Diesel power was all the rage at the Texas Auto Writers 2013 Texas Truck Rodeo. Many manufacturers were showing off their current or future diesel offerings across every segment of truck and sport utility vehicle. Ram is the first company to offer a diesel engine in their light-duty half-ton pickup truck. That technology, along with air suspension and a coil link rear setup nudged the Ram 1500 ahead of the stiff competition to be declared the official Truck of Texas for 2013.

Ram 1500

The Ram team accepting their trophy! (Photo: Raven Photographic Studio)

According to Ram personnel we spoke with, the company is expecting 10-15% adoption rate of the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine. However, with popularity of diesel starting to really grow, we would not be surprised if that rate is much, much higher. While making 240 horsepower, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel makes an incredible 420lb/ft of torque. Whether that is towing a trailer, climbing rocks, or cruising down the road the Ram is quite a capable truck.

Ram 1500

Long Horn edition wrapped in leather, adorned with 2-tone paint, and powered by diesel.

In addition to being named the official Truck of Texas (Ram also won the award last year with a standard Ram 1500), the Ram 1500 also was awarded the Best Full-Size Pickup Truck, Best Luxury Pickup Truck, Best Powertrain (for the diesel), Best Connectivity (for U-Connect), and Best Technology (for the 5-link coil rear suspension). Suffice it to say, Ram dominated this year’s rodeo.

Ram 1500

Visually, little has changed for the ’14 Ram 1500 over the ’13 Ram.

Ram was also awarded with the Truck Brand of Texas award as well. Later, we will be providing a driving review of the Ram 1500 and a more in-depth analysis of the vehicle, but we believe that the Ram 1500 is a great truck and deserving of the Truck of Texas title. Competition was fierce, and the Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ford F-150 made EXTREMELY compelling arguments, at the end of the day there can only be one victor. This year, it is the Ram 1500.