RAM's all-purpose truck, the 1500 delivers the capability and character you expect in a full-size American pickup. You also get uncommonly smooth on-road performance, a refined interior, and a huge selection of trims and special packages.
What's New for 2017
Additional standard features have been added to several trim levels. All models receive a more sensitive cabin air filter.
Choosing Your RAM 1500
Like its competitors, the 1500 comes in multiple configurations. The two-door Regular Cab seats three and is available with either a 6-foot-4-inch or 8-foot bed. The Quad Cab comes only with a 6-foot-4-inch bed and features narrow, front-hinged rear doors and a full-length backseat. The Crew Cab offers full-size rear doors and more rear legroom, along with your choice of a 5-foot-7-inch or 6-foot-4-inch bed.
5-foot-7-inch bed | 6-foot-4-inch bed | 8-foot bed | |
Regular Cab | N/A | X | X |
Quad Cab | N/A | X | N/A |
Crew Cab | X | X | N/A |
The standard 3.6-liter V6 produces 305 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Next up is a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, which comes with a six- or eight-speed automatic depending on the trim level. For enhanced efficiency, RAM also offers a 3-liter turbodiesel V6 with 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, matched to an eight-speed automatic. Buyers who want four-wheel drive can choose a conventional part-time system or one with an automatic four-wheel-drive mode. Both systems feature low-range gearing. With the eight-speed automatic, gear selections are made using a dash-mounted rotary knob instead of a shift lever.
The V6 RAM 1500 can tow up to 7,610 pounds, and turbodiesel models top out at 9,210. The V8 offers the most pulling capability at 10,640 pounds.
The 1500 is available in no less than a dozen trim levels:
Comes sparsely equipped with vinyl seats, rubber floor covering, air conditioning, cruise control, 17-inch steel wheels, and a basic six-speaker sound system. Quad and Crew models also get standard power windows. A cloth interior and full carpeting can be added to any model. All three engines are available. The V8 comes standard with a six-speed automatic; the eight-speed unit is optional.
Builds on the Tradesman with standard carpeting and cloth upholstery, foglamps, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and body-color bumpers and grille. The Express is not available with the diesel V6.
Comes in Regular or Quad style with the 6-foot-4-inch bed and rear-wheel drive. You have a choice of the gasoline or diesel V6, but no V8. In the interest of economy, the HFE is equipped with automatic engine stop-start (exclusive to this trim), a bed cover, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Power window and locks are also standard.
Spruces up the 1500 with chrome exterior trim, center and overhead consoles, dual glove boxes, keyless entry, and RAM's Uconnect infotainment system with satellite radio and Bluetooth phone and audio. Quad and Crew models also get a rear backlight and a power-sliding rear window. V8 models come standard with the eight-speed automatic starting at this level.
Gets upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver seat, and a household-style power outlet. The Lone Star is available in Texas only.
Like the Lone Star, but with standard automatic climate control and different badging.
Comes equipped for adventure with standard four-wheel drive, heavy-duty shocks, all-terrain tires, skids plates, a larger fuel tank, tow hooks, and rubber floor mats. Other equipment includes front bucket seats, remote start, auto-dimming side mirrors, and an upgraded version of Uconnect. The Outdoorsman is available in Quad and Crew configurations only.
Comes exclusively with the V8 engine, plus heated front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and LED interior lighting, The exterior gets 20-inch wheels, body-color trim, and LED accent lighting. The Regular Cab model, dubbed Sport R/T, gets 22-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, performance gearing, a unique hood and grille treatment, and a seven-speaker audio system.
Combines the off-road features of the Outdoorsman with the performance upgrades of the Sport R/T (including the V8), and then adds a power passenger seat and unique cloth and vinyl upholstery. The Rebel comes as a Crew Cab only.
Available in Quad and Crew forms, the Laramie focuses on luxury with ventilated front seats upholstered in leather, driver memory, two-tone paint, heated mirrors, woodgrain and chrome interior trim, and an 10-speaker surround-sound system. All three engines are available.
Adds upgraded leather upholstery (front and rear), a wood-trimmed steering wheel, navigation, HD radio, and front and rear parking sensor. The bed features LED lighting and a spray-in liner. The Longhorn comes only as a Crew Cab with your choice of the V8 engine or turbodiesel V6.
Builds on the Longhorn with even plusher leather upholstery, heated rear seats, automatic high beams and wipers, smartkey access and ignition, and a self-leveling air suspension. The monochromatic exterior gets it own chrome grille and tailgate trim.
Individual options for most models include a sunroof, a rear defogger, and weather proof bedside bins known as the RamBox cargo system.
The SLT strikes the right balance of comfort and affordability in our view. It's a sharp-looking truck that doesn't overdose on bling or require you to make costly upgrades. And you can configure it just about any way you want.