The Record (Troy, NY)

RAM EcoDiesel one of the best

- By Marc Grasso

Everytime a RAMshows up for a Grasso’s Garage “interview,” I know it’s going to be a great week.

In this week’s test, it’s the very popular 1500 Limited, but with the EcoDiesel option.

In May, we got our hands on a Laramie 1500 which had the Night Edition package, a total crowd- pleaser. Now the Limited, with a similar blacked- out exterior, wants some of the pie. My opinion: RAM KNOWS TRUCKS!

I call it Optimal Usability. This truck is meant for the everyday, everything. It works to tow, drive, cruise, work, utilize, store, all while looking great. Adjustable ride heights are available to enhance elevation or give lowered ground clearances, but exterior appearance­s don’t look out of sorts.

Luxury is also not discounted on the Limited as it literally is not like driving a truck, it’s more like riding in a luxury vehicle; again, perfect for everything.

I feel like Ram has establishe­d itself as one of America’s greatest truck companies. Hauling, elevated ground clearance and luxury are key components of the Rampickup line, which also offers a near- endless array of options. The Ram is a classy, comfortabl­e pickup truck. But now, with the Ecodiesel option, we are even more in love.

The 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine in the tested Crew Cab 4X4 Limited produced 240 hp, and 420 ft.-lbs. of torque. Handling the grunt is the eightspeed automatic transmissi­on — so smooth and quiet you sometimes forget it’s doing all of the work. Our tester also got significan­tly better fuel mileage than previously tested pickups, a difference-maker for RAM. In fact, the EcoDiesel offered an unbelievab­le 800 miles per fill-up which in our tester was a 33- gallon fuel tank; the highest I have ever seen. The EcoDiesel option came in at $4,995.

Our optioned- up Limited came with a laundry list of great additions, starting with the Black Appearance package, a $3,995 option that provides 22inch wheels, blacked- out everything, a sport hood and a 19- speaker Harman Kardon system. You already know my love for the best- in- the- business infotainme­nt setup which comes standard with the 12-inch UConnect system. Flawless.

Power running boards, a Tri-Fold tonneau cover, the RamBox Cargo Management system, a Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof were additional options that came with our Limited

When it comes to usage, a wagon or a truck is top of my list. Yes, I know an SUV has a bunch too, but when you can get something with a truck bed that can also do everything, what more could you ask for? For RAM, it’s easy, provide consumers with everything they can possibly want in a cabin, add a truck bed and watch them roll off the production line. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, as I can’t say enough good about them and the EcoDiesel of course.

Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel

MSRP: $56,965 As Tested: $74,910 MPG: 21 city, 29 highway, 24 as tested

 ?? MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? The 1500Limite­d with the Eco-Diesel option, with a 3.0L V6Turbo Diesel engine that produces 240hp, is an everyday do-everything vehicle, but with a luxury ride.
MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP The 1500Limite­d with the Eco-Diesel option, with a 3.0L V6Turbo Diesel engine that produces 240hp, is an everyday do-everything vehicle, but with a luxury ride.

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