The Ram 3-liter diesel due this fall is a turbocharged V6 with dual overhead camshafts and 24-valves. ‘EcoDiesel’ is rated at 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. This – in theory – should make it more efficient than the all V6 gasoline engines used in half-ton pickup trucks, including the sales leading Ford F-Series and the Toyota Tundra.
The revised 2013 Ram 1500 earned a 78-point overall road test score, besting the Toyota Tundra (69) and the Ford F-150 (68) in the latest Consumer Reports issue. The independent testing organization that accepts no advertising said Ram delivers “impressive performance” beating “strong competitors, both domestic and foreign.”
Not tested was the completely overhauled 2014 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra pickups that are just going on sale. Nevertheless, the endorsement by the influential magazine is the latest accolade garnered by the Fiat-controlled Chrysler Group, which is in the midst of it second comeback after near death experiences and two taxpayer bailouts.
Moreover, later this fall, Ram will up the ante in the ongoing pickup truck fuel economy game by offering the first light-duty diesel engine pared with an 8-speed automatic transmission, both exclusives in the segment. GM and Ford have been caught napping here. Ram claims the diesel will deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency along with the greatest torque. Just bring money – this is going to be a +$40,000 (or more) set of wheels, AutoInformed predicts.
For 2013, the Ram got a lighter and stiffer frame, a revised interior with a new infotainment system, and updated powertrains. Consumer Reports tested a four-wheel-drive Ram 1500 Crew Cab, with the most popular engine option—the 5.7-liter Hemi V8—and the efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers “seamless power” and still returns a class-leading 15 mpg overall in CR’s own fuel economy tests. (Read AutoInformed on New GM Pickup EcoTech3 V6 Rated at 24 and 22 MPG and Toyota Shows Heavily Restyled 2014 Tundra Pickup Truck at CAS)
Prior versions of the Ram have been reliable, so Consumer Reports is recommending the freshened truck. To be recommended, a vehicle must perform well in CR’s array of tests, have average or better reliability in CR’s Annual Auto Survey of owners and perform well in government and insurance industry crash tests.
As AutoInformed has said, Ram delivers one of the best rides of any pickup, thanks to its unique coil spring rear suspension. It has a quiet, roomy crew cab, and the optional “UConnect” infotainment touch screen is good as far as these things go.
CR noted, the step up to the cabin is very high, and—unlike some other pickups—the Ram’s tailgate is not damped or sprung, so it is heavy.
