haha so funny. Everyone knows those vehicles have lower quality. Only fanboy here is you

[@BrianBourgeois-]

Radford Tataryn Toyota and f150 and superdutys. Didn’t get the tundra and f250 because of gas mileage. When I get older and don’t drive as much I’ll probably get an f250 gas burner. Those things go forever and can tow anything.

[@ramellin]

Fiat tractor motor garbage

[@johnmcintosh4546]

why dont we get an honest review with these tester,, where the fucking fuel economy??? dodge pays them to keep there fucking mouths shut