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Even though it’s time to celebrate the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel for winning the Green Truck of the Year award, we’re a little confused. We’re happy for this truck, but how did it pull it off? It’s not electric like the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning. What advantage does the 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel have?

The 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel wins Green Truck of the Year 

2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pose with a sunrise
2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel | Ram

First, congratulations to the 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel truck for winning the Green Car Journal Green Truck of the Year award. It defeated actual electric trucks such as the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning for this prestigious award. 

But this doesn’t exactly make sense! Electric trucks have fewer emissions than diesel trucks. They could leave a smaller carbon footprint than traditional trucks. However, the EcoDiesel helps get more work done, especially regarding towing. 

Ron Coan, Editor, and Publisher of Green Car Journal, explained that the Ram 1500 continues to be an undeniable force in the pickup field. It’s stylish, comfortable, and connected in a way appreciated by those who drive their Ram pickup daily for personal use. 

Yet, it’s also a workhorse with considerable towing and hauling capabilities. Importantly, it offers power choices that include efficient eTorque hybrid technology for higher mpg and lower carbon emissions. 

How much power does the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel have? 

The 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a 3.0-liter V6 that cranks out 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. It provides class-leading half-ton torque and can tow up to 12,560 lb. It can carry a payload of up to 2,300 lbs. 

It gets an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway with 4×2. Upgrading to 4xe decreases this figure to about 29 mpg. However, both options still achieve over 1,000 miles of travel between fill-ups. It’s the leader in diesel range. 

The Ford F-150 Lightning can tow up to 10,000 lbs, but some towing tests haven’t gone well. Loads around 5,000 lbs cause the range to drop at a rapid rate. The standard Lightning has up to 230 miles. The extended-range model provides an EPA-estimated 320 miles. 

With the Rivian R1T, you get up to 3150 miles of range on a single charge. It can tow up to 11,000 miles. It also experiences a considerable drop in range while towing. 

So, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the Green Truck of the Year because it can tow more and go further on a single tank than its electric rivals. 

How much does the EcoDiesel cost? 

Red 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie
Red 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie | Ram

The 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel price is about $4,995. This engine can be added to any regular model in the lineup, including the Ram 1500 Rebel. The 2023 Ram 1500 starts at about $37,410. 

If you want the EcoDisel engine, hurry. It’s being discontinued. Ram will continue EcoDiesel production through the end of January. You can still place an order here.

We think it’s too soon to say goodbye to the third-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel unit. It leads with plenty of horsepower, torque, and an excellent fuel economy. Plus, it has minimal levels of noise, vibration, and harshness. 

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.