3.0L EcoDiesel (Ram 1500) vs. 3.0L Power Stroke (Ford F-150)

Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel

Debuting for the 2014 model year, the EcoDiesel became the first diesel engine offered in a 1/2 ton pickup since GM ceased to offer their 6.5L Turbodiesel in Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models. Upon announcement, FCA immediately received ridicule for passing on the [then] recently developed 5.0L V-8 from Cummins - the consequences of this decision will never be known. What is known is that the EcoDiesel's 29 mpg fuel economy rating, reasonable upgrade price, and respectable power rating has placed considerable pressure on their competitors.

The EcoDiesel produces 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque at full load; the engine has been relatively untouched since its inception, though fuel economy was improved by 1 mpg for the 2016 model year when a high efficiency version of the EcoDiesel, dubbed the "HFE", was introduced. EcoDiesel engines are produced by Italian manufacturer VM Motori, whom Fiat Chrysler Automobiles fully acquired shortly before bringing the EcoDiesel to market.

For 2018, EcoDiesel equipped Ram 1500 models are rated to tow a maximum 9,240 lb and carry up to 1,600 lbs of payload, falling short of the 2018 Power Stroke equipped F-150's 11,400 lb towing capacity and 2,020 lb payload rating. The EcoDiesel isn't used to competition in the diesel segment as it's been the only offering (excluding the misguided Titan XD platform) in the 1/2 ton marketplace since its introduction, but only time will tell which powertrain combination attracts more customers from here on.

3.0L EcoDiesel Ram 1500 Specs (2018 MY)