While 1/2 ton light-duty pick-up trucks aren’t typically something one would consider to be amongst the growing list of eco-friendly vehicles available today, the fact remains that efforts are being made by automakers to design pick-ups that are more fuel efficient than ever before.
The reality is that for some, pick-up trucks are a necessity of life and/or work. Just because one needs to have a truck doesn’t mean that they don’t want to drive a vehicle that is fuel efficient, and to that end we are seeing more innovation with respect to how automakers can deliver on that.
Chrysler Fiat has taken a bold step with its iconic Ram 1500 nameplate, by launching the first ever diesel engine in this category. The 2014 Ram 1500 Eco Diesel aims to take full advantage of the high fuel efficiency and high torque provided by diesel and widely used in heavy duty truck applications, and place it into its signature 1/2 ton truck.
I’ve received many requests in the last year or so to step into the world of pick-up trucks and provide reviews on some of the more fuel efficient options available. The Ram 1500 Eco Diesel was the first one available and when offered for an Enviro Dad Test Drive, I took the chance to review it, not as a truck reviewer but rather as an eco-reviewer. The uniqueness of the opportunity also suggested that I use video, and to that effect, my review is embedded right below:
While I will always have an issue to some degree with those who drive pick-up trucks for status or style, I certainly respect the fact that these 1/2 ton monsters are are reality of life for many. For those wanting to make eco-friendly choices within the confines of this realty, the 2014 Ram 1500 Eco Diesel is one heck of a viable option. Providing all the ruggedness, performance and quality that Ram trucks are noted for, with the added bonus of being the most fuel efficient 1/2 ton on the market at this point, drivers of the Ram 1500 Eco Diesel can drive with both purpose and pride.
The marketing team at Ram would be well advised to market this as much as possible, and to make note that this engine, while a steep upgrade at $4,500, is one that will still provide a solid ROI, especially if driven a lot of KM’s and over a lot of years. With the highly anticipated all new 2015 Ford F150 arriving this fall, and with it many eco-benefits as well, Ram may not have much time to establish itself as the de facto choice for truck drivers who want to be greenies as well.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10):
LOOK/DESIGN: 9.0
DRIVE: 8.0
GREEN FACTOR: 8.5
FAMILY FACTOR: 8.0
TECHIE STUFF: 8.0
VALUE: 8.0
(MSRP BASE – $36,475
AS TESTED – Laramie Crew Cab $70,090)
OVERALL: 8.25
You guys are losers . But the enviro dad is right. Get a life fuck face.
Get a life. Teach your children to fear God, be humble and work hard. Branding them early with your wacko environmental “ethics” shows your lack of depth, wisdom and a knowldege of history.
Thanks for the comments…but if there is anyone who truly is showing a lack of depth, wisdom and knowledge of facts – it would be you. I have a life and I’m doing all I can to protect it and the future of it for my children. I see I won’t be doing it with your help…