The Ram 1500 is my pick in the ½-ton truck segment; a perfect blend of everyday comfort
and capability for those who don't need a heavy duty rig. And this year it offers an
engine shoppers in this class have been asking for and one the competition doesn't offer.
Meet the 2014 Ram EcoDiesel.We all know that truck owners are a fiercely loyal group, but
if there's one thing that could get them to switch brands it might just be this. In addition
to the previously available gasoline-fed Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines, you can now opt for
the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel, or EcoDiesel in Chrysler speak. Light-duty truck owners
have been clamoring for a compression-ignition engine for years and Ram is the first brand
to step up to the plate. So what puts the Eco in this diesel engine? Well, the use of
diesel exhaust fluid or DEF to reduce harmful pollutants puts its Smog Rating in line with
similar trucks' gas engines, thus making it 50-state compliant. And of course, it returns
better mileage that its gas counterparts, rated at 19mpg city/27mpg highway. That's
approximately a 15% improvement. But perhaps even more important to truck owners is the
diesel engine's reputation for long term durability and its ability to haul. Though the configuration
of my truck limits towing to 7,200 lbs. a standard cab 4X2 with an 8' box and a 3.92
rear axle can handle 2,000 pounds more. That doesn't match the over 10,000 pound towing
capability of the V8 but the HEMI is only rated at 17mpg combined whereas the EcoDiesel
returns 22mpg -- a number that I can corroborate after a week of driving. And though in today's
diesel powered cars you want to mask the engine's unique sounds, in a truck it's more like a
badge of honor so Ram lets the clatter shine through though it's almost completely absent
in the Lexus-quiet cabin -- a perfect balance. No sulfur smell either. Depending on where
you live, a gallon of diesel can cost quite a bit more -- like here in NY where it sometimes
runs as much as $.65/gallon more than regular unleaded so it might take $120 or so to fill
the tank. That being said, the EPA estimates it'll save you hundreds of dollars a year
in fuel costs over competing V6 trucks. An 8-speed automatic is standard manipulating
the diesel's 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque for responsive get up and go when
called upon. The Laramie Limited takes the luxury pickup to an entirely new level of
craftsmanship and technology. I've been saying it all week; it's the nicest truck I've ever
driven. For those of you looking to have everything in your truck plus massive amounts of space,
look no further...as long as $60,000 doesn't faze you.$59,010 including nearly $6,000 in
optional equipment to be exact, so driving this top-level Ram 1500 4X4 certainly isn't
within everyone's reach. However, Ram offers the EcoDiesel option starting on entry-level
Tradesman models costing as little as $30,890 -- though just not on regular cab/short box
models.But with this Limited model, Ram has thought of nearly every clever truck idea
to make work and play that much smarter. Check out the ridiculously spacious rear seats,
which also easily convert into a flat load space. I love the special leather embroidery
and metal buckles, too. There's also a sunroof, memory settings for the driver, heated and
cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, towing features, a 4-corner adjustable air suspension
which makes the luxurious ride truly something to behold, lots of clever storage and the
industry-leading UConnect touchscreen system with all of the accoutrements. It feels quality
built and the attention to detail, for instance in the very cool looking gauge layout, puts
this Ram above and beyond any other luxury truck I've driven. It's a great cruiser and
easy to manage around town with the exception of these optional trailer tow mirrors which
need a power folding function for parking lots.I love the added functionality of the
bed liner, the bed extender and the dual RamBoxes, just keep in mind though that they do encroach
on the width of the 5' 7" box.A 6' 4" box is also available. My complaints back here
are that the bed extender isn't nearly as easy to use as the one Ford offers, and call
me old if you want, but this big boy could use some sort of step-in assistant to the
bed as well as into the cab.Few will venture into Laramie Limited territory but regardless,
the EcoDiesel is a long awaited option that just happens to come in the best ½-ton on
the market.