When we think of Ram diesel-powered trucks, we instantly think of the Cummins name, but not all Ram trucks use a Cummins engine. In fact, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel uses an engine made by a completely different company. The 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine for the half-ton Ram isn’t a Cummins engine at all.

Is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel engine made by Cummins?

No, it’s not. According to Diesel Resource, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel engine is made by VM Motori, an affiliate of Stellantis, formerly FCA. This engine has been the model of choice for the half-ton pickup since 2014 and continues to be an impressive performer. The performance specs and fuel economy make this engine extremely useful.

Is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel worth it?

If you’re wondering if the EcoDiesel engine of the Ram 1500 is worth the cost, you might be asking about the efficiency of this truck. One truck owner reported through Pickup Truck Talk that this diesel-powered truck returned between 24 and 27 mpg driving around town. This return was for a 2020 Ram 1500 2WD model in the Lonestar trim.

Is the Ram EcoDiesel a reliable engine?

The reliability of a diesel engine is much more than that of a gasoline engine. The Ram 1500 with an EcoDiesel engine could last 300,000 miles or more, according to Diesel IQ. This means you’ll drive this truck for 15 years or more and have very few issues. All you need to do to receive this type of return on your investment is provide proper maintenance to your truck.

How much can a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel tow?

The 2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel can tow up to 12,560 pounds and carry up to 2,300 pounds. The powertrain is a 3.0-liter V6 engine using a turbocharger and diesel fuel. Kelley Blue Book lists this engine at 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Fuel mileage reaches 22 city/32 hwy mpg in 2WD models and 21 city/29 hwy mpg for 4WD versions.

This Ram diesel engine was a trendsetter

When the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel arrived in 2014, no other half-ton trucks had a diesel engine under the hood. Even though the Ram 1500 didn’t have the venerable Cummins name, it benefited from excellent towing power and impressive fuel mileage. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before the Ford F-150 brought a 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, and the GM trucks (Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra) offered a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine for the half-ton trucks.

Should you buy a Ram 1500 with a diesel engine?

If you’re looking for a Ram truck and want a half-ton model that will last a long time, the EcoDiesel powertrain is the right way to go. You’ll have the most power and efficiency of the Ram truck line with the diesel engine. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more towing power, trucks from Ford and GM give you more with 13,300 and 14,000 pounds of towing, respectively. Incidentally, the Ford F-150 no longer offers a diesel engine in the 2022 lineup.

Continue reading to the next article to learn more about the pros and cons of a diesel-powered pickup truck.