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 with a rare-for-the-class diesel engine. (The Nissan Titan XD also offers a diesel, but it’s not a true light-duty pickup truck. The Ford F-150 is slated to get a diesel later in the 2018 model year.) 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 offers a Tungsten appearance package for the top-line Limited trim, and Rebel models are now available with leather upholstery. The 8.4-inch infotainment system is updated with new features.

FUEL ECONOMY

In Consumer Guide® testing, a V6-powered 2WD Quad Cab averaged 19.3 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving; that compares to the EPA rating of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. With 4WD, the V6 is rated at 16/23. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 15/22 with two-wheel drive and 15/21 with 4-wheel drive. In Consumer Guide® testing, a Rebel 4WD Crew Cab with the Hemi averaged 14.1 mpg in 60-percent city driving. 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 also 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 decent fuel economy. And, the available diesel engine offers the best fuel economy in the class (at least until the Ford F-150’s 3.0-liter diesel V6 launches later in the 2018 model year). 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.

BASE PRICE RANGE $27,095 – $53,995
BODY STYLES Regular, Extended, And Crew Cab
AVAILABLE ENGINES 305-HP, 3.6-Liter V6; 395-HP, 5.7-Liter V8; 240-HP, 3.0-Liter Turbodiesel V6
DRIVE WHEELS Rear Or 4-Wheel Drive
BUILT IN USA
EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE 15-29 MPG

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