2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
New for 2016
Changes for 2016 are limited to some styling tweaks for the exterior and interior.
Fuel-Economy Champion
The full-size pickup truck segment is one of the most competitive in the industry, and sometimes it can be hard to stand out. But RAM Trucks found a way to not only differentiate itself from the competition, but also introduce a useful feature that significantly improves the utility of its vehicles.
That feature is a diesel engine, available on the 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. It makes this Ram the most fuel-efficient full-size truck available, and without any penalty in performance or driving experience. After all, no one said improving efficiency had to be all about tradeoffs and compromises.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the only half-ton pickup truck currently sold in the U.S. with a diesel engine. This gives it a fuel-economy advantage over comparable gasoline trucks, without sacrificing performance.
The 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6 comes from the VM Motori division of RAM parent Fiat, and is also used in the Jeep® Grand Cherokee. It produces 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, allowing the truck to tow up to 9,200 pounds when properly equipped, RAM says. The diesel engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
On the road, the EcoDiesel sacrifices nothing to gasoline trucks, providing plenty of pulling power and decent acceleration. But where it really excels is efficiency. The EcoDiesel is the most fuel-efficient full-sized pickup truck available, achieving an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway) with four-wheel drive.*
Improving on that already-impressive performance, RAM also offers an EcoDiesel HFE (High Fuel Efficiency) model. It combines different options from throughout the RAM catalog to produce the most efficient truck possible. All HFE models use the Tradesman Quad Cab four-door body, with a 6' 4" bed, 20-inch wheels, and a front fascia from the Ram 1500 Express model. Available only with rear-wheel drive, the HFE gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a full-size pickup truck, with a number of cab and bed combinations available. The diesel engine is available on no less than seven of the Ram 1500’s many trim levels, with the entry-level starting at $38,855.**
Standard equipment on that base model, the Tradesman, includes automatic headlights, a 3.5-inch gauge cluster display, air conditioning, tilt steering column, rear storage bins, USB and auxiliary media input ports, Uconnect® Radio, and other features.
Each model builds on the previous one, incorporating its standard equipment and adding other features. In addition to the applicable standard features from the Tradesman, the SLT includes chrome bumpers, power folding heated exterior mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, full-size floor console, Bluetooth®, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and more.
Next up is the Big Horn, which adds fog lights, 20-inch aluminum wheels, power driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, among other features. The Outdoorsman adds auto-dimming exterior mirrors, skid plates, 7.0-inch programmable TFT display screen, SD card slot, USB charging port, and Uconnect® infotainment system with 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Getting into luxury territory, the Laramie adds air suspension, halogen projector headlights with LED running lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, wood grain trim, a memory system for the front seats, mirrors, pedals, and radio presets, power adjustable pedals, leather seats, and ventilated front seats.
The Laramie Longhorn includes even more standard equipment, such as genuine ash wood trim, a higher-end TFT display screen, premium Natura Plus with Filigree leather seats, a leather-and-wood wrapped heated steering wheel, HD Radio®, and navigation. Finally, the Laramie Limited adds wheel-to-wheel tubular side steps, genuine Argento wood trim, passive entry, and model-specific trim elements.
Design
RAM has been a style leader among truck makers for decades, defining the look of the modern truck with its muscular designs. For 2016, the entire RAM 1500 lineup—including EcoDiesel models—gets some changes that help evolve that signature styling.
A new front grille design on the Laramie Limited replaces the crosshair grille left over from when RAM was part of the Dodge brand. It gives the trucks a distinctive look, and with bold “RAM” lettering right in the middle, there won’t be any cases of mistaken identity. LED bed lighting is now available as well, providing greater visibility for nighttime work.
On the inside, 2016 Ram 1500 models get a new center console design that makes better use of interior space. EcoDiesel models continue to use a console-mounted rotary shift knob that frees up space in that area, and available center-stack touchscreens and TFT instrument-cluster displays help provide the driver with all of the information he or she might need.
While base models feature rugged interiors that will stand up to workday abuse, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel cabin can also be made legitimately luxurious. Leather seating is available, as is real wood trim. The higher-level models also feature elaborate stitching on the door panels and center console as well.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera and park assist.
Bottom Line
Diesel power and fuel economy make the 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel a smart buy.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at Heritage CDJR Harrisburg, Owings Mills & Parkville to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimated mpg with 3.0L EcoDiesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, 4X2 HFE model. Actual mileage may vary.
**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
Image: Ram