A Complete Review of the Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 (formerly known as the Dodge Ram 1500 until 2010) continues to be one of the highest-rated full-size pickup trucks. Known for its spacious, luxurious interior and comfortable ride, the Ram 1500 also has ample cargo and storage space. Let’s dive into our review.
- Ram 1500 Scorecard
- Pros & Cons of the Ram 1500
- Ram 1500 Interior Features
- Ram 1500 Performance Features
- Ram 1500 Safety Features
- How Does the Ram 1500 Rank?
- Ram 1500 Model Comparison
- Is the Ram 1500 a Good Truck?
- Should I Buy a Ram 1500?
- How Much Does a Ram 1500 Cost?
- Ram 1500 Insurance
- Ram 1500 vs. the Competition
Ram 1500 Scorecard
Here is our ranking for the Ram 1500. We chose these ratings when compared with other similar trucks.
- Interior – 9/10
- Performance – 8/10
- Safety – 9/10
- Reliability – 8.5/10
- Fuel Economy – 7/10
- Value – 9/10
- Overall – 9/10
Pros vs. Cons of the Ram 1500
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each model year.
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Source: U.S. News & World Report
Ram 1500 Interior Features
The interior features of a Ram 1500 will depend on the model and year. Features will also vary by trim level. This list highlights key interior features but is by no means exhaustive.
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Ram 1500 Performance Features
Engine
- 5.7L Hemi® V8 Engine with eTorque
- 5.7L Hemi® V8 Engine
- 3.6L Pentastar® V6 Engine with eTorque
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
- Supercharged 6.2l Hemi® V8 Engine
The 2020 Ram 1500 trims come with the same engine types.
Gas Mileage
Gas mileage depends on trim and engine type. Many of the recent models come with a standard engine, resulting in around 15-20 miles per gallon in a city and 21-25 miles per gallon on the highway.
Ride & Handling
The luxury-grade interior, innovative air suspension, built-in cargo-bed bins and split-folding tailgate give the Ram 1500 a modern vibe (and the extensive technology features don’t hurt). High-quality interior materials and ample passenger and cargo room make the Ram 1500 a comfortable ride. In fact, the 2020 Ram 1500 was rated the highest-quality truck or seats van by J.D. Power.
Tow Capacity
Recent models of the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lbs. and have a payload of up to 2,320 lbs. These numbers differ depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle. The extended quad cabs are able to pull more weight than the crew cabs.
The towing capacity differs based on engine and axle ration combinations. The larger engine (5.7L) and a higher axle ratio have some of the best towing specs. Some smaller engines such as the 3.6L with a lower axle ratio have a much lower towing spec.
There are many advanced accessories that will change the tow range, including hill-start assist, electronic roll mitigation, and electronic stability control/trailer sway.
Ram 1500 Safety Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the 2021, 2020, and 2019 Ram 1500 crew cab 5/5 for safety and the quad and classic 4/5. It rates all 2018 and 2017 models 4/5 stars for safety.
The Ram 1500 2021 safety features include:
- Electronic Roll-Mitigation
- Electronic Stability-Control
- Hill-Start Assist
- Low-Beam Daytime Running Headlamps
- ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera
- Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
- Tire-Fill Alert
- Traction-Control
- Trailer Sway Damping
- Advanced Multistage Front Air Bags
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with Trailer Detection
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Vehicle rating reports from the IIHS
How Does the Ram 1500 Rank?
The Ram 1500 has many notable awards. Here are a few highlights:
- The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX was ranked 2021 Truck of the Year by MotorTrend for the third year in a row.
- The 2020 Ram 1500 both won Green Truck of the Year™ by Green Car Journal for the second year in a row.
- The 2019 Ram 1500 also won the 2018 Automotive Excellence award for Truck of the Year by Popular Mechanics.
- The 2018 Ram 1500 won the Best Buy Award by Consumer Guide Automotive.
- The 2017 Ram 1500 ranks #3 in the Best 2017 Full Size Pickup Trucks from U.S. News & World Report.
Ram 1500 Model Comparison
Is the Ram 1500 a Good Truck?
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its refined, smooth ride. Although it doesn’t tow as much as its rivals, it has ample cargo space, and the comfortable, quality seats and luxury-feeling cabin rides like a car more than a traditional pickup truck. The Ram 1500 comes with a choice of engines and has ample technology and safety features.
Should I Buy a Ram 1500?
Before purchasing any vehicle, we recommend researching vehicles near you. It’s important to consider prices, features, car history, and more. We highly recommend getting a vehicle’s CarFax Vehicle History Report, which details mileage, previous ownership, and accident history. When it comes to the Ram 1500, there’s a reason why recent models top the Best Used Full Size Trucks $25K and up for 2022 list from U.S. News & World Report.
How Much Does a Ram 1500 Cost?
The cost of a Ram 1500 depends on the year, model, trim, mileage, features packages, condition of the vehicle, and more. A pre-owned Ram 1500 can range from $25,000 to $95,000 because of the model year, trim, mileage, and engine options.
Ram 1500 Insurance
The insurance cost of a Ram 1500 will vary, and be influenced by factors such as:
- Driver’s age, gender, and marital status
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Where the vehicle is parked
- Annual mileage
- Driving record
- State requirements
- Credit history
- Vehicle’s safety features
- Type of insurance coverage
- Deductible amount
- Available discounts
According to QuoteInspector, the average insurance rate for a Ram 1500 is $125 per month or $1,508 annually. A liability-only policy for a driver around 40 can range from $518 to $3,220, depending on risk factors. A 16-year-old driver’s insurance will be over $5,574 a year.
Ram 1500 vs. the Competition
How does the Ram 1500 stand up to the competition? Let’s find out:
Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150
The Ram 1500 outranks the Ford F-150 in terms of trim options and fuel economy. The Ram 1500 ranked third among large light-duty pickups in the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, while the F-150 did not make the list. Although the Ram 1500 can be more expensive than the Ford-150, it has numerous comfort and safety features that are included and the Ford F-150 doesn’t.
Ram 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado
The Ram 1500 slightly outranks the Chevy Silverado, coming in with scores of 86/100 and 83/100 respectively. It performed better in every ranking category, except for safety, where it was not ranked. It’s also noted that the Ram 1500 has a smoother drive and a more comfortable, roomy cabin. The Ram 1500 has a notably large rear cab that has plenty of leg and headroom, which can make it slightly harder to park and drive through traffic. The Ram has a better towing capacity and a better V6 engine fuel economy. While the Chevy Silverado kept its rugged exterior, the Ram 1500 has opted for a softer, more modern look.
Find Your Ram 1500 with Merchants Auto
If you’re considering a pre-owned Ram 1500, we can help! Merchants Auto is the largest pre-owned dealership in New Hampshire, with hundreds of vehicles to choose from— including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, fuel-efficient models, compact cars, and work vans. Ready to get started? View our Used Ram 1500 Inventory now!