Ram 1500
2019-2024
The Ram 1500 redefines what a pickup truck can be, combining genuine work capability with luxury car comfort. Its smooth ride quality and refined interior make it equally at home hauling a boat or serving as a family vehicle. The truck strikes an ideal balance between rugged functionality and everyday refinement.
Quick Take
The fifth-generation Ram 1500 represents a complete redesign with improved ride quality, interior refinement, and fuel efficiency. Available with multiple engine options including mild-hybrid eTorque system and the powerful HEMI V8. Features best-in-class ride comfort and advanced technology integration.
Best For
Key Strength
Premium Interior Experience
Watch For
Fuel Economy Penalty
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Building on Ram's split from Dodge in 2010, the DT generation represents decades of pickup truck evolution. Ram has consistently focused on ride comfort and interior luxury as differentiators in the competitive full-size truck segment. This generation continues the brand's tradition of prioritizing driver and passenger comfort.
Design Philosophy
Ram's design philosophy centers on creating the most comfortable and refined pickup truck experience possible. The exterior features bold, masculine styling with functional aerodynamic improvements. Interior design emphasizes premium materials, intuitive technology integration, and spacious comfort for both work and family use.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The 5.7L HEMI V8 delivers classic American V8 character with smooth, linear power delivery and distinctive exhaust note. The available eTorque mild-hybrid system adds seamless torque fill and improved fuel economy without sacrificing the HEMI's personality. The engine provides confident towing capability with refined on-road manners.
Chassis Dynamics
The Ram 1500's sophisticated suspension system delivers car-like ride quality while maintaining truck capability. Available air suspension automatically adjusts for load and driving conditions, providing excellent comfort and handling balance. The truck feels composed and controlled in all driving situations, from city streets to highway cruising.
Sound Signature
The HEMI V8 produces a satisfying rumble that's well-controlled and refined. Excellent cabin insulation keeps road and wind noise to minimum levels for the segment.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The Ram 1500 sets the benchmark for pickup truck interiors with genuine leather, premium materials, and the massive 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen. The attention to detail and build quality rivals luxury SUVs rather than traditional work trucks.
The available air suspension and coil-spring rear setup deliver car-like comfort that's unmatched in the full-size truck segment. Highway cruising is serene and composed, making long drives genuinely enjoyable.
With properly equipped models achieving 12,750-pound towing capacity, the Ram 1500 combines serious capability with advanced trailer management systems. The integrated brake controller and trailer reverse steering assist make heavy-duty towing accessible to average drivers.
Honest Tradeoffs
Even the mild-hybrid eTorque system can't mask the Ram's thirst for fuel, with real-world MPG often falling short of EPA estimates. The weight penalty from luxury features compounds this issue across all engine options.
Despite the TRX's impressive desert running capability, standard Ram 1500s lag behind Ford Raptor and Chevy Trail Boss in serious off-road scenarios. Ground clearance and approach angles are adequate but not exceptional.
Electrical gremlins, transmission issues, and air suspension problems have plagued some model years. While not universal, these issues can be expensive and frustrating for owners expecting Toyota-level dependability.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for buyers who want full-size truck capability without sacrificing daily comfort and refinement. Appeals to those who use their truck for both work and family duties, valuing ride quality and interior luxury.