Don’t you love getting more toys to play with? It feels like the holidays are here early because the Ram 1500 is getting its promised diesel engine for the 2020 model year. But you don’t actually have to wait until 2020 to get this truck or its new engine. The new model year hits dealerships in the final quarter of each year. So get to a Ram dealership and get yours soon. Why wait for the holidays to be over?
In this preview guide, we show you what’s great about the Ram 1500 and what’s new this year.
What’s New for 2020?
The Ram 1500 received a massive overhaul last year, kicking off a whole new generation of Ram pickup trucks. And, as we said, this year the all-new 3-liter EcoDiesel V6 returns to the Ram 1500. This new version is more powerful and more fuel-efficient, able to tow loads of up to 12,560 pounds. The diesel delivers 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. That’s less horsepower than other Ram 1500 engines, but more torque. So if you love diesel, or the grinding twisting power that produces results, this is the year to buy a Ram truck.
There’s also a new Night edition available. That doesn’t mean you have to get the truck in all black. The Night edition, available on Big Horn and Laramie trims, pairs all black exterior accents with your choice of exterior colors. Ram logo, grille, headlamp rims, wheels are all black while the rest of the truck is whatever you want. We like that flexibility. You don’t have to go stealth-mode, unless you’re feeling like the Caped Crusader.
Finally, the off-roading Rebel trim gets new features, like the Comfort package with power tailgate release, heated rear seats and 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat. You can also get a Rebel with a driver-assistance technology package that comes with adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.
Why Get a Ram Truck?
Ram is right up there with other industry leaders that offer full-size pickup trucks. Chevy and Ford also make great trucks, but besides bragging rights, a little more horsepower or a little less torque isn’t going to make much difference in the lives of everyday users. Not to be outdone, most Ram models and configurations tow more than 11,000 pounds, and some go over 12,000 pounds. Besides raw work power, we especially like the RamBox. This optional locking bin system is built right into the side of the bed, and are really useful for storing all your tools in one convenient place. Besides that, there are plenty of places throughout the cabin to store even more. The center console is huge, there’s a compartment under the rear floor and even in the cushions themselves. If you have a lot to haul and ascribe to the philosophy that everything needs a place, this is a great truck.