Road Test: 2020 RAM 1500 Crew Cab Longhorn 4WD EcoDiesel

All-new EcoDiesel Completes the Package

The Ram 1500 has won almost every truck of the year competition over the past few years and shot past the Chevy Silverado to claim the spot as the second best-selling vehicle in the country (after the Ford F-150). So what to do with a truck that is pleasing both journalists and the public? How about give it an all-new turbodiesel engine that has a very doable 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Available in both 2WD and 4WD, the 2020 Ram 1500 is also available with three gasoline powered engine options, including two that have the eTorque mild hybrid system. The eTorque system adds 90 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque to the 3.6L V6 and 130 lb.-ft. to the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi, resulting in improved performance, fuel economy and towing capability.

The more you sit in and drive the 2020 Ram 1500, especially the highly optioned Longhorn Crew Cab version Clean Fleet Report drove for a week, the more you will be asking yourself it if is time you became a truck person.

Turbodiesel Envy

Clean Fleet Report’s 2020 Ram Longhorn Crew Cab 4WD came with the Generation 3, 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged EcoDiesel and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This robust engine puts out 260 horsepower (hp) and 480 lb.-ft. of torque, both of which are increases over the Generation 2 EcoDiesel. The optional EcoDiesel carries a $4,995 premium over the gasoline 3.6L V6 and $3,000 over the 5.7L Hemi V8 engines. All engines are strong, smooth performers, so when taking a test drive at your Ram dealer make sure to compare them, and see which one fits your driving and towing needs.

Our EcoDiesel had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg city/29 highway/24 combined. Seeing that 29 number for a half-ton pickup, with a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds and maximum trailer tow rating of 12,750 pounds, makes you do a double take. In our week, the EcoDiesel averaged 26.2 mpg. But out on the open road, on two 100-mile all-freeway runs with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph and the active grille shutters reducing drag, it delivered 31.4 mpg. We were impressed.

Road Trip Time

My wife and I drove the 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab a total of 545 miles, from Dana Point to San Luis Obispo, and back. This drive from the southern part of California’s Orange County, to SLO, as the locals call it, on the bucolic Central Coast, is beautiful. Once you get out of Los Angeles, that is, but let’s not digress.

The upgraded interior that came on the Longhorn model is only a small step-down from the most comfy room in your house. The Mountain Brown and Light Mountain Brown color scheme was elegant looking, with features including top grade leathers, wood, power everything, numerous storage areas and ambient lighting. The infotainment system from Harmon Kardon offered-up 900 watts, with a subwoofer, pulsing through 19 speakers. The 12.0-inch, four-color touchscreen display housed UConnect with navigation, AM HD/FM/CD and the all-new SiriusXM 360L service, which includes On Demand programming capability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB ports and power outlets, rounded-out the entertainment options. Thanks to Ram for having volume and channel knobs for the radio. Clean Fleet Report appreciates when audio engineers don’t overthink their systems and remove the knobs.

The cabin itself was very quiet. There was a slight diesel rumble on starting and under heavy acceleration, but all that went away when cruising on the open road. The active noise cancellation and laminated glass made the interior ready for the clear crisp sounds of the premium audio system, making for a peaceful ride.

The power adjustable leather-trimmed front seats were heated and ventilated. The pedals also were power adjustable, so add them to the heated, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and power adjustable steering column, and finding a comfortable driving position was a breeze. The rear outbound seats are ventilated and heated, and recline eight degrees. The dual pane, power sunroof could be open to about 55 mph before it became too loud for talking. This is quite good as we have driven many cars, crossover SUVs and trucks, where at half that speed it was like a jet engine taking off.

It is no exaggeration the 2020 Ram 1500 Longhorn Crew Cab is a very comfortable place to spend any amount of time.

Delivers As a Work Truck

The 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab comes with two bed options–a 5-ft., 7.0-inch box with a 144.5-inch wheelbase or a 6.0-ft., 4.0-inch box with a 153.5-inch wheelbase. Clean Fleet Report’s test truck had the shorter box, and for our needs it was ideal. If vocationally you need the longer box, then it is good to know Ram offers one, along with the Crew Cab for your workers. Trucks in 2020 are designed with the contractor in mind. The interior has space to set-up a work area, including power ports, directional overhead lighting and deep consoles to store a laptop or tablet.

The Ram 1500 with the EcoDiesel is ready for work. It has a maximum payload of 2,300-pounds and a tow rating of 12,750 pounds. Towing and hauling specs include a Class IV receiver-hitch, seven-pin wiring harness, 480 foot-pounds of torque, four corner self-leveling air suspension, trailer-tow mirrors, spray-in bed liner, bed steps, power sliding rear window, adjustable tie-downs, box lighting, multi-function power/remote tailgate and trailer brake control.

This truck will serve all your work and pleasure needs, whether you are hauling construction materials or towing a trailer. Plus, everyone goes in style and comfort.

Safety and Convenience

The 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab has front and side curtain airbags and mulitple advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Available features include advanced brake assist, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, both covering the full length of the truck and a trailer. Front and rear parking assist, full-speed forward collision warning and lane keep assist round out the ADAS features.

Other safety features included a surround view camera with the ParkView rear back-up camera. The power running boards are automatic when opening and closing the doors, Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charge pad, rear under-seat storage, LED projector headlights, LED fog lights, LED taillights and power outside mirrors.

The Ram 1500 has earned a US Government NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 4-Star rating (where 5 Stars is the highest safety rating) for front, driver and passenger side collisions.

Pricing and Warranties

Clean Fleet Report’s 2020 Ram 1500 Longhorn Crew Cab 4X4 had a base MSRP of $54,390. With $13,860 in options, the total came to $68,250. All prices do not include the $1,695 destination charge.

The 2020 Ram 1500 comes with these warranties:

Configurations in 2WD and 4WD

The possibility of having a near-custom Ram 1500 is made easy with three choices: Quad Cab 6-foot, 4-inch bed; Crew Cab 5-foot, 7-inch bed; Crew Cab 6-foot, 4-inch bed .

Model Lineup

Tradesman; HFE; Big Horn; Lone Star; Rebel; Laramie; Longhorn; Limited

Monotone Exterior Colors

Billet Silver Metallic; Bright White; Delmonico Red Pearl; Diamond Black Crystal Pearl; Flame Red; Granite Crystal Metallic; Hydro Blue; Ivory Tri-Coat; Maximum Steel Metallic; Olive Green; Patriot Blue Pearl; RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic

Two-tone Exterior Colors

Billet Silver Metallic; Diamond Black Crystal Pearl; RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic

Observations: 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Longhorn 4WD EcoDiesel

The 2020 Ram 1500 Longhorn Crew Cab 4WD EcoDiesel will cause you to ponder the question: Am I buying a premium vehicle for around-town errands and long family road trips or a work truck with best-in-class towing? Don’t get a headache trying to figure it out, as you are getting both, and much more.

The cabin is beautifully outfitted, making long drives or the short egg-and-milk run equally pleasant. The towing and fuel economy are high points, as is the contemporary design with soft and hard sculpted lines. Whether you need a mobile work space or are hauling a camping trailer or off-road toys on a family outing, the Ram 1500 Longhorn doesn’t lack amenities or comfort.

So, if you are ready for a pickup that offers versatility, looks and 30+ mpg fuel economy, check-out the 2020 Ram 1500 with the EcoDiesel engine.

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Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.