2023 Ram 1500

Pros

• A big, peaceful interior with a lot of tech features
• V6 and V8 electric engines
• The optional diesel engine can pull a lot of weight and get great gas mileage.
• Locking Ram Box storage bins that are built into the bed is an option.

Cons

• It could be better when it comes to towing technology.
• Technology for the driver is optional.
• There is no option for an entire hybrid powertrain to send power elsewhere.

What is the 1500’s speed? Our test car has a V8 engine and an eight-speed transmission. We might suggest this truck because of how well its parts go together. Most of the time, it is solid and straightforward to drive. In this way, there are many ways to compare the EcoDiesel powertrain, especially if you like the pulling power of a diesel engine.

But the Ram is more than just a reliable set of engine choices. The Ram models we tested were impressive because they were easy to steer, stopped well, and handled well. Even though it’s been over ten years since Ram switched from leaf springs to coil springs in the back, the change is still paying off.

What kind of comfort does 1500 have? Especially at higher trim levels, noise from the road and wind is almost impossible to hear. Even the sound of the V8 engine is quiet until you want to open it up. The Ram 1500 is good at handling different road bumps and doesn’t have the rough ride you might expect from a light-duty pickup.

Even on the basic Tradesman model, the front seats are made well enough to support and comfort you on long trips. Even the backrest of the bench in the back is at a good angle, and in higher models, it reclines a surprising amount. We also like how the Ram 1500’s temperature management system works well. Even if you choose three-across front seating, there are A/C vents in the middle of the back seats.

How is the interior? The cabin of the Ram 1500 crew cab is an excellent place to be. Each of the four doors has a robust and well-placed grab handle, and they all open wide to make getting in and out easy. The controls are easy to reach, and the driver has a good road view.

Every seat has enough room for a person’s head, legs, and shoulders. The Ram has more legroom and foot clearance in the back than its competitors and a large cabin. Even though the rearview mirror is small, Ram’s big windows and clever hood design make it easy to see everything around it.

How good is the tech? The optional 12-inch touchscreen is a beautiful addition to any car, even if you don’t need a pickup truck. It looks great and has a big map. The Uconnect, with navigation and an 8.4-inch screen, is another excellent entertainment system. Each has several USB and USB-C ports and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for smartphones. On the other hand, the 5-inch screen of the Tradesman does everything right.

Unfortunately, Ram does not come with any features that help the driver. Parking sensors, front collision prevention, and lane departure mitigation are only available on the Laramie and higher models. When turned on, adaptive cruise control does a great job of stopping the truck entirely. There is help with parking that is done automatically, and it works great.

How are storage and hauling coming along? In this class, two ratings are high, especially for diesel. Most Ram 1500 models can pull more than 11,000 pounds with a V8 or diesel engine, and some can hurt more than 12,000 pounds. Locking RamBox bins that can be added to the side of the vehicle can be used to store tools or haul equipment. A two-way tailgate that can open either in or out like a door is also an option.

The car’s ability to hold things inside is another strength. Its broad, versatile center console is highly adjustable. The Ram can be ordered with hidden storage spaces on the rear floor, under the back seats, or even in the back cushions. On higher-end cars, the back seat can be folded flat or split in half (60/40).

How well does it use gasoline? Depending on the engine and whether you choose rear- or four-wheel drive, the Ram’s combined city/highway fuel economy ranges from the high teens to the low 20s. The EcoDiesel V6 gets the best gas mileage. The EPA says that it gets 26 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive. The optional 33-gallon tank can go over 1,000 miles on the highway before it needs to be refueled. During 923 miles of testing with a diesel engine, our 4WD test truck got an average of 24.2 mpg fuel economy.

Is it wise to buy 1500? At first glance, the structure of the Ram 1500 feels and looks great, especially in the Big Horn, Laramie, and higher trim levels. But after some time in a long-term test truck, we found several broken parts, which showed that the quality needed to be higher than we had thought. Still, Ram’s price is reasonable.

Most of Ram’s engine choices don’t depend on the trim level, so if you want a fuel-efficient V6 in a well-equipped car, you don’t have to pay more for a bigger engine. On the other hand, you can buy the best diesel in vehicles like a Tradesman work truck. This is because its unique quality sets it apart from other diesel. Standard warranty coverage is all that will be offered, which is sometimes a good thing.

The Ram 1500 is a polished, innovative truck that drives differently than other trucks in its class. Part of this is that the rear suspension is independent, making the car fun to drive and giving it a smooth ride. Choosing the Rebel off-road version will make it more capable without giving up comfort.

The Ram 1500 used to be known for its big-rig look, but now it’s more stylish and better for the environment. You don’t have to like rigid trucks to do it. The inside of the Ram is sleek, makes sense, and gives off a sense of quality. This style comes from the outside. The 12-inch screen and the rear seat that can be tilted back are also classic features.

When this was written, Ram had yet to say about 2023 1500 officially. If something changes, we’ll change our recommendation, but based on 1500, the Laramie is still the best choice overall. There is a lot of standard equipment, powertrains, and other options to choose from.

The Ram 1500 cars

Seven standard trim levels are available for the Ram 1500: Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. There are two different types of cabs, crew, and quad. Both have a back seat and four doors, but the rear passengers in the quad cab have less room for their legs. All quad cabs have a long bed, but crew cabs can have either a short (5’7″) bed or a long bed (6 feet 4 inches).

Depending on the configuration and trim level, there are four engines to choose from. An automatic transmission with eight speeds drives the back wheels of each car. The Ram TRX is the only model that doesn’t have four-wheel drive as an option.