Ram 1500

The Ram is a full-size pickup truck designed and distributed by the Chrysler Group LLC. It was formerly called the Dodge Ram, but since 2010 it has been sold under the Ram Truck brand. The model got a minor restyling, including a new engine option, new interior fabrics, new wheels, and a new front fascia. U.S. News gave the Ram 1500 an 8.8 rating, and ranked it #1 out of 10 Full Size Pickup Trucks. Reviewers say the truck is a top choice for its well-built interior with many standard features, refined ride, and outstanding V6 fuel economy.

Performance

U.S. News gives the Ram 1500 an 8.5 rating. The Base Tradesman trim comes standard with a 4.7-liter V8 that puts out 330 pound-feet of torque and 310 horsepower. Other available engines include the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that puts out 407 pound-feet of torque and 395 horsepower or the new 3.7-liter V6 that produces 269 pound-feet of torque and 305 horsepower. The V6 engine comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 engines have a six-speed automatic transmission. The model also has the option of adding an air suspension, which improves ride quality, and keeps the rear end from squatting under heavy loads. The new V6 engine allows the Ram 1500 to tow up to 6500 pounds.

Interior

U.S. News gives the Ram 1500 an 8.3 interior rating. Regular cab variants seat three people, while crew and quad cabs can seat up to six people. Vinyl upholstery comes standard on the base trim, while mid-level trims get cloth and top trims get leather seats. Most models have a front bench seat, while upper trim models offer bucket seats and a center console, as well as power-adjustable, cooled, and heated front seats. The base model comes standard with air conditioning, a six-speaker stereo with a USB port, and manual windows. Upper trims come standard with a 10-speaker premium stereo, satellite radio, navigation, a 7-inch customizable display screen, and dual-zone climate control. Interior storage is decent, with bins beneath the back seats and a spacious center console.

Pros/Cons

The Ram 1500 earns praise from reviewers for having one of the most comfortable rides in its class. Reviewers are also pleased with the new V6 engine, because it provides enough power and should be perfect for drivers who do not need to do a lot of towing or heavy hauling. The optional Hemi V8 engine is perfect for providing more power. It also offers a smoother ride than its competitors, and has good steering with decent feedback. The V6 engine is decent for hauling small loads, but as the trailer gets heavier, the V6’s low torque output is definitely noticeable. Critics have had mixed reviews about the seat, with some suggesting that they are flat and are lacking support. The interior features receive praise, however, because they are easy to learn and use.

Other Features

The Ram website lists the base price of the Ram 1500 at $23 000, but according to U.S. News, buyers can expect to pay anywhere between $23 000 to $47 000, depending n the engine, trim levels, and extra interior features. Although the IIHS hasn’t tested the Ram 1500 for side impact yet, it gave the truck a “good” score for frontal impact, but only a “marginal” score for the roof, as it was only able to withstand 2.97 times its weight, which is actually below the standards for passenger cars. Despite this, U.S. News still gave the Ram 1500 an 8.9 safety rating, higher than most full-size pickup trucks.