The new Ram 1500 is one of the year’s most surprising and impressive trucks. Newly designed with an upgraded interior and appearance, Ram also did some work on the full-size pickup’s mechanics. New for 2019, owners can choose between the Ram’s traditional and high-performing V8 engine or a new, mild-hybrid, V6 engine.

Though many may doubt the capabilities of a V6 in a full-size pickup, Ram is here to prove that size doesn’t always matter. And if you’re in the market for a new Ram 1500, here’s why the experts think you should choose the V6.

Why the Ram 1500’s V6 is the best choice

Many doubted Ram’s choice in providing its full-size 1500 pickup with a six-cylinder engine. But when given the choice, MotorTrend chooses the 2019 Ram 1500 with the six-cylinder eTorque engine. Though the V8 may be quicker off the line, MotorTrend experts see no point in the added power if you’re not planning on racing your new pickup.

The V6 engine is quite powerful enough to provide ample performance as a full-size pickup truck, without any of the added drawbacks in fuel economy. The Ram 1500‘s new V6 eTorque engine helps the big truck compete with the fuel economy ratings of trucks a fraction of its size. With an EPA estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24-26 mpg on the highway, the Ram 1500 V6 may just be worth the small loss in horsepower.

How the Ram 1500 V6 stacks up on the road

The biggest question with Ram’s new V6 eTorque engine remains: does improved fuel economy mean a sacrifice in power and performance? The experts at MotorTrend took both the 5.7-liter V8 and the V6 eTorque Ram 1500 out on the road. Impressed by the acceleration and handling of the V8, doubts erupted about Ram’s new mild-hybrid option. The V6 eTorque engine uses “a belt-driven motor generator unit in place of a traditional alternator on the engine,” which powers a 48-volt battery back.

The mild-hybrid powertrain was designed to help create improved power at start/stop, as well as provide additional torque at lower RPMs to assist the engine. It also “recuperates brake energy, with the intent of increasing responsiveness and fuel economy.” Though the V6 puts out 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque compared to the V8’s 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, it still gets the job done. In fact, test-drivers at Auto Blog “came away impressed by its measurable contributions,” especially to fuel economy. The V8 engine provides the Ram 1500 with a rating of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, giving the V6 a two or three-mpg improvement.

What else the 2019 Ram 1500 offers

The 2019 Ram 1500 scored an impressive 83 out of 100 on Consumer Reports’ road test and comes in at number two in full-size pickup ratings. On the road, the Ram 1500 has responsive handling, a quiet cabin, and a comfortable ride. You can choose between two cab sizes, as well as bed-lengths and a number of configurations. Depending on trim and powertrain, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lbs. Base prices for the Ram begin at $32,000, while upper trims can cost as much as almost $60,000.

Though the ride quality is already class-leading, you can also upgrade to an impressive air suspension system. Other options on the already-impressive Ram include a panoramic sunroof, 12-inch infotainment screen, and the Sport Appearance package. An impressive 8.4-inch infotainment screen with easy-to-use controls come standard on all Ram 1500s. You can also find a suite of safety features available, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more.