The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is being discontinued as of January 2023 -- but not without a last hurrah. It's just been named 2023 Green Truck Of The Year by the Green Car Journal. The other four finalists for this year's award were the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Toyota Tundra.
"The RAM 1500 impresses with its rugged styling, highly desired creature comforts and connectivity, and broad range of capabilities," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com. "Importantly, its available eTorque powertrain options offer up to 26 highway mpg and a driving range of nearly 600 miles, while delivering no-compromise towing capabilities and the full functionality pickup buyers expect."
Green Car Journal says the Green Truck of the Year award focuses on light-truck models that exemplify environmental progress and address greater efficiency, which works toward reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. Green Car Journal says its editors weigh the merits of pickups integrating the latest efficiency technologies, balanced with cost, value, performance, and other factors. Functionality is high on the list since pickup buyers often depend on their trucks to carry substantial loads and conveniently tow heavy trailers great distances. Price is a factor as well, along with a vehicle's availability to consumers. Editor's make note of the fact that orders for the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Maverick unexpectedly closed for the model year, so consumers are no longer able to buy one.
"Each of the Green Truck finalists have such incredible elements, from efficiency for fuel use to the materials used within the trucks," said SA Auto Dealers President Pam Crail. "As the automotive industry is at the forefront of progress in technology, it is also important to our Show to be at the forefront of highlighting green efficiencies and the continued progress in this part of our industry. We are proud to host the Green Truck Award each and every year."
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine delivers 260-horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque and it can tow up to 12,560 pounds. Paired with an available 33-gallon fuel tank, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel’s driving range exceeds 1,000 miles.
Ram recently announced last call for the Ram EcoDiesel. First introduced in 2014, it's being discontinued in early 2023 as the brand prepares to electrify the Ram lineup. Its first, yet-to-be unveiled all-electric pickup is slated to arrive in 2024. Ram says it will offer electrified solutions in the majority of its segments by 2025 and in all of its segments no later than 2030.
If you want to order the 2023 Ram EcoDiesel, you can do so now. It's available as a Crew Cab 4x4 on the Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited models.
You can check out Jerry the Car Pro's review of the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel here→
Photo Credit: Ram.