For now, the 2023 Ram 1500 diesel is not under the question mark. But, oil burners are facing an unpredictable future. Well, bringing diesel engines to the half-ton truck segment was a surprise. All three American truckmakers launched such models at the same time. Now, Ford already dropped F-150 Diesel. Our sources don’t mention any similar plans for the Ram 1500.
The truck is now the second best-selling model in the segment, taking the spot from Chevy Silverado. Instead of cutting off the 2023 Ram 1500 diesel, the company will work on the improvements, both of the existing engine and the new configurations. An electric pickup is an ultimate goal since the entire industry is heading towards the EV segments. Well, the FCA is a bit behind the competition, although the Ram 1500 was the first pickup to bring a mild-hybrid system. Nevertheless, when you compare the capabilities, it is not a match to the EcoDiesel engine.
2023 Ram 1500 Diesel Specs
Under the hood of the 2023 Ram 1500 diesel will be a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a potential to deliver 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This engine was introduced in 2018. The company made it also available for some other vehicles, including Jeep Gladiator mid-size truck and a few SUVs. Besides extra torque, owners of the Ram 1500 with an oil burner can count on a better mileage and towing capacity. The price is the same as if you are buying a V8 petrol engine. We recommend pairing the EcoDiesel unit with a 4×4 drive and one of the off-road packages, for the best performance. The adventure is guaranteed. An engine pairs an eight-speed transmission that sends power to the rear wheels by default.
Electric Truck and Competition
There are more electric pickups already available in the market. The main rivals to the Ram 1500 are Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. The Blue Oval company already launched the Lighting version of the pickup with two configurations. Those are replacements for the diesel engine, dropped for the 2022 season. The same is expected from General Motors. Well, the bow-tie truck still offers an oil burner with improved towing capacity. Nevertheless, the company also introduced a new Silverado EV concept, which will enter production in 2024.
While GM and Ford are loud about their plans, the FCA is pretty calm and silent. There is no doubt the company is preparing something to keep up with the competition. Remember, the same happened with diesel trucks back in 2018. Now, the 2023 Ram 1500 diesel is one of the favorite options in the market. A mild-hybrid pickup didn’t improve the performance as we expect. Well, that is why there are no too many such configurations in the truck world. The FCA will have to work on the electric model and launch it before the competition takes over the market. Meanwhile, the 2023 Ram 1500 diesel continues in the same rhythm as before. At this point, no electric or hybrid systems can match the capabilities of a 3.0-liter oil-burner at a reasonable price.