The Ram 1500 is the kind of pickup that truly aims to please. It rides well, offers up a long list of premium features, and can tow a considerable amount. But when it comes to what’s under the hood of this year’s model, you may find yourself asking – does the Ram 1500 have a diesel engine? Let’s find out. 

The Ram 1500 offers several engine options

The new Ram 1500 offers no shortage of options when it comes to what’s under the hood. In fact, while all Ram 1500 models come standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gas engine that features a class-exclusive eTorque mild-hybrid powertrain, that’s not the only engine you can have this year’s model with. 

Also available under the hood of this year’s new Ram 1500 is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, which boasts a full 395-hp to its name. This year’s 1500 can also be had with a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that will have you charging from 0–60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. And if none of those options quite do it for you? The Ram 1500 is also offered with a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine.

Is the Ram 1500 available with a diesel engine?

This year’s new Ram 1500 is, in fact, available with a diesel engine. Its diesel engine is pretty impressive too. It boasts 260-hp to its name, along with a best-in-class diesel torque rating of 480 lb-feet. And when it comes to towing? The Ram 1500’s diesel engine is definitely no sissy. In fact, this year’s new model? When equipped with a diesel engine, it will have you towing up to 12,560-pounds. There’s really no denying that’s a pretty impressive figure.

The Ram 1500’s diesel engine isn’t just brawny. It’s also fuel-efficient. When equipped with a diesel engine, the EPA reports that the Ram 1500 can deliver an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. For a pickup truck, those numbers are definitely nothing to scoff at. 

How the Ram 1500’s diesel engine stacks up to the competition

Here’s the thing, the Ram 1500 isn’t the only pickup truck that you can have with a diesel engine under its hood. In reality, there are several pickup trucks available with a diesel engine. The Ram 1500 just so happens to be one of them. That being said, how does the Ram 1500’s diesel engine stack up to the competition?

Turns out, in terms of towing power, the Ram 1500 has the edge. While the 2021 Ford F-150 is available with a diesel engine, it can only tow up to 12,100-pounds when properly equipped. The Ram 1500 can also tow more than the Chevy Silverado, which, when equipped with a diesel engine, can tow up to 9,500-pounds. All in all, if you want a diesel truck that offers plenty of towing power, the Ram 1500 is a solid pick.

Is it worth buying a pickup with a diesel engine?

There are plenty of reasons to buy a pickup with a diesel engine. More often than not, diesel trucks can tow more than their gas-powered counterparts. In most cases, they’re also more fuel-efficient. Fortunately, when it comes to finding the right diesel pickup truck, the Ram 1500 fits the bill pretty well. It’s capable, efficient, and can tow more than its diesel-powered competition.