How much does the EcoDiesel engine cost?
Ram EcoDiesel Pricing for 2022
The EcoDiesel is priced at $4,995 in the Ram. The 3.6L V6 is standard, and the eTorqe Hemi is $1,995. So, it's a $3000 premium over the eTorque Hemi.
Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel Pricing for 2022
For Jeep Wrangler, the EcoDiesel with automatic is $6000. The V6 gas engine with automatic is $2,750, and the 2.0L turbo with automatic costs $1,500. So, the EcoDiesel cost is a $4,500 upcharge from the four-cylinder turbo and a $3,250 upcharge from the V6 gas motor. EcoDiesel is only available with automatic transmission.
What should I know about EcoDiesel reliability?
Our experience selling and servicing many EcoDiesel engines over the years (since 2014) has been good. Some of the early-generation engines were subject to an emissions recall that required reprogramming of the engine computer. After that update, some customers complained of loss of power. FCA engineered a fix for this symptom, and it seems to work.
The third-generation engine that's currently available has many upgrades from previous models. It is also very new, just arriving in the 2020 model year. We love this engine. In fact, our service manager and Dealer Principal both own EcoDiesel vehicles. If reliability is your primary concern, you may want to choose the 5.7-liter Hemi engine, which is pretty much bullet-proof. Ram and Jeep stand behind the EcoDiesel engines with a 5-year/100,000 warranty
What factory warranty comes with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine?
5 Years/100,000 miles
How do 3.0L EcoDiesel maintenance costs compare to gas engines?
Bottom line: Costs are substantially higher
- Oil Changes may cost a bit more, but you will likely do them less often. An oil change costs about $200. The 3.0L Eco-diesel engine requires synthetic oil and more of it. In Ram applications, it takes 10.5 quarts. In Jeep applications, it takes 8 quarts. So, oil changes will cost a bit more than on conventional engines. It's important to note that many conventional engines now require synthetic oil, so an Eco-diesel oil change may cost significantly more than an oil change on a vehicle you are replacing, but only a bit more than a new gas engine. Also, you may change your oil less frequently than a gas engine because the recommended oil change interval in most circ*mstances is 10,000 miles.
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tank needs refilling with every oil change. Depending on the amount you need, this can cost between $50 and $100
- Fuel Filters need replacing at every other oil change. This will cost between $200 and $270, depending on the application.
- Versus a Hemi engine: A Hemi engine does not yet require synthetic oil, but it has a large oil capacity, so expect to pay $50 for an oil change, and we recommend a 5,000-mile interval, but you can adjust this based on your requirements. So, in 20,000 miles, the Hemi would cost about $200 in scheduled maintenance (4 oil changes X $50), or 1 cent per mile, versus about $800, or 4 cents per mile.
How do maintenance costs of the 3.0L EcoDiesel compare to gas engines? Bottom line: They are substantially higher
How long do EcoDiesel engines last?
Like any car or truck, you'll get the most miles out of the engine by getting it serviced regularly and according to the recommended service interval schedule. Some owners report driving between 200,000 to 300,000 miles on their EcoDiesel engine. That's significantly longer than many gas-powered engines built to last at least 100,000 miles and up to 200,000 with proper care. That means you'll get as much as 50% more time behind the wheel.
Are EcoDiesel engines better than gas-powered engines?
There are pros and cons to diesel and gas-powered engines. There's no doubt that the diesel engines are between 20-35% more efficient than conventional gas engines allowing you to drive much farther before refueling. This saves you time and money at the pump, which lowers your cost of ownership.
Diesel engines of the past produce more emissions. Still, the EcoDiesel, or biodiesel, uses green technology that runs on a blend of diesel and renewable energy sources, including used cooking oils, algae, canola, and animal tallow. Biodiesel fuel production costs are roughly the same as regular diesel, but they produce 11% fewer carbon emissions and 10% fewer particulates.
The improved eco-friendly ratings and savings at the pump make biodiesel fuel a more favorable option with customers considering a truck or SUV equipped with the EcoDiesel engine.
How much money will I save with an EcoDiesel engine?
For Ram 1500, here's an example of how the math will work out:
If a gallon of gas costs $3.00 per gallon or less and diesel prices are at or below $3.30 per gallon, you probably won't save much by selecting an EcoDiesel engine versus a gas-powered engine. We estimate scheduled maintenance costs at 1 cent per mile for a Hemi engine versus 4 cents per mile for the EcoDiesel. For more details on maintenance, see above.
So, considering maintenance costs, we begin with a 3 cents per mile deficit for the EcoDiesel. If gas is at $3.00 per gallon and diesel at $3.30, the cost per mile of fuel is 16.67 cents and 13.75 cents, respectively. This assumes 18 MPG gas and 24 MPG diesel. Some people may object to these estimates, and they only reflect my driving, but I've logged tens of thousands of miles on the EcoDiesel and the Hemi in Ram 1500 trucks, which is my real-world experience.
Regardless, the fuel cost per mile is lower with the diesel using these assumptions, so you'll likely break even when considering the maintenance cost difference. Once you add in the upfront cost of the engine, it's unlikely you will save money overall at current fuel prices.
However, if fuel prices continue to rise substantially, your savings could be quite large. For example, if regular unleaded cost $5.00 per gallon and diesel were $5.30, then the cost per mile for gas would be 28 cents and for diesel only 22 cents.
What if I tow a lot?
When I tow my boat, which I estimate weighs about 4,800 pounds, with a full tank of gas and all my gear, I get about 17 MPG with the EcoDiesel and about 11 MPG with the Hemi. Now, things start to get interesting. With the Hemi, the gas cost per mile is 27.3 cents, and with the diesel, it's 19.4 cents. So, while towing, there are significant fuel and cost savings with the EcoDiesel.
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Gladiator cost-per-mile fuel savings are less than in the Ram 1500. The reason to buy the EcoDiesel in these vehicles likely won't be for cost savings but the performance differences.
Which Transmission comes with the 3.0L EcoDiesel?
The EcoDiesel comes equipped with a German-made ZF 8-Speed automatic, with a different transmission available on gas-powered models.
Will there be a manual option for the new Jeep EcoDiesel engine models?
Sadly, no.
All information and pricing are approximate and subject to change. While every effort has been made to ensure we display accurate information Planet CJDR is not responsible for misprints, typographical or factual errors on the site. If questions arise, please directly contact Planet CJDR, who can confirm all current information and offerings. This information is copyright protected and may not be used in whole or in part without the express written permission of Planet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.
All information and pricing is approximate and subject to change. While every effort has been made to ensure we display accurate information Planet CJDR is not responsible for misprints, typographical or factual errors on the site. If questions arise please directly contact Planet CJDR who can confirm all current information and offerings. This information is copyright protected and may not be used in whole or in part without express written permission of Planet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.
