The story by Antuan Goodwin, reviews editor for Roadshow, begins by comparing the two ends of the 2021 Ram 1500 spectrum.
At one end of the 2021 Ram trucks lineup is the 1500 TRX, a 702-horsepower beast that guzzles fuel like the apex predator that it is. At the other end of the spectrum, however, is the newly announced Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel. Returning an estimated 33 highway miles per gallon, it's currently the most fuel-efficient member of the 1500 family, beating even the automaker's eTorque mild-hybrid models.
The Goodwin piece details very specific comparisons between the different Ram offerings, giving high marks to the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 for not only its fuel efficiency but also its 480 pound-feet of torque that enables it to tow more than 6 tons of mass.
The target buyer appears to be building contractors.
After celebrating the features of the Ram HFE EcoDiesel, the author takes a detour to remind us that the Chev 2021 Silverado matches the same 33 mpg as the most fuel efficient Ram, and the Ford F-150 with its PowerStroke isn't far behind.
MEANWHILE, Motor Trend's story on these trucks has a similar take, though less flattering to the Ford in this round of comparisons.
Greg Fink's account of these mid-sized offerings was also published on February 10, as if the automakers wanted a coordinated release for the info these media channels were permitted. The Motor Trend piece is embroidered with the same amount of detail about engines, fuel economy, power output and the like, but sums up the real difference with this comparison:
While the HFE EcoDiesel may not fit as much junk in its cargo box as the regular HFE, it does offer a more comfortable rear-seating space and can travel further on a gallon of fuel.
Before drawing to a close, Fink suggests that the benefits of the EcoDiesel's fuel economy may not be that noteworthy when compared to the cost of diesel fuel vs. gasoline right now.
Here are links to the two articles. Both are rich with detail and have insights that will help you make your own decision if you're looking for a 2021 at this time.
2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE sips fuel at 33 higway mpg
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2021-ram-1500-ecodiesel-hfe-33-higway-mpg/
Special 2021 Ram 1500 Diesel Model Dominates F-150 for Top MPG, Ties Chevy
The 33-mpg Ram and the F-150 aren't even close, but GM's diesels are right there.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-ram-1500-hfe-ecodiesel-price/
