The Ram 1500 comes in no less than six different trim levels; however, drivetrain choices are pretty straightforward. All models are available in either 2-wheel drive or 4x4 configuration with an 8-speed automatic as the only transmission choice. The base engine is a 3.6L V6, making 305 horsepower. Ram's eTorque mild hybrid system is standard on this engine, providing start/stop technology and short-term torque assist when needed. The alternative is the return of the 3.0L Ecodiesel engine providing a hefty 480-pound feet of torque and 260 horsepower. For drivers that need a V8, a 5.7L Hemi engine available that makes 395 horsepower. Ram's eTorque system is optional on this engine, though opting for it will add up to 130 lb-ft of torque when needed. The eTorque system adds about $800 to the price of the truck.
The most basic Ram 1500 is the Tradesman trim. Intended mostly as a work truck, the Tradesman does without a fancy grill or exterior chrome accents. Instead, it makes do with power door locks and windows, remote keyless access, a rear-view backup camera and of course, a Uconnect system with a 5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth streaming audio.
The Big Horn Edition adds about $4,000 to the Tradesman, but makes the truck far more livable for the daily driver than just as a work truck. The Big Horn comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls on it; exterior chrome work in the grill, bumpers and door handles; fog lamps and in-floor storage should buyers opt for the crew cab.
The next step up is the Laramie, which is where things start to take a turn towards the luxurious. The Laramie comes with a nicer Uconnect system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch driver information digital gauge cluster, heated and ventilated front seats with 12-way adjustments and a memory function and an alpine stereo with nine speakers.
The Rebel trim goes for sporty over luxurious and gets a unique, aggressive front grill along with blacked out exterior accents. It looks far meaner than any other trim level. Standard on the Rebel are LED headlamps, taillights and fog lamps, an electronically locking rear differential, 33-inch tires, tow hooks, an assisted tailgate, a power sliding rear window and the 12-way adjustable seats from the Laramie. Of note, the Rebel is only available with a short bed should buyers opt for the bigger crew cab.
The Laramie Longhorn is only available with a crew cab, but can have either a short or a long bed. It combines much of the Laramie features with LED projector headlamps, slick looking 20-inch wheels, leather seats, side steps and a wood trimmed interior.
Top-of-the-line Limited editions come with a huge 12-inch touchscreen, powered running boards, a blind spot monitoring system, active air suspension, a wireless charging pad and more. It also has an available 19-speaker harman/kardon sound system, which Ram claims is the most powerful stereo in its class.
After an extensive re-design last year, the 2020 Dodge Ram looks to add even more value with the return of its 3.0L EcoDiesel engine boasting a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque. Also new this year is the return of Night Edition Big Horn and Laramie models while the off-road orientated Rebel now includes a power liftgate, heated rear seats and a 12-way adjustable driver's seat. Rebels also can be equipped with the Driver Assistance package offering adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.
The Ram 1500 starts well below $32,000 and offers an incredibly capable vehicle for that price. However, it can also be optioned up until it essentially becomes a luxury vehicle. And it's not just options, the new Ram rides well, is quiet inside and when featured correctly, feels every bit the luxury car when compared to your average Lexus or BMW. But it's also capable of towing up to 12,750 lbs with a maximum payload weight of 2,300 lbs. The new Ram weighs over 200 lbs less than the previous generation, while achieving a striking drag coefficient of just 0.357, so fuel economy lands at an impressive combined figure of 21mpg.
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