The current-generation Ram was introduced in 2019 here at Landmark Dodge of Morrow, as the passing years have deepened our appreciation for this capable full-size pickup. The Ram lineup can claim a thorough offering of something for everyone, as you can choose from the vinyl upholstery on the Tradesman up to the hellaciously-power-rich 702-horsepower TRX. Every truck is rock-solid proof that Ram is on a sturdy and very solid mission to put a hefty dent into Ford and GM’s domestic truck market share.
The Ram is known for its slightly bucking tradition as it rides on four-corner air springs that can lower the body at speed or be raised to offer off-road-ready clearance. The cabin is available with quilted leather-upholstered seats, which are also heated and ventilated for optimal comfort. Any Ram owner with a challenging day of loading or unloading can vouch for the awesome addition of the multifunction tailgate, which is hinged both horizontally and vertically. At every inch, the Ram embraces ideas that aren’t aligned with traditional pickup qualities.
The Ram 1500 secured its spot on Car and Driver’s “10Best” list by performing just as a truck is expected to every day. The lockable RamBox bins are excellent places to keep tools out of sight, and it can tow over 12,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 5.7-liter V8 cranks out 395 horsepower and is one of the crucial components of the formula that has allowed for snagging up this esteemed honor every year since it was introduced. This is especially impressive for a truck that is already getting a full overhaul for next year, bringing turbocharged inline sixes, and all-electric versions, and the convenience of hands-free driving assist.
Even though the rivaling Toyota Tundra also made the switch to Coral Springs recently, it still does not come close to offering the consistent and very smooth ride that the Ram 1500 dishes out daily. Inside the cabin now glistens ideally for the holidays with nicer materials in every trim, with higher trim levels setting the bar with all-out luxury touches. The trail and jagged-root-ready Tradesman Warlock now joins the lineup, and the entire Ram 1500 roster gains a new tailgate ajar warning.
The Longhorn trim offers eye-catching color schemes and unique styling elements such as the Longhorn emblem uniquely branded into real wood trim. Model-specific features such as the very useful vertically oriented touch screen and the ventilated reclining back seat make this trim stand out as one of the most luxurious pickups ever built. As the Autoblog team set out on a lengthy test drive of the incoming model, they remark that the rich gray cloth upholstery in a Big Horn trim model made for a far more upscale environment than what is found in a competing Ford F-150 XLT trim level.
Driver expectations have risen significantly over the past few years regarding onboard technology, and even the base-level Tradesman comes equipped with a 5-inch touchscreen and three USB ports. The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen on upper-level trims comes scorching off the lot ready to please and inspire, boasting one of the most user-friendly interfaces out there. The top four trims up the ante even further with the highly coveted 12-inch vertical touchscreen. The shining and massively capable star at the top of the lineup is the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8, braving sleet and snow to deliver notice from the Polar Express with 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque!