Efficient Practicality: 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickup truck
The 2017 Ram 1500 pickup truck boasts numerous segment-exclusive features. Most are under the skin, yet certainly help the truck stand out from the herd, contributing to best-in-class fuel efficiency, ride and handling, and aero dynamics. The 2017 Ram 1500 is America’s most fuel efficient full-size pickup with the exclusive 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 engine. The Ram 1500 retains its ruggedly handsome appearance with an award-winning interior, exterior design aesthetics and segment-leading technology. Every Ram 1500 truck benefits from content specifically designed to match each model’s unique style.
Available in a Quad Cab/HFE trim configuration with a long 6’ 4” cargo bed, the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine is standard. The standard Torqueflite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission communicates torque to the ground through the rear wheels. The engine is produced by engine maker VM Motori, a FiatChrysler subsidiary. The Ram 1500 uses a number of fuel-saving features to lead the segment in efficiency. Although a standard eight-speed transmission and exclusive EcoDiesel yield double-digit percentage improvements, other efforts to components, such as accessory drives, reduce parasitic loss, and advances in thermal dynamics engineering all contribute to America’s most fuel efficient full-size truck.
The Ram 1500 rides on a ladder type frame and a steel cab with a double-wall steel pickup box. Control hardware for the pickup consists of heavy duty twin tube shock absorbers, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs at the front and heavy twin tube shock absorbers, coil springs and a five-link suspension with track bar at the rear.
Inside the passenger cabin, the HVAC controls take lessons learned from other Chrysler Group Uconnect applications and feature simpler function. Below the upgraded HVAC arrangement is a switch bank with easy-to-use controls for a number of features depending on vehicle models and options. Contiguous to the switch bank is a prominently placed, adjustable integrated trailer brake control allowing the driver to add or reduce trailer brake function on the fly.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 140.5; overall length: 229.0; width: 79.4; height: 77.2
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.0L V6 diesel – 240 hp at 3600 rpm and 420 lbs-ft of torque at 2000 rpm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/29 highway
Payload capacity: 1570 lbs
Towing capacity: 7950 lbs
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, all-speed traction control, rain brake support, ready alert braking, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, trailer sway damping, automatic head lights, and full-size spare tire.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
As of the writing of this review, the automaker has not announced pricing for this model.
