Automakers keep finding metals to name trim levels after, among the latest being a luxurious Limited Tungsten Edition treatment that counts as one of a handful of additions to the 2018 Ram 1500.
That's the most significant change for the latest version of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' full-size pickup, whose bold, in-your-face design is surely responsible for its position as one of Canada's best-selling vehicles.
Other updates include: an appearance upgrade for the Sport trim; Rebel models can now be ordered with premium leather-faced seating and all trucks get a switch mounted in the cargo bed to turn on the bed lighting.
FCA's Uconnect infotainment interface gains Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, as well as smartphone-like pinch-to-zoom functionality and better screen resolution, and FCA says the Ram 1500's wi-fi hotspot now provides faster and more reliable connections to up to eight mobile devices.
There's also a new suite of SiriusXM features called Guardian, Travel Link and Traffic Plus, designed to do things like summon roadside assistance, plan road trips and show traffic information.
Once again, the Ram 1500 comes with a choice of three engines, including a 3.6L V6 that makes 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque; a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 good for 240 hp and 420 lb-ft and a 5.7L V8 capable of 395 hp and 410 lb-ft.
Two- and four-wheel drivetrains are available; both V6 engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 gets a six-speed.
As has become customary in pickups, the Ram 1500 is available in a vast array of configurations that includes regular, quad and crew cabs, three bed lengths and 11 trim levels.
The Ram 1500 is unique among full-size pickups for a coil-spring rear suspension the manufacturer says provides better ride and handling than the leaf springs more common in the class, while allowing for a tow capacity up to 4,826 kg. Other towing and payload related options include an integrated Class IV hitch receiver with tow/haul mode and trailer sway control, and a class-exclusive air suspension.
Standard features in the entry-level ST model include air conditioning, cruise control, six-speaker stereo, 17-inch steel wheels and heated and power-adjustable side mirrors. SXT trim adds aluminum wheels, carpeting and floor mats, keyless entry, chrome bumpers and satellite radio, and the SLT gains chrome door handles, Bluetooth, overhead console, compass and exterior temperature display and Uconnect infotainment with five-inch display. ST, SXT and SLT can all be had in regular, quad and crew cab configurations.
Outdoorsman and Big Horn models both build on the SLT: the former adds an anti-spin rear differential, black door handles, body-colour grille, rubber floor mats, skid plates, tow hooks and fog lights; the latter brings an upgraded gauge cluster with customizable seven-inch display, chrome exterior trim, power-folding side mirrors, dual exhaust tips, garage door opener, cargo bed, glove box and underhood lighting, tow hooks, fog lights and 20-inch wheels. Sport trim builds on the Big Horn, adding a 115-volt power outlet, 20-inch wheels, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, auto-dimming driver's side mirror, rotary gear shift, LED interior lighting, 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar, projector headlights and 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. Outdoorsman, Big Horn and Sport models are offered in quad and crew cab body styles.
Rebel trim comes in crew cab form and brings black 17-inch wheels, air suspension, heavy-duty shocks, black badging, Class IV hitch receiver, heated steering wheel, LED taillights, six-way power front passenger seat and front seat heating.
Laramie models (quad or crew cab) get a 10-speaker stereo, 20-inch wheels, automatic climate control, dual auto-dimming side mirrors, ventilated front seats, woodgrain interior accents, rear park assist, backup camera and power-adjustable pedals.
Laramie Longhorn trim adds a chrome billet grille, leather-lidded centre console, full-size spare tire, heated rear seats, two-tone paint, high-back front bucket seats, pickup box lighting, remote engine start, spray-in bedliner, tow hooks and navigation. Laramie Limited models gain chrome side steps, passive keyless entry, upgraded interior trim, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams and a rear window defroster.
Tungsten trim adds front and indigo-hued front seats, what Ram claims is the truck segment's first suede headliner and genuine wood trim. On the outside, there's a sport hood, body-colour trim pieces and tungsten chrome tailgate lettering. Other standard kit includes air suspension, remote start, power-adjustable pedals and ventilated front seats.
