2020 Ram EcoDiesel Review

2020 Ram EcoDiesel Review

Stats that matter:

3.0 Liter EcoDiesel

260 hp / 480 ft/lbs of torque

Price as tested: $75k

MPG as tested: 20!

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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi

Let’s get this out of the way first.  This is the best truck on the market today.  Bar None. So if you’re looking for a new full size truck. Buy This. Okay. Quickest and most precise review in the history of journalism.

wait. I gotta write more? well crap. Okay here we go:

There is NOTHING on the market that can come close to the all encompassing refinement of the 2020 Ram. The build quality, ride quality, drivetrain refinement and interior materials are second to none in its class. I know pickup truck owners are a loyal bunch…so let me break it down for you by truck:

Ford F150: The current model is getting a bit long in the proverbial tooth. Even in the top of the line trims…there is still flimsy plastic to be found in abundance and the seats are shallow. Add that along with an engine note that only Briggs and Stratton would love (on the EcoBoost) just leaves me wanting for more.

GM Twins (Sierra and Silverado): Before I start lambasting the current models. Let me say this first. I used own a 2018 GMC Sierra Denali myself and absolutely adored that truck. The new models are just a disappointment. From the odd exterior treatments, to the interior that looks, feels and smells the exact same as the previous generation to the typical pale blue circa 90s GM gauge lighting…they don’t feel like a new model at all.

Toyota Tundra: Old. Rides old, looks old, gets 10 mpg, horrible infotainment system, and feels well…just old. It’s so old in fact….that it feels rather endearing in a classic car kind of way. It’s a weird dichotomy.

Nissan Titan: LOL. really? No. just no. Please just look elsewhere. It’s just not good. At all. Nothing is good. Steering rack feels like it is in cement, hard to see out of, miniscule and laughably old infotainment system, looks like a poor copy of a F150 and the both drivetrain options are yawn inducing.

As you can see the Ram is the new benchmark for it’s class. Hell…it’s so good that it is in fact a benchmark for FCA.

Majority of the current Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler vehicles on sale today harken back to the Daimler Chrysler days of the early 2000s.  They are not just old…they are ancient.  FCA has valiantly tried to alleviate those shortcomings under layers of horsepower, torque and incentives but in 2020…the cracks are showing.  The 2020 Charger Widebody Hellcat I drove a few months back is an amazing car but it’s interior feels and looks tired, worn and old.  Majority of the touchpoint are hard, scratchy plastics that just seems out of place in today’s world.  The same thing goes for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango and other vehicles in their lineup.  

This Ram on the other hand doesn’t just look and feel different.  The differences are so dramatic that it honestly feels like it was made by a completely different manufacturer.  Whereas there was always some apparent cost cutting here and there with other vehicles in their lineup…with this Ram there are none so apparent.  

Stepping inside a Ram is almost like stepping inside the USS Enterprise.  It’s modern, sleek, futuristic and yet familiar.  There isn’t a learning curve in operating it’s controls because in FCA’s geninus…there buttons!  Physical real beautiful buttons!  Yes there is a 10 inch Tesla inspired display but I’m just giddy over the damn buttons.  

FCA had two options.  They could have jammed packed every control into the infotainment screen and in turn save a shit ton in manufacturing costs.  Or actually listen to the consumer and do both.  Thankfully they did latter and Oh Joy I’m so happy I could dance.  I have said this before and I will say it once again.  Buttons work.  They work because you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to just adjust the damn A/C.  You build muscle memory, feel that A/C button and press it.  That’s it.  No glancing down at 80 mph, swiping, poking and cursing as you try to find the HVAC menu…then screaming as traffic in front of you stops and then proceed to wet yourself out of panic.  That’s how important buttons are.  

So is the Ram perfect?  Could I nitpick?  Oh sure I can but it’s so good at everything else…it seems rather disingenuous to do so.  I guess the only real issue in my week is the lackadaisical throttle response due to the Diesel and more thigh support would be nice on the seats.  But that’s about it.  Everything else is class leading.  

So what do I think of the 2020 Ram 1500?  If you’re in the market for a full size truck.  Your first stop needs to be at the Ram dealership.