2018 Ram 1500 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What’s new

　　The 2018 Ram 1500 will be available in a top-level Limited Tungsten edition and a mid-tier Harvest edition. Rebel models can be ordered with leather interior, while a rearview camera is standard on all models. Ram has also updated the 8.4-inch infotainment system with new functionality this year. The 2018 1500 also has a new HFE trim level and expanded availability of the 3.0-liter diesel engine.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Though the 2018 Ram 1500 is one of the oldest designs on sale in the segment, it's easy to make the case that the Ram is still our favorite light-duty pickup. One of the primary reasons is the Ram's smooth ride, which is best in class. It comes about from the Ram's class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension and available self-leveling air suspension.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$184/mo  for 1500 Tradesman

　　1500 Tradesman

　　Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $27,095 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $27,095 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $30,895 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,695 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,695 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $33,295 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $33,995 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,495 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,995 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $37,595 MSRPExpress 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $28,395 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,895 MSRPExpress 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,995 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,195 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,495 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,895 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,195 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,495 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,945 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,695 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,995 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,595 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,645 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $39,595 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,195 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $43,195 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,495 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,795 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,645 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,995 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,295 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,295 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,345 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $40,295 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,895 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $43,895 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $33,495 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $33,795 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,645 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,995 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,295 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,295 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,345 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $42,295 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $43,895 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $45,895 MSRPSport 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $36,895 MSRPSport 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,595 MSRPSport 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,895 MSRPSport 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,795 MSRPSport 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,195 MSRPSport 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $42,795 MSRPSport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,395 MSRPSport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $46,395 MSRPHarvest 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,210 MSRPHarvest 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,860 MSRPHarvest 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,910 MSRPHarvest 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $41,860 MSRPHarvest 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $43,460 MSRPHarvest 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $45,460 MSRPNight 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $37,290 MSRPNight 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,990 MSRPNight 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,290 MSRPNight 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,190 MSRPNight 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,590 MSRPNight 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,790 MSRPNight 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $46,790 MSRPHFE 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $37,895 MSRPLone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,195 MSRPLone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $41,195 MSRPLone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,795 MSRPLone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $44,795 MSRPLaramie 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,145 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,145 MSRPLaramie 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $43,645 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $44,045 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $45,645 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $47,645 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $45,295 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $47,395 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $50,095 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $50,395 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $53,595 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $53,995 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $53,295 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $53,595 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $56,795 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $57,195 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　But that's not all we like. Another Ram strength is its excellent engine lineup. Although the Ram comes in below the class-leading towing numbers by a few hundred pounds, it's still abundantly capable. Its standard engine is a strong but efficient V6, and there's also an optional V8 with plenty of towing power and a turbocharged diesel V6 that returns excellent fuel economy in the class.

　　Once you've picked an engine, several variants are available for the Ram, from the bare-bones Tradesman to the top-of-the-line Limited and even the off-road-ready Rebel. The Ram also boasts a modern interior, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and lots of opportunity for even more customization.

　　Of course, competing trucks aren't exactly slouches. But even as the old guy of the group, the Ram is still standing strong.

　　Notably, we picked the 2018 Ram 1500 (including the Ram 1500 Diesel) as one of zzdcar' Best Pickup Trucks for 2018.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.4 / 10

　　The 2018 Ram 1500's unique coil-spring rear suspension gives it a smooth ride without compromising on hauling or towing capability. Distinctive variants such as the Rebel and Night edition appeal to those who use their truck just as much for recreation as for work.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our drive of the Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab (turbo 3.0L V6 diesel | 8-speed automatic | 4WD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2014, the current Ram 1500 has received some revisions, primarily around a new infotainment system and updates to trims and packages. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Ram 1500.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.4 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.5

　　

Driving

8.5

　　The diesel's strong suit is torque (it has only 240 hp), so the strength of this powertrain shines brightest when it's towing or hauling. Combine that with the excellent steering and handling of the Ram 1500 chassis, and you've got a winner.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　The Ram 1500 diesel won't win many drag races. It takes 9 seconds to get to 60 mph. But that's not the point. Its immense torque (420 lb-ft) gives it a huge advantage when towing, hauling or climbing grades.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　Our test truck stopped from 60 mph in 135 feet, similar to other trucks with all-season tires. The pedal feels reassuring, but it isn't overly abrupt — a good trait when towing or hauling.

　　

Steering

9.0

　　The steering has a nice, direct feel and linearity. There's a crisp and predictable response with good feedback, even with a heavy load. The Ram 1500 goes arrow-straight down the highway, too. The top of the pickup class.

　　

Handling

9.0

　　Body roll is reined in nicely. Good cornering stability, even when the trailer is wagging in the wind. Credit the coil-spring rear suspension's lateral link for that.

　　

Drivability

9.5

　　Shifting is nearly imperceptible with the eight-speed automatic. The rpm jumps are small, and the diesel has more than enough torque to bridge the gaps. About as good as it gets for trucks.

　　

Off-road

　　The EcoDiesel's smooth torque delivery and long range are pluses when you want to get away from it all. Its standard coil-spring suspension provides good articulation, so the wheels can always get power through its locking differentials.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　Optional air springs take the edge off the ride when the truck's unladen, but even the standard coil springs beat the competition. The cabin is admirably quiet compared to other pickups, and the rear half of the crew cab is every bit as pleasant as the front.

　　

Seat comfort

8.5

　　The seats are supportive and well-shaped; we never tired of them, even after extended periods. That statement applies equally to the crew cab's rear seats.

　　

Ride comfort

9.0

　　The standard rear coil springs (versus the typical leaf) on the Ram 1500 allow for the substitution of air springs all around. Our truck had this groundbreaking option, which makes for a plush ride over broken ground.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.5

　　Road and wind noise levels are admirably restrained. The diesel does emit a bit of signature noise when accelerating, but it quiets down when cruising at steady speeds.

　　

Climate control

　　The Ram 1500 is available with dual-zone automatic climate control. And it is easy to use, with the temperature information requiring just a glance at the screen.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　Excellent ergonomics and front cabin airiness. The capable Uconnect infotainment system practically explains itself. The crew cab provides excellent rear seat space, more than enough for full-grown adults to settle in for long trips.

　　

Ease of use

9.0

　　The air-conditioning and touchscreen radio controls are as good as any, and the driving position is comfy. The steering wheel buttons are small, but they call up an amazing array of data.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　The front seat access is good, partially thanks to handy grab handles on the front roof pillars. The wide-opening rear doors offer similar handles. The only issue is the 4x4 cab height, but all competing trucks share this basic trait.

　　

Roominess

8.5

　　The front cabin is open, and the styling makes the dash feel airy, not monolithic. The crew cab's rear seat offers no-compromise full-size accommodations. Everyone onboard is a winner.

　　

Visibility

8.0

　　Visibility out the front and to the sides is quite good. The large mirrors help. The crew cab's longer rear windows aid blind-spot visibility. The optional backup camera on our truck is well worth the cost.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　Exterior gaps and paint quality are good. Inside, solid materials and design choices give off a premium vibe. The quietness suggests there's no scrimping in unseen places.

　　

Utility

8.5

　　The EcoDiesel's approximate 9,000-pound tow rating isn't tops but is still quite stout. And it burns far less fuel, towing or not. The range is unmatched. In the cabin, there are generously sized storage pockets in all four doors. The rear seat bottoms fold up to reveal a flat surface.

　　

Technology

　　Ram's standard audio system doesn't support much in terms of smartphone connectivity, but opt for the 8.4-inch system and you get complete integration with Android or Apple smartphones.

　　

Which 1500 does zzdcar recommend?

　　Thanks to buyer demand, trucks can be everything from economical to luxurious. Getting one that best suits your wants and needs is paramount, and the 2018 Ram 1500 gives you a broad range of options. We'd have to go with the Rebel, thanks to its off-road performance and street comfort. Just make sure to throw in the Protection and Luxury packages

　　

2018 Ram 1500 models

　　The 2018 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup available in multiple body styles and bed lengths and with three engine options. The regular cab (two doors) can seat three and is available with either a standard bed (6 feet 4 inches) or an extended bed (8 feet). The Quad Cab (four doors) can seat six and comes only with the standard bed. The crew cab (also four doors, but bigger rear doors) increases rear-seat legroom and is available with either a short bed (5 feet 7 inches) or the standard bed.

　　There are 11 standard trim levels: Tradesman, HFE EcoDiesel, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, Sport, Night,, Lone Star Silver, Laramie, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn and Limited. A variety of special-edition models exist, one of which is the Harvest.

　　Most trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 (305 hp, 269 lb-ft), while Rebel, Laramie Longhorn and Limited variants come standard with a 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft). For fans of diesel torque, a 3.0-liter diesel V6 (240 hp, 420 lb-ft) will also be available on all but Express, Night and Rebel trims (delayed availability). Of course, the V8 is optional on all Ram 1500s, save for the HFE trim. And all three engines are paired with an eight-speed transmission and can be had in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

　　The Tradesman is the workhorse of the lineup, with minimal luxury accoutrements and amenities. Just about all of its exterior parts that aren't metal are black, but it does come with a Class IV hitch receiver, a spray-in bedliner and cruise control. Like the Tradesman, the Express is also a worker's truck, but it deletes the hitch and bedliner (they are offered as options) and adds body-colored exterior trim, carpeting and 20-inch wheels. Both have the most flexibility with bed and cab configurations and come standard with the V6.

　　The HFE EcoDiesel is a work truck that's outfitted with the 3.0-liter diesel engine and is intended to be the fuel economy standout of the lineup. It's available only in a Quad Cab configuration and comes with few features and fewer options.

　　But trucks just aren't about working, so the Big Horn (called Lone Star in Texas) adds more features such as a 110-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system dubbed Uconnect Access. Upgraded cloth seating with a power-adjustable driver's seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel round things out.

　　Sport and Night models are similar and bring a street-truck flair to the lineup with 20-inch wheels, bucket seats, projector headlights, LED interior lighting and adjustable pedals. While Sport models have body-colored exterior pieces, Night models are in black, with black wheels to match. Regular-cab, rear-wheel-drive Sport models are referred to as the R/T and come with 22-inch wheels, a sport hood and a blacked-out grille with R/T badging.

　　New-for-2018 Harvest trims are available in two unique colors and have additional ground clearance, all-terrain tires, black tubular side steps, skid plates and tow hooks, and a unique chrome grille as well as chrome bumpers and exterior trim.

　　The Laramie is similar to the Big Horn but also has auto-dimming mirrors, wood trim, heated and ventilated leather front seats with driver-seat memory settings, and a 10-speaker audio system.

　　The Laramie Longhorn (crew-cab V8 only) is the perfect blend of luxury and work truck. Added features include keyless entry and ignition, remote start, front and rear parking sensors, wood interior trim, upgraded leather upholstery and a navigation system.

　　At the top of the range, the Limited is only available with the V8 and adds monotone paint schemes, side-step bars, automatic windshield wipers, automatic high beams, a self-leveling air suspension and even fancier stitched leather upholstery.

　　The Ram is also available in an off-road-oriented variant called the Rebel. On the outside, you'll find features similar to those on the Sport R/T, but the Rebel has 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, black fender flares, Bilstein shock absorbers, tow hooks, LED foglights and keyless entry. The Rebel's interior is similar to that of the Sport, though with a few more features.

　　

2018 1500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabQuad CabDieselCrew Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanExpressSLT FleetLone StarLone Star SilverHarvestBig HornSportNightLaramieRebelLonghornLimitedTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$33,295
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	10,220 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles