The Tesla Cybertruck isn’t on the market yet, so other automakers still have a chance to be the most fuel-efficient truck on the market right now. Currently, that contest is between the major automakers, Ford, GM, and FCA. And between them, FCA’s Ram 1500 was considered to be the most eco-friendly truck. 

A look at the competition

Winning an award only matters if there’s some tough competition, and the Ram 1500 had plenty. Green Car Journal said that its finalists for the most eco-friendly truck of 2020 came down to the Ram 1500, the Ford F-150, the Ford Ranger, the Chevy Colorado, and the Chevy Silverado. While Green Car Journal evaluated each truck based on its features and practicality, in terms of eco-friendliness, it ultimately boiled down to the truck’s fuel economy.

Not only is the Ram 1500 equipped with a powerful yet fuel-efficient engine in its 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, but it also features a sleeker design that gives it improved aerodynamics. With that diesel engine, the Ram 1500 can get an impressive 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways for a combined 27 mpg.

This impressive fuel economy was better than some of its competitors, though others had similar MPG figures. For example, the Chevy Silverado also has a 3.0-liter V6 diesel, but Chevy’s diesel gets 28 mpg combined.

The Ram 1500 outperforms its competition

Despite not having the most fuel-efficient engine, the Ram 1500 made up for it in other ways, which is why it ultimately won, according to Green Car Journal. Its engine is already relatively eco-friendly, so the other differences between the trucks mattered more. For example, towing capacity is one of the main reasons why anyone buys a truck. 

In terms of towing capacity, the Ram 1500 actually significantly outperforms the Silverado. The diesel engine can tow up to 12,500 pounds of cargo, and it can carry about 1,800 pounds of stuff in its truck bed. In comparison, the Silverado’s diesel engine can only tow about 10,000 pounds of cargo, but at least it can carry about 1,900 pounds of stuff in its truck bed.

Not only does the Ram 1500’s diesel outperform the Silverado’s diesel engine, but it also outperforms the Silverado’s bigger V8 engine option. Chevy offers a 6.2-liter V8 gas engine for the Silverado, and it allows the Silverado to tow about 12,000 pounds of cargo. This gas engine is far less fuel-efficient than the diesel engine is, so Ram 1500’s balance of practicality and power makes it a better truck than its competitors.

The Ram 1500 is very comfortable too

Fuel efficiency and power were the main things that Green Car Journal looked at, but it also looked at the truck’s interior design. In terms of pickup truck interiors, the Ram 1500 is also much better than its competitors. Many reviewers and drivers think that this truck is spacious and comfortable. Ram also provides many options for upgrades if the owner wants them.

On top of that, safety matters a lot too. While many truck owners use their trucks for work, many truck owners also use them as family trucks. Even in that role, the Ram 1500 has some great safety ratings as well as safety options. Of course, it’s not a perfect truck by any means, but in total, it’s one of the best trucks on the market, according to Green Car Journal. 

For these reasons, and more, Green Car Journal said that the Ram 1500 was the most eco-friendly truck on the market. This was the second year that it has won this award.