Chrysler: Ram diesel pickup is top fuel sipper

Chrysler's Ram truck division is asserting pickup fuel economy supremacy now that it has certified its Environmental Protection Agency ratings for its full-size 1500 with the optional small diesel engine.

The new 2014 Ram 1500 with the 3-liter EcoDiesel V-6 with the eight-speed transmission came in at 20 miles per gallon in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 23 overall. On highway mileage, that puts the Ram ahead of the others. It's three miles per gallon more than Toyota Tacoma, but the Tacoma is a class size smaller than the Ram.

"We are immensely gratified by achieving these milestones," says Bob Lee, Chrysler Group's head powertrain engineer, in a statement. "Not only do they confirm our position as an industry leader in powertrain development and truck design, they promise tremendous benefits for our customers."

The ratings for the truck have been anticipation with some excitement in the truck community, since Chrysler is leading the to bring small diesels back to light-duty pickups. The little diesel engine is made in Italy and has an impressive 420 pounds-feet of torque.

But the diesel comes at a price. The diesel option add $4,500 to a truck that starts at $24,200 plus $1,195 in delivery charges. It's $2,850 more than the Hemi V-8.

To save fuel beyond the engine, the truck also has shutters on the grille that open or close depending on the engine's air demands in order to make the truck more aerodynamic, electric Power Steering and an aluminum hood.

Here is how Chrysler says it compares to its full-size competitors. Gas mileage is city/highway/combined:

•Ram 1500

20/28/23

3-liter EcoDiesel V-6 with auto 8-speed

•Chevy Silverado

18/24/20

4.3-liter gas V-6 with auto 6-speed

•Ford F-150

17/23/19

3.7-liter gas V-6 with auto 6-speed

•Toyota Tundra

16/20/17

4-liter gas V-6 with auto 5-speed

•Nissan Titan

13/18/15

5.6-liter gas V-8 with auto 5-speed