3.0 EcoDiesel vs 3.0 EcoBoost

3.0L EcoDiesel V-6

Chrysler's Ram Trucks division became the first automaker in over a decade to bring a diesel engine option to the 1/2 ton pickup category. The 3.0L EcoDiesel became an instant success story for the company, who is having no trouble selling Ram 1500's with the new diesel. With the ability to achieve 29 mpg on the highway (28 for a 4x4 model), this should come at no surprise. The engine manages 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, carrying a max tow rating of 9,200 lbs. While it may not be the workhorse of the lineup, its fuel economy and capacity are perfectly matched for the average truck owner, especially those who need a pickup they can affordably commute in that will also pull their toys on the weekend. Power is controlled by an advanced 8 speed transmission engineered by ZF, which features an impressive 4.71 1st gear ratio and relatively high 0.67 overdrive.

Many of us were hoping for, even expecting the Ram 1500 to be offered with a Cummins considering the long standing relationship that the two companies have shared in the 3/4 and 1 ton market. As it turns out, Ram declined Cummins' offer to provide a 5.0L diesel, stating concerns that the big V-8 would not meet the company's fuel economy requirements. Nissan has since picked up the 5.0L for their Titan XD pickup. The engine Ram chose is an Italian made V-6 manufactured by VM Motori, a company that Chrysler fully acquired in 2013. While the engine does not necessarily come with the same reputation as those built by Cummins, Chrysler has had a lengthy relationship with VM, suggesting that they believe in the quality of their products. Our only criticism here is that we'd prefer production of the engine to move to the States now that Chrysler has the power to make that decision. However, considering that Fiat, Chrysler's parent company, is based in the Netherlands with headquarters in London, they are unlikely to share in our "Made in USA" values.

*2016 model year EcoDiesel HFE

3.0L EcoBoost V-6

If you were told that Ford would begin to push a 213 cid V-6 as the backbone of its F-150 lineup starting in 2011, you'd likely come to the same conclusion we did - are they nuts? What started as a skeptical play by Ford Motor Company has actually turned into a success story; one in three F-150's rolling off the assembly line are equipped with the company's 3.5L EcoBoost. What the engine lacks in size, it more than makes up for in ingenuity and innovation. Twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection (yes, similar to that of a DI diesel) grant EcoBoost owners up to 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Even more interesting, a properly equipped, EcoBoost powered F-150 carries the model's highest tow rating, a whopping 11,300 lbs. The key to the EcoBoost is in the turbocharging; power when you need it, economy when you don't.

The EcoBoost is a cross platform engine, meaning the same engine designed to lug the F-150 around is also used in Ford's passenger cars and SUVs, even a few performance models. Despite our disappointment in the withholding of a diesel option, this has actually been a wise move for Ford, who still sells more pickups than any other automaker in the U.S.

While we still have our fingers crossed for a diesel mill in the F-150's future, one can only commend Ford for staying true to its roots; for 2014, the F-150 was named the "Most American Made" automobile. No other American automaker - Ram, Chevrolet, or GMC - had a pickup that made the top 10 list. Now, if only Ford would hang on to that title while crossing over into the 1/2 diesel category.

*2016 model year 4x2 & 4x4 F-150, fuel economy may vary w/ payload package