It seams like there is a bit of misinformation about diesel engines going on.
DEF consumption on modern diesels is minimal. A gallon will average 1-2k miles depending on how your driving. Some bigger gas stations have it at the pump next to the diesel fuel and almost every auto parts store sells it in jugs. Its not that big of a factor.
Electronics are a major roll in all modern vehicles, gas and diesel alike. That improves power and fuel economy across the fleet for every manufacturer along with easier diagnostics should they break down.
That's the trouble, most people who buy diesels never actually use them, they buy them to show off and never do anything more than drive around town with them...here where I live its pretty common to see a big fancy diesel truck that someone just bought to drive to work across town and show off that they have more money than brains.
To me a diesel would be nice for the fuel economy but in my case I don't drive very far very often so it would not get driven much during the week mostly just weekends. I even hate driving my regular gasoline vehicles around town because they never get properly warmed up either.
It would take about 20 years to recoup all that up front cost to buy a diesel. The upfront cost, plus additional maintenance costs because its a diesel just completely outweigh the fuel economy. I can buy a lot of gas for that additional $20k they throw on a diesel vehicle LOL.
-I see plenty of fancy lifted diesel trucks too. While thats not my style what those people do is their business.
-If people are short tripping and not putting many miles on per year, it makes it very hard to justify the extra expense. I too would recommend a gas engine in those driving situations.
-dodge said the break even point on the eco diesel was around 40k miles when compared to the hemi engine since those are the 2 engines with the closest tow ratings. When compared to the v6 gas its would take a while longer but eventually will come out ahead. The average person only keeps a vehicle 6.4 years so that too is going to play into the payback. even at an average 16k/yr thats a bit over 100k so they are coming out ahead.
as STMITCH mentioned a 2wd 2.3l duratec stick will produce good fuel economy! I love my little truck and it consistently get 27-28mpg while driving it 60mph. A similarly equipt diesel ranger would probably only get in the low 30s. that gain in fuel savings might not be justified for everyone but as i mentioned previously theres a reason you are seeing more diesel powered vehicles from Dodge, Ford and GM. they have looked at the extra cost of the engine compared to consumer demand. They know its not going to be the best selling engine in the fleet but people do want diesels and are willing to pay for them.
I really dont understand why theres all the dislike for having several different engine choices in the new trucks to meet everyones needs. This should be a good thing....