2023 Ram 1500
Overview
The current-generation Ram 1500 debuted in 2019. (Its predecessor, however, continues on as the Ram 1500 Classic.) Since then, the full-size pickup truck segment has seen updated entries from the likes of Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and Toyota. And yet, not one of the Ram’s rivals steals its crown. The Ram 1500 is the best driving and most comfortable pickup of the group. Three powertrain options fill its engine roster with a 260-hp diesel-drinking turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, a 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6, and a 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8, all of which use an eight-speed automatic transmission. For even more firepower, seek the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX, reviewed separately. Ram’s split-folding tailgate and lockable bed cargo boxes are just the top of the iceberg when it comes to this half-ton’s cleverness. Ram also offers the 1500 with a giant 12.0-inch infotainment screen for those really looking to show off. With an impressive 12,750-pound max tow rating and a heavy bias for luxury, the Ram 1500 is our favorite full-size pickup available today.
What’s New for 2023?
This marks the last year Ram will offer the 1500 with an available diesel V-6. New for 2023 is the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) limited-edition trim. Part of Ram’s Built to Serve lineup, the EMS edition honors first-responder heroes with special design cues and United States flag decals on the bedsides. Available in Hydro Blue or Bright White paint, the 1500 EMS comes with a blacked-out front fascia and grille, Technical Gray 20-inch aluminum wheels, and black exhaust tips. Inside, the EMS edition gets special front seat décor. The Ram 1500 EMS comes standard with the 4×4 Off-Road Group equipment package, which includes tow hooks, a handful of underbody skid plates, and an electronic-locking rear differential.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Although the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX (reviewed separately) diminishes the desirability of the Rebel, we still think it’s the half-ton Ram to get. We’d opt for the crew cab with four-wheel drive, and spend the money to get the V-8 over the standard V-6. We’d also add the available air suspension for its selectable ride height. As doing so requires either the Level 1 or Level 2 package, we think the latter’s the way to go, as it includes items such as remote start, a 115-volt power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, and passive hands-free entry. We’d also nab the 33-gallon fuel tank, which ought to noticeably improve the truck’s driving range (a 26-gallon tank comes standard). The only other options we’d recommend are the Safety and Convenience package (adaptive cruise, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist) and the Multifunction Tailgate, which also brings a spray-in bedliner.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Ram 1500 offers V-6 and V-8 gasoline powertrains that pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system, though the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is also available without the electric support. A diesel is also available for 2023, though Ram intends to stop production of this engine in January 2023. Until then, the 260-hp diesel V-6 is available under the hoods of 1500 Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited trims. For adventurous folk, the rugged Rebel model provides beefier looks and legitimate off-road capability. Every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs or optional air springs, unlike the traditional leaf-spring setup found on domestic rivals. Models equipped with air suspension even have an adjustable ride height, which aids fuel efficiency and off-road performance.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2320 pounds. Its maximum towing capacity exceeds all but the Ford F-150, which currently tops 13,000 pounds. Rams with the crew cab body style—including the Rebel model—as those with the extended cab. Nonetheless, the more passenger-friendly 1500 can still tow north of 11,500 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With hybridized V-6 and V-8 engines, as well as a diesel option, the Ram 1500 lineup has varied fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the most efficient Ram, the rear-drive diesel, nabs a combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg. The gas V-6 and V-8, meanwhile, top out at 23 and 20 mpg combined, respectively. A 1500 Rebel with the gas V-6 we tested returned 24 mpg on our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. That’s 6 and 4 mpg better than a V-8 Rebel and a V-8 Laramie, which lacked electric assist, we tested. For more information about the Ram 1500’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Ram 1500 has supremely functional cubby stowage and cavernous passenger space. Higher trims add upscale materials and creature comforts that make the Ram feel more like a luxury vehicle than a pickup truck. Most models are available with upscale features such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the fanciest versions have premium leather surfaces and genuine wood accents. As with most full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500’s crew cab is supremely spacious. It also has vast amounts of interior storage and a unique split-folding tailgate. Both the five-foot-seven-inch and six-foot-four-inch cargo beds are available, but the extended cab body style only pairs with the latter. Ram doesn’t offer the 1500 with a regular cab, though it does sell the prior generation truck, the 1500 Classic, with such a body style.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ram trucks have had one of the best infotainment systems and connectivity features in the class for a while. That continues in the latest trucks, which have either a responsive 8.4-inch or an optional 12.0-inch touchscreen that is available on all but the base Ram model. Too bad we experienced a lot of glitches with the huge display during the course of our 40,000-mile long-term test. Both systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, and even the larger touchscreen includes a handful of redundant knobs and buttons.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Ram 1500 has a host of available driver-assistance technology that range from automated emergency braking to lane-keeping assist. For more information about the Ram 1500’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Available automatic high-beams headlights Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ram has a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is only eclipsed by the Nissan Titan’s lengthier coverage. Likewise, the half-ton Sierra and Silverado as well as the Toyota Tundra offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel 4×4 Crew Cab
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE AS TESTED
$67,530 (base price: $63,655)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve diesel V-6, iron block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
182 cu in, 2987 cc
Power
260 hp @ 3600 rpm
Torque
480 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): controls arms/live axle
Brakes (F/R): 14.9-in vented disc/14.8-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza, 275/55R-20 113T M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 144.6 in
Length: 232.9 in
Width: 82.1 in
Height: 77.6 in
Passenger volume: 126 cu ft
Curb weight: 5734 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 7.7 sec
100 mph: 24.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec
¼-mile: 15.9 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 108 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.75 g
*stability-control-inhibited
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 25 mpg
Highway range: 650 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 24/21/29 mpg
More Features and Specs
