

Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza, 275/55R-20 113T M+S

Suspension (F/R): controls arms/live axleīrakes (F/R): 14.9-in vented disc/14.8-in vented disc Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve diesel V-6, iron block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection Ram doesn't offer the 1500 with a regular cab, though it does sell the prior generation truck, the 1500 Classic, with such a body style.įront-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup Both the five-foot-seven-inch and six-foot-four-inch cargo beds are available, but the extended cab body style only pairs with the latter. It also has vast amounts of interior storage and a unique split-folding tailgate. As with most full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500's crew cab is supremely spacious. Most models are available with upscale features such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the fanciest versions have premium leather surfaces and genuine wood accents. Higher trims add upscale materials and creature comforts, making the Ram feel more like a luxury vehicle than a pickup truck. Inside, the Ram 1500 has supremely functional cubby stowage and cavernous passenger space. For more information about the Ram 1500's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. That's 6 and 4 mpg better than a V-8 Rebel and a V-8 Laramie, which lacked electric-assist, we tested. A 1500 Rebel with the gas V-6 we tested returned 24 mpg on our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.

These top out at an EPA-estimated 23 and 20 mpg combined, respectively. With hybridized V-6 and V-8 engines, as well as a diesel option, the Ram 1500 lineup has varied fuel economy. Nonetheless, the more passenger-friendly 1500 crew cab can still tow north of 11,500 pounds. Rams with the crew cab body style-including the Rebel model-can't tow as much as those with the extended cab. Its maximum towing capacity exceeds all but the Ford F-150, which currently tops 13,000 pounds. The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2320 pounds.

Ram 1500 Gets a Rugged BackCountry Edition.Models equipped with air suspension even have an adjustable ride height, which aids fuel efficiency and off-road performance. Every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs or optional air springs, unlike the traditional leaf-spring setup found on domestic rivals. For adventurous folk, the rugged Rebel model provides beefier looks and legitimate off-road capability. Both engines are assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system, though the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is also available without the electric support. The Ram 1500 offers V-6 and V-8 gasoline powertrains that pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The only other options we'd recommend are the Safety and Convenience package (adaptive cruise, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist) and the Multifunction Tailgate, which also brings a spray-in bedliner. We'd also nab the 33-gallon fuel tank, which ought to noticeably improve the truck's driving range (a 26-gallon tank comes standard). As doing so requires either the Level 1 or Level 2 package, we think the latter's the way to go, as it includes items such as remote start, a 115-volt power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, and passive hands-free entry. We'd also add the available air suspension for its selectable ride height. We'd opt for the crew cab with four-wheel drive, and spend the money to get the V-8 over the standard V-6. Although the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX ( reviewed separately) diminishes the desirability of the Rebel, we still think it's the half-ton Ram to get.
