Key Takeaways
- The Ram Power Wagon currently does not offer a diesel engine, attracting customer demand for one.
- A Ram engineer indicated that the addition of a diesel option may be possible but is not expected for the 2025 model year.
- Competitors Ford and Chevrolet offer robust diesel engines that significantly enhance towing and off-road performance.
Ram Power Wagon’s Diesel Option in Demand
The Ram Power Wagon, known for being Ram’s most robust heavy-duty pickup, currently relies on a gas-powered V8 engine, specifically a Hemi. This choice leaves the truck without a diesel engine option, which has generated significant interest and demand from customers. According to a powertrain engineer from Ram, the company is aware of these requests: “We hear what’s going on,” he stated, adding that an engineering solution could arise if the opportunity presents itself.
The absence of a diesel powertrain in the Power Wagon is primarily due to the design of the vehicle, particularly the front-mounted winch. This feature obstructs the placement of the intercooler that is typically found in turbo-diesel variants of Ram’s other trucks. Unfortunately, despite customer interest, there is currently no timeline for a diesel-powered Ram Power Wagon, and it will not be available for the 2025 model year.
In contrast, other heavy-duty Ram models, like the Ram 2500 and 3500, benefit from a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine, capable of producing 430 horsepower and a whopping 1,075 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the Power Wagon’s 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine generates 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly less than its diesel counterparts.
The lack of a diesel option positions the Power Wagon at a disadvantage against its competitors. The Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado both provide heavy-duty trucks equipped with diesel engines that enhance towing capacities and off-road potential. For instance, the Chevrolet Silverado HD offers a Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 engine producing 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow nearly 36,000 lbs, which is almost twice the capacity of its gas-powered variation. Additionally, the GMC Sierra HD lineup shares this diesel engine option.
Similarly, the Ford Super Duty series boasts an impressive diesel powertrain, with the high-output version of its Power Stroke 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V8 engine producing 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, securing its position as one of the most powerful trucks on the market. When properly configured, Ford Super Duty trucks can tow up to 40,000 lbs. The standard version of the Power Stroke engine also offers significant power, producing 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque.
Considering the competitive landscape, introducing a diesel option for the Ram Power Wagon would elevate its standing in the market. This move would not only attract existing truck enthusiasts but also bolster Ram’s image as a strong contender in the heavy-duty segment. While the transition may take time, the eventual release of a diesel variant could greatly enhance the Power Wagon’s towing and off-road capabilities, pleasing many potential buyers in the process. Ram’s parent company, Stellantis, seeks to improve its overall market offerings, especially following recent leadership changes and challenges.
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