2020 Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 received a complete makeover for the 2019 model year, taking the competition by surprise. It wowed with a Tesla-esque 12-inch touchscreen, a mild hybrid system on its V6 and V8 engines and a slew of advanced driver assistance tech like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. It can also haul a segment topping 12,750 pounds when equipped with its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, which is designed for towing and delivers 480 pound-feet of torque. Depending on trim (there are eight, not including the new for 2021 Ram 1500 TRX off-road monster) the Ram can serve as a refined daily driver, rugged weekend warrior or hardy workhorse.

Recognizing the need for more workable, daily-driven tools, truck makers started to inject civility into the hearty pickup trucks. The Ram 1500 eventually gained independent suspension in 2002, but ongoing improvements have made the big bruiser drive like it’s a plush supersized sedan, not a high-riding pickup. Interior improvements complement the dynamic gains, offering a quiet, comfortable cabin that suits the soothing qualities of the mellow ride.

There’s no shortage of engine options with the latest Ram 1500, ranging from a torquey diesel all the way to a torquey Hemi V8. But another surprise comes in the form of fuel economy, with even the hot-rodded 5.7-liter Hemi V8 yielding EPA-estimated 15 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. The mild-hybrid version of that engine achieves 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Incidentally, the turbodiesel V6 can achieve 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway— not bad for a hulking pickup.

The Ram 1500 can be optioned for virtually all creature comforts, including a massive Tesla-like 12-inch screen that offers plenty of real estate for multitasking. There are a few surprise and delight features, like the RamBox which flips open on either side of the bed and can accommodate enough ice and beverage for legitimate tailgating. A variety of tailgate and truck bed options also make it easy to load and haul stuff, while the optional adaptive air suspension ensures a smooth, level ride.

The real differentiator, however, becomes apparent after spending a day in the Ram. Thanks to its torquey engine options, chassis refinements and a remarkably smooth coil spring suspension, the Ram manages to feel more like a regular car on stilts than a big honking bruiser. Coupled with up to 33 gallons of fuel capacity, the Ram 1500 becomes an unlikely (but highly accommodating) road trip companion. 

The evolution of the Dodge Ram 1500 is not only a great sign for fans of the brand seeking a more usable, enjoyable pickup, it’s a harbinger of positive things to come for the truck industry as a whole. If this level of innovation continues, the lines between luxury and utility will become all but completely blurry.