The Ram gets redesigned for 2019 and is a top contender among full-size pick-ups for its performance, towing and hauling capabilities, roomy and upscale interior and handsome looks.
The Ram comes in several trims and configurations so you can find one that meets your needs and budget: Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. Starting prices range from $27,395 to $57,040. Rear-wheel-drive is standard and four-wheel-drive is available. There are two available bed lengths: 6-foot-4 (available with Quad and Crew Cab models) and 5-foot-7 (available only with Crew Cab models).
The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine has a mild hybrid system called eTorque that uses regenerative braking to improve fuel efficiency, and a stop/start system that shuts down the engine when the Ram is at a stop.
My tester has the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 which makes 395 horses and 410 pound-feet. This engine is also available with the eTorque system. Both engines are paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. If you want to haul and tow a lot, you may lean toward the Hemi.
This is one smooth and comfortable truck. Ride quality is excellent. Rough roads and bumps are barely noticeable, and the Ram stays planted when cornering. It’s also very easy to drive. I’d forget that I was behind the wheel of a big truck, until I’d be driving in downtown Portland and be eye-level with folks riding on a Tri-Met bus.
The Ram has some of the best towing and hauling capabilities in the class. When properly equipped, the Ram 1500 can haul up to 2,300 pounds and tow up to 12,750 pounds. It also has decent off-roading chops with available electronic on-demand transfer case, locking rear differential and skid plates.
Fuel economy is similar to other full-size pick-ups; however the V8 requires mid-grade gas while its rivals take regular. EPA ratings for my tester are 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with a combined rating of 19. I got 19 during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The cavernous cabin is upscale with nice materials. It rivals what you’ll find in some luxury vehicles. It’s very roomy. I joked that the passenger in the front seat was in another zip code. Passengers in both rows of seating have ample leg- and headroom. Controls are logically laid out.
Standard features include push-button start, rearview camera, vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth, three USB ports, and the Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch touch screen.
Optional features include remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, sunroof, cloth upholstery, leather upholstery, premium leather upholstery, front bucket seats, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, reclining rear seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, heated steering wheel, upgraded Uconnect system with an 8.4- or 12-inch touch screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, two additional USB ports, wireless device charging, and two 115-volt power outlets.
Several driver assistance technologies are available including a surround-view camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and parallel and perpendicular park assist.
The Uconnect system has is easy to use. Graphics look great, the touchscreen responds quickly to commands, and there are also redundant buttons and knobs so you don’t have to use the touchscreen for simple commands such as adjusting the volume, switching radio stations or adjusting climate controls.
In addition to the bed, there’s lots of storage inside the cabin. There are storage areas under the rear seats, and underfloor bins called RamBins.
The good:
Available in many trims and configurations
Can tow and haul more than most competitors
Smooth and comfortable ride
Roomy, upscale interior
User-friendly infotainment system
The not-so-good:
The V8 requires mid-grade gas so you’ll have higher fuel bills
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $38,395. Diamond Black Crystal Pearl paint is $100. Premium LED Lighting Group is $995 and adds front LED fog lamps, LED automatic reflector headlamps and LED tail lamps. The Black Appearance Package is $1,595 and adds 20-inch cast Aluminum black wheels with all season tires, black exterior badging, black headlamp bezels, black interior accents, deluxe cloth bucket seats and power-heated mirrors with manual fold-away. The Level 2 Equipment Group is $2,400 and adds a dampened tailgate, 115V auxiliary power outlet, 115V auxiliary rear power outlet, 400W inverter, 8.4-inch touchscreen display, A/C auto temperature control with dual zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Class IV receiver hitch, cluster 7-inch TFT color display, media hub with 2 USB plugs, exterior mirrors with supplemental signals, exterior mirrors with courtesy lamps, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, front and rear parking assist with stop, power four-way driver lumbar adjustment, power eight-way driver seat, power adjustable pedals, power-folding mirrors, rear power sliding window, rear window defroster, remote start system, single-disc remote CD player, satellite radio and universal garage door opener. The tri-fold tonneau cover and LED bed lighting are $695. The anti-spin differential rear axle is $435. The 5.7-liter V8 HEMI engine and active noise control system are $2,645. Wheel-to-wheel side steps are $745. Rear wheelhouse liners are $195. 33-gallon fuel tank is $445. Uconnect navigation with 8.4-inch display, SiriusXM traffic service and HD Radio are $795. Blind-spot alert with cross-path detection is $595. Trailer brake control is $295. Package value savings of $2,300 is included in the Level 2 Equipment Group price. Destination charge is $1,695, bringing the grand total to $52,025.
Bottom line:
Excellent towing and hauling capability? Check. Smooth ride? Check. Upscale, quiet interior? Check. User-friendly infotainment system? Check. Lots of standard and optional technology features? Check. Shoppers wanting a full-size pick-up should definitely consider the Ram 1500.
