Ram Power Wagon Could Get a Diesel Engine – Eventually
The Ram Power Wagon is the automaker’s heaviest version of its heavy-duty pickup truck. One significant drawback, however, is the absence of a diesel engine option. According to a Ram powertrain engineer, this could change in the future.
2025 Ram Power Wagon
While the current V8 engine is a Hemi, it doesn’t match the output of the turbo-diesels available in other Ram trucks. This also puts it a step behind competitors like Ford and General Motors.
Customer Demand
Car and Driver reports that a Ram powertrain engineer shared insights regarding customer requests for the Power Wagon. Customers have reportedly been asking for a diesel option in the brand’s burly off-road pickup. “We hear what’s going on,” the Ram engineer told Car and Driver. “If there’s an opportunity there, then we can engineer it.”
Technical Hurdles
The Power Wagon is unique in Ram’s heavy-duty lineup in that it lacks a diesel powertrain option. This is due to the placement of the front-mounted winch, which interferes with the intercooler found on turbo-diesel models. Unfortunately, there’s no set timeline for the diesel option, and it won’t be available for the 2025 model year.
2025 Ram Power Wagon
Other Ram heavy-duty trucks, like the 2500 and 3500, feature a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. This engine produces 430 horsepower and a staggering 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The Power Wagon’s 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine generates 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, a significant difference.
Competitor Diesel Options
2025 Ram Power Wagon
The absence of a diesel option puts the Ram Power Wagon behind its competitors. The Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado HD lines both offer heavy-duty trucks with diesel engines designed for maximum trailering and off-road capabilities.
- The Chevrolet Silverado HD has an available Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 engine that makes 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 36,000 lbs.
- The Ford Super Duty has the high-output version of its Power Stroke 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V8 engine, which delivers 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Ford Super Duty can tow up to 40,000 lbs.
Final Thoughts
Adding a diesel option to the Ram Power Wagon could help the brand to keep pace with its American competitors. A diesel Power Wagon would increase towing and off-road capability. For many truck enthusiasts, this would be welcomed news, eventually anyway.
