2021 Ram 1500

Pros: Impressive ride, handling, and quietness for a large pickup truck; excellent 8-speed transmission; Crew Cab’s cavernous interior

Cons: Hemi V8’s thirst; high step-in complicates entry and exit

CG Says: The 2021 Ram 1500 adds a new high-performance TRX powered by a 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Ram claims the TRX is the most powerful production pickup truck and can accelerate 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The 4WD TRX is aimed at the Ford F-150 Raptor and has off-road tires and suspension. Production of the TRX Launch Edition is limited to 702 units. The regular 1500 range adds standard full-speed collision warning to Laramie, Rebel, Longhorn, and Limited. The optional Trailering Package now includes Trailer Reverse Steering that allows the truck to be steered by a knob while backing a trailer. A new head-up instrument display is available and pedestrian detection is now included with Advanced Safety Group. The Ram 1500 half-ton pickup was redesigned for 2019 and is offered as a Quad Cab (an extended cab with abbreviated rear doors) and Crew Cab (a full 4-door cab with full-length rear doors) styles. Ram is available with a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and “eTorque” mild-hybrid versions of both the Hemi and a 305-hp 3.6-liter V6. The eTorque system uses a 48-volt motor/generator in place of a traditional 12-volt alternator to provide quick start/stop capability and a bit of increased low-end torque for better acceleration, as well as improved fuel economy. There is also a turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 with 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and as before, part-time and full-time 4-wheel drive systems are available. Available comfort and convenience features include heated/ventilated front and rear seats, parallel park assist, surround-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, power-adjustable pedals, panoramic sunroof, and power release tailgate with hand-swipe feature. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, front and rear obstacle detection with automatic braking when in reverse, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive headlights, and adaptive cruise control. The Ram 1500 has long been a Consumer Guide favorite, and this new generation is an impressive revamp of an old favorite. Ram’s unique coil-spring rear suspension provides an exceptionally smooth ride and composed handling for a pickup. The Hemi engine is as powerful as ever, but its fuel economy is still subpar even by large-pickup standards; although the V6 does better and the diesel engine is better still. Even with a thirsty Hemi, the Ram 1500 is an outstanding truck that deserves a look.