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It’s no secret that pickup trucks are typically expensive. These days top trims approach luxury-level appointments and a wide range of options and features drive new truck prices ever higher. In fact, only one full-size pickup truck can be had with a diesel engine for under $40,000. 

2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickup trucks | Ram Trucks

There are many pickup truck options available for those that want diesel power. However, full-size diesel pickup trucks are all over $40,000 except for the 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with an EcoDiesel engine. Aside from a few models in the midsize pickup truck class, the 2021 model year Ram 1500 is the cheapest option if you want a diesel engine in your pickup truck. 

What engine is in a diesel 2021 Ram 1500 pickup truck? 

Under the hood of the 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman trim level equipped with a diesel engine is a 3.0 liter turbo EcoDiesel V6. The 2021 Ram 1500 diesel truck starts at $38,485. It’s the cheapest full-size diesel truck. 

Furthermore, the 2021 Ram 1500 with a 3.0 liter EcoDiesel engine makes up to 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Not only is this the one full-size pickup truck with a diesel engine under $40,000, but it is also one of the most fuel-efficient. In fact, the 2021 Ram 1500 with a diesel engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. A 4×4 version gets 

These fuel economy ratings are second only to the diesel-powered 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax engine that gets just 1 mpg more in both highway and city miles. However, if you add 4×4 as a feature to your Chevy Silverado 1500 then those numbers drop to 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. 

Keep in mind that the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a Duramax Diesel starts at $42,690 according to U.S. News and World Report. The GMC Sierra 1500 with the same engine starts at $43,790. 

The 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers superior performance

A 2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel towing a boat with its Diesel engine power and torque
2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel | Stellantis

According to Ram’s website, the 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers best-in-class numbers when it comes to diesel-powered performance. The 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with a diesel engine can tow up to 12,560 lbs. Edmunds praises this model as one of the best large trucks for towing. 

The rear coil suspension offers a comfortable ride that’s not found in the experience of most pickup truck cabins. Plus, the 2021 Ram 1500’s diesel engine is paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup employs fine-tuned engineering allowing drivers to get the most out of their pickup trucks. 

A good full-size pickup truck 

a red ram 1500 at a job site
2021 Ram 1500 | Stellantis

When it comes to buying a truck with a diesel engine, there are several great options. The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Chevy Silverado 1500 are all great trucks. However, only one full-size pickup truck can be had with a diesel engine for under $40,000. 

The Jeep Gladiator, GMC Canyon, and Chevy Colorado all offer a diesel powertrain option under $40,000. However, these are all midsize trucks. So in terms of the cheapest diesel truck, the 2021 Ram 1500 takes the win in the full-size pickup truck segment.

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