Not only are full-size pickup trucks hotter than ever, but competition has also never been fiercer. That means brands like Ford, Chevy, and Ram need to be at the top of their game. This also applies to diesel variants. Presenting the new 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, the most powerful half-ton diesel pickup truck in America. Thanks to a third-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, Ram claims the truck will also be a segment leader for not only fuel economy but towing capacity as well.

Here's what you need to know: The 3.0-liter V6 oil burner is now rated at 260 hp at 3,600 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. This translates to a 14 percent torque increase over the previous diesel V6. Horsepower is also up by 8 percent. Towing capacity is 12,560 pounds.

To compare, the Ford F-150 diesel offers 250 hp and 440 lb-ft and 11,400-pound towing capacity, while the new 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel makes 277 hp and 460 lb-ft (towing capacity has yet to be announced). For the first time, buyers can opt for the EcoDiesel in the off-road-focused Ram Rebel. In fact, the oil burner option is available in all models and configurations. The 2019 Ram Classic, meanwhile, continues to be offered with the previous-gen diesel.

"The new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is America's most powerful half-ton diesel pickup, following up on Ram's Heavy Duty torque leadership and achieving what no other manufacturer has, with up to 480 lb-ft of torque in a 3.0-liter engine," said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. "The all-new EcoDiesel engine and our eTorque mild-hybrid powertrain technologies deliver the highest available fuel efficiency for our Ram 1500 customers."

Some of the other new engine updates include a new water-cooled turbocharger with variable geometry turbine for increased efficiency and responsiveness, redesigned cylinder head intake ports, redesigned gas circulation system, optimized compression ratio, and a new mechanical low-friction pump with new blades for improved overall dual vacuum pump system efficiency.

Pricing and fuel economy ratings will be announced closer to the on-sale date towards the end of this year.