2015 Ram 1500

Pros: Available turbodiesel V6 engine; excellent 8-speed transmission; impressive ride, handling, and quietness for a large pickup truck

Cons: Maximum payload and towing capacities don’t match some rivals; fuel economy with 5.7-liter Hemi V8; high step-in complicates entry and exit

CG Says: The Ram 1500 sees no significant changes for 2015, after adding an available V6 diesel engine for 2014. When Chrysler redesigned the Ram 1500 back in 2009, the company transformed its big rig from an also-ran to class leading. A steady stream of improvements in subsequent years has kept this pickup feeling fresh. The available Hemi V8 engine is potent, but the entry 3.6-liter V6 is no slouch either. The latter motor also delivers excellent fuel economy for a large pickup, and the optional turbodiesel V6 promises even better efficiency. Whether you want a workhorse in the Tradesman, a street cruiser in the R/T, an off-roader in the Outdoorsman, or a luxury liner in the Laramie Longhorn, the Ram 1500 has something to satisfy most any recreational and/or commercial need. Even if you’re a die-hard loyalist to another brand, you still owe it to yourself to check out these outstanding trucks. They might well win you over.

The Facts
Class Large Pickup Truck
Body Style(s) pickup truck
Passenger Count 3 or 6
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Manufacturer Ram
Nation of Manufacture USA, Mexico
Base Prices (only select models listed)
Tradesman/Express Reg. Cab, 120 in. WB: $25,410
SLT Reg. Cab, 140 in. WB: $30,335
Sport Quad Cab, 140 in. WB: $38,840
Laramie 4×4 Crew Cab, 149 in. WB: $46,075
Longhorn 4×4 Crew Cab, 149 in. WB: $50,380

Base Engine
3.6-liter V6
Horsepower
305
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
16-18
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
23-25

Optional Engine
5.7-liter V8
Horsepower
395
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
8-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
13-15
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
19-22

Optional Engine
3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
Horsepower
240
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
19-20
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
27-28

2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
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