NAIAS 2015: 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE Adds Aero For High Fuel Efficiency

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: January 13th, 2015

naias 2015 2015 ram 1500 ecodiesel hfe adds aero for high fuel efficiency

Ram isn’t satisfied with wanting Baja Valley, as the brand sets its sights on Green Valley with the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE leading the charge.

Joining the original 1500 EcoDiesel in the lush foothills below Truck Mountain, the HFE improves the former with extensive use of aero throughout. The result is an EPA-certified 29 mpg on the highway, 21 mpg in the city, and a combined rating of 24 mpg, besting the nearest competitor by 12 percent in the fuel economy game.

The HFE is based on the 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab, boasts a 6-ft, 4-in bed, and rides upon 20-inch wheels. The truck can also be had with the Ram Express’ body-colored face for a more sporty appearance over the standard EcoDiesel. Other exclusives include wheel-to-wheel side steps, a tri-fold tonneau cover, and an HFE badge showing off how awesome it is at saving diesel fuel; considering the fuel’s current price per gallon, that might mean something.

The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE is expected to arrive in showrooms late in Q1 2015.

#1500EcoDieselHFE #Detroit2015 #MY2015 #Naias2015 #Ram

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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6 of 17 comments

Lou_BC on Jan 13, 2015

Believe it or not those running boards that stretch from wheel arch to wheel arch improve mpg. 20 inch tires on a HFE? 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab with 6.4 bed is a basic truck. one of the lightest from Ram. Even if this is a few grand more one can view it as an appearance package. A 1 mpg gain is just a secondary bonus. If one looks at the admission price to a diesel and factor in DEF a V6 Pentastar might be a better option.

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- Gearhead77 on Jan 13, 2015
  
  Yeah, but gas won't always be $2.00/gallon and the gulf between the two fuel prices won't be so large. Full size trucks have pretty good resale, especially diesels. I don't think you'll really lose with the EcoDiesel. I'd much rather go with this over an EcoBoost Ford. Around western PA, the hills kill the mileage no matter what you drive, but especially anything with a gas turbo. I don't think diesels suffer as much. Worth 5k over the Pentastar? Maybe not, but the drivability where I live might make it worth it. Or possibly the flat lands with mostly highway driving. If they want a fuel economy battle along with payload and towing, why not just make the HFE stuff standard and raise the price slightly? I've always liked Ford trucks over everyone else, but the recent Rams have me rethinking that.
  
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- DenverMike on Jan 14, 2015
  
  @gearhead77 You can't only look at the losses at the pump. Too many other losses with diesels. I wouldn't go with the Eco Boost either. But the Hemi or Coyote would do just fine with FE, power and over all savings.
  
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- Lou_BC on Jan 14, 2015
  
  @gearhead77 - HFE includes a tire that would be useless on any surface other than dry pavement
  
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- Gearhead77 on Jan 14, 2015
  
  @Lou_BC I see, LRR tires. So as soon as it needs tires, you're going to lose about a mile per gallon. Well, OK, probably not. But so many people pay zero attention to tires, hence the Linglong or any other Chinese tires I see rolling around. Especially in 20 inch size, because no one thinks about replacing 20" rubber (among other things) when they buy a car either. My sister was shocked when her 06 Eclipse GT with 18" wheels needed new tires, though my brother and I warned her to stick with the 17's for that reason. Now that 17 is the norm, it's not as bad, but still pricey.
  
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PrincipalDan on Jan 14, 2015

Why not offer an option box on every 4x2 1500 that would allow you to choose the areo enhancements if you want? Sure it might only get you .10% on a Hemi but let the consumer decide.

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