The half-ton pickup is not the heavy-duty machine farmers always rely on to get work done around the operation, but this class of trucks still gets attention from pickup buyers – even in ag country. Part of that is that they usually get better mileage, and for some, offer a “go-to-town” experience that’s smoother than those heavy-duty siblings. And these days, the lines are blurring a bit as the 1500-150 class of haulers gets more serious.

Ram upped the ante on that score a few years ago with its launch of an EcoDiesel engine into this pickup class. It wasn’t long until competitors jumped in with their own diesel offerings for the half-ton pickups. But the race continues, and Ram is raising the stakes again with a third-generation EcoDiesel engine. It offers smoother performance and class leading torque, with 480 pounds feet of torque at 1,600 rpm, which is a 14% boost over the previous mode. Horsepower rises 8% from 240 hp to 260 hp, too. And there’s more. Check out the slideshow to learn more about the 2020 Ram EcoDiesel engine, the ride and a Minnesota Iron Range experience. We also include pricing for this option in the 2020 model year.

Suggested retail price for the new Ram with the new third-generation EcoDiesel V-6 option starts at $36,890 for the Tradesman Quad Cab two-wheel-drive, plus $1,685 destination fee. The EcoDiesel is a $4,995 option, or $3,000 premium over the 5.7 liter Hemi V-8 eTorque ($3,300 on Tradesman, Big Horn-Lone Star, Rebel and Laramie base models).