The EcoDiesel-powered 2014 Ram 1500 has earned a 28-mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to Chrysler. This rating exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup.

These results mean Ram keeps the half-ton fuel-economy record set last year by the 2013 Ram 1500, says Chrysler. Equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine, the truck earned 25 mpg highway, a rating that stands for model-year 2014.

“The new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is truly in a class of its own with 28 MPG and the ability to tow 9,200 pounds,” says Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Ram Truck Brand. “To put the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel in context, it gets 6 mpg better fuel economy than the best F-150 Eco-Boost. Overall, the Ram 1500 Eco-Diesel has outstanding pick-up truck capability with compact-car-like fuel economy.”

According to Chrysler, the EcoDiesel is the first and only advanced-technology turbo-diesel offering in the half-ton pickup segment. It also delivers torque of 420 lbs.-ft.

In addition, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel features state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), high-pressure cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), variable swirl intake ports and a variable-geometry turbocharger. All contribute to 50-state compliance with Tier 2-Bin 5/LEV II emissions regulations, says Chrysler.

Named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 2014, the EcoDiesel V-6 was a significant factor in the Ram 1500’s selection as 2014 Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

For the 2014 Ram 1500, pricing starts at $24,200 (plus $1,195 destination). The V-6 EcoDiesel with TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is priced $2,850 greater than a similarly equipped Ram 1500 with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with TorqueFlite 8-speed transmission, says Chrysler.

Ordering for EcoDiesel models begins Feb. 7.