staff@slashgear.com (Mike Shutt)
2024-04-15 08:15:13
www.slashgear.com
No matter what engine you are looking at, it does some things well and others less well. The EcoDiesel V6 engine is no exception. The biggest selling point was its aforementioned fuel efficiency capabilities. As car companies try to find ways to make their engines less harmful to the environment, making an efficient engine is key. Not only that, but the engine was also able to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide emitted into the atmosphere by using selective catalytic reduction with diesel exhaust fluid. What this means is that it can take the nitrogen oxide produced and convert it into diatomic nitrogen, water, and carbon dioxide, which is much less harmful for the environment. The “Eco” in the EcoDiesel name actually does mean something.
What you lose with the EcoDiesel is power. While it can generate about 480 lb-ft of torque, making it a wonderful option for towing, you are only going to max out at 260 hp with this engine. That is a significant step-down from the gas-powered engines available for the RAM 1500 that range from 305-540 hp, depending on the model, which have pretty comparable torque abilities themselves.
While diesel fuel is more efficient than traditional gasoline, that is more evident if you are someone taking long trips for hauling. Vehicles like the RAM 1500 and Jeep Wrangler are typically passenger vehicles for short trips, and the efficiency differences between the two aren’t as stark. Depending on someone’s needs, the cons may be a little too much for them.