History/Overview
Big pickups are big business, so the Ram 1500 is this Stellantis brand’s most important model. It was last redesigned in 2019.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
New this year, all Ram 1500 models get a rear seat reminder and an LED hitch light; the glove box gets a bacteria-killing UV light. A Limited Elite package adds a bunch of high-end interior features, and the (RAM)RED Edition is back to help raise funds for health emergencies. There’s also a new available 12-inch digital gauge cluster.
Available Trims
Ram offers the 1500 in Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, and TRX trims. Tradesman, HFE, and Big Horn start with a 3.6L V6 engine, while Sport through Limited get a 5.7L V8, both of which can be optioned with a mild hybrid eTorque system; and TRX uses a supercharged 6.2L V8. A 3.0L diesel V6 is an option in Rebel through Limited models. All engines come with an eight-speed transmission; rear- and four-wheel drive are available depending on trim.
Standard Features
Tradesman and HFE come with a 5-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio. Big Horn gains electronic on-demand 4WD. Sport gets a 10-speaker stereo, forward collision mitigation, and a 12-inch touchscreen.
Rebel reverts to the six-speaker sound system and adds lane departure warning.
Laramie gains back the 10-speaker stereo and adds an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Longhorn gets navigation and front/rear parking sensors with auto reverse braking. Limited gains air suspension and a 12-inch touchscreen.
Finally, TRX adds launch control and LED headlights/taillights/fog lights.
Beyond that, it’s all options all the time, some of which we detail below.
Key Options
There are chrome appearance groups for Tradesman and Laramie trims, a sport appearance group for Laramie, and a night edition pack for Sport, Rebel, and Laramie.
Tradesman offers a level 1 group of a power sliding rear window, bench front seat, in-floor storage, and satellite radio.
Sport and Rebel can be fitted with a Rebel 12 group of the 12-inch touchscreen, a 19-speaker stereo, and leather upholstery.
The Big Horn level 1 group adds an auto-dimming mirror, power-folding side mirrors, garage remote, power-adjustable pedals, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, CD player, a power driver’s seat, and a hitch receiver. A level 2 pack brings heated seats/steering wheel, dual-zone A/C, two 120-volt power outlets, a dampened tailgate, and a 7-inch gauge display.
A Rebel level 1 group is similar to the Big Horn level 2 pack, while a level 2 bundle adds remote start, keyless entry, an alarm, front and rear park assist, dual-zone A/C, and a 120-volt power outlet.
The Sport level 1 option brings rain-sensing wipers, power driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, and a 120-volt outlet.
Laramie level 1 adds automatic high beams, a passenger-side auto-dimming mirror, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert with trailer coverage; and a power tailgate release. Laramie level 2 gets navigation, wireless phone charging, an upgraded stereo, and heated rear seats.
Longhorn level 1 models build on Laramie level 2 with ventilated seats, 12-inch touchscreen, and power running boards.
Limited level 1 is a safety-centric pack with adaptive cruise, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, surround-view cameras, automatic high beams, park assist, 12-inch touchscreen, and rear-seat ventilation.
There are two TRX packages that add a raft of upscale items.
An advanced safety group for Sport, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited and TRX adds adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, head-up display, lane departure warning, pedestrian protection, surround-view cameras, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and park assist. An advanced tech group for Big Horn and higher trims bundles a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and LED cargo lighting.
Fuel Economy
Ram’s fuel consumption estimates start at 11.1/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for diesel 4x4 models.
The thriftiest gas trucks are 3.6L eTorque models, rated at 11.9/9.4 L/100 km with RWD, and 12.1/9.7 L/100 km with AWD.
5.7L eTorque estimates are 13.0/10.0 L/100 km with RWD and 13.5/10.5 L/100 km with 4WD; without eTorque, the 5.7L/4WD combo is rated for 16.1/11.0 L/100 km.
Finally, the TRX’s ratings are 22.4/16.5 L/100 km.
Competition
Ram sets up the 1500 to compete against the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, and GMC Sierra 1500. The niche Ram 1500 TRX is an analog to the Ford F-150 Raptor.
