2016 Ram 1500 Best Buy Review

IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:

It offers an unbeatable ride/handling combination along with a high level of refinement, classy interiors, and some unique features. Furthermore, the V6 engine is no slouch, and has very respectable EPA fuel-economy ratings too.

BUT…

It doesn’t have the maximum towing or payload capacities of some rivals, and the optional diesel engine is pricey.

WORTH NOTING:

The Ram 1500 is available a class-exclusive diesel engine. Also exclusive is the RamBox system: large, handy, lockable cargo bins built into the top edges of the cargo-bed walls. Full-time 4WD is offered (in place of part-time 4WD) starting in mid-level models.

WHAT IS IT?

The Ram 1500 was called the Dodge Ram 1500 until a few years ago, when then-parent-company Chrysler Group broke off “Ram” as its truck brand. This half-ton pickup is available in regular cab, extended cab (called Quad Cab), and crew cab body styles; both the extended cab and crew cab have conventional front-hinged rear doors. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that’s offered in a wide range of models, while a 5.7-liter V8 and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 are also available.

WHAT’S NEW?

The Ram 1500 lineup added two new trim levels midway through the 2015 model year: the luxurious, line-topping Laramie Limited, and the aggressively styled, off-road-oriented Rebel. Four limited-edition “buzz” models based on the Sport model (and finished in bright colors with special trim) are added for 2016. All 2016 Ram 1500s have minor frame and body fortifications for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) small front overlap crash test.

FUEL ECONOMY

In Consumer Guide® testing, a V6-powered Quad Cab averaged 19.3 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving; that compares to the EPA rating of 17 city/25 highway. In 2-wheel-drive form, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 14/20 with a 6-speed automatic, 15/22 with the available 8-speed. With 4-wheel drive, those numbers drop to 13/19 and 15/21, respectively. Ram recommends mid-grade 89-octane gas for the 5.7 V8, but it can run on regular as well, which is what’s recommended for the 3.6 V6. The 3.0 diesel V6 is rated at 20/28 with rear-wheel drive and 19/27 with 4-wheel drive. In Consumer Guide® testing, a 4WD Laramie Limited Crew Cab with the diesel V6 averaged an impressive 23.7 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Ram offers 2WD HFE (High Fuel Economy) versions of the 3.6 V6 and the 3.0 diesel V6, which are rated at 18/25 and 21/29, respectively.

VALUE IN CLASS

The Ram 1500 is really tough to beat for regular street driving. It rides better than most any other pickup, has a high level of refinement and features, and the base V6—which is plenty of engine for most uses—offers laudable fuel economy. And, the available diesel engine offers the best fuel economy in the class. The Ram 1500 also offers a wide choice of trim levels, from workhorse, to street cruiser, to luxury liner. Even if you’re a die-hard loyalist to another brand, you still owe it to yourself to check out these outstanding trucks.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500
GMC Sierra 1500