2024 Ram 1500 Quad Cab

　　

2024 Ram 1500 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Full-size pickup trucks are the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., making this segment one of the most competitive. The 2024 Ram 1500 is one of the best choices in the class, with plenty of models to choose from and a unique rear suspension design that results in a very comfortable ride. This year, the Ram 1500 loses its more fuel-efficient diesel engine option but you can still have the stout V8 that can tow up to 12,750 pounds. Bigger changes seem to be in store for next year when an all-electric variant debuts alongside a rumored full lineup redesign.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Ram 1500 Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for 1500 Tradesman

　　1500 Tradesman

　　Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $38,570 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $41,320 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $42,420 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $44,615 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $45,170 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $48,465 MSRPHFE 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $40,210 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,785 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,535 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $47,635 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $49,830 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $50,385 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $53,680 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,785 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,535 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $47,635 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $49,830 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $50,385 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $53,680 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $53,785 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $57,080 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $57,635 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $60,930 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $54,600 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $58,450 MSRPLimited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $60,545 MSRPLimited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $63,840 MSRPLimited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $64,395 MSRPLimited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $67,690 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $64,960 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $65,260 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $68,810 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $69,110 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Ride quality

In 2009, the full-size Ram pickup (still under the Dodge banner at the time) made a bold move away from a traditional leaf-spring rear suspension in favor of a more modern coil-spring setup. The old leaf springs may have been inexpensive and durable, but ride quality suffered, especially when the bed was unloaded or traveling over choppy roads. The new coil springs deliver a noticeably smoother ride and improve off-road performance. Fifteen years later, the 2024 Ram 1500 remains the only truck in the class with this suspension and it's one of the main reasons why it deserves consideration.

　　

Competitors to consider

The 2024 Ram 1500 ranks a close second to the Ford F-150. They're close enough that personal preference could legitimately decide between them, though the F-150's available hybrid powertrain is more efficient and versatile. Toyota's recently redesigned Tundra is also a worthy alternative, but its roster is much smaller, leaving you with fewer midrange trim choices. The Ram's advantage is most noticeable against the Chevrolet Silverado's ride quality and in other areas that we point out in our Expert Rating.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the 1500 drive? Our test truck had the V8 engine and the eight-speed transmission. They work so well together that we could recommend this truck on that basis alone. It's strong and it's easy to drive in just about every situation. We've tested many Ram configurations, and they all impress us with their steady steering, confident braking and secure handling. Ram's decade-old decision to walk away from leaf springs and switch to a coil-spring rear suspension continues to pay dividends.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the 1500? Wind and road noise is minimal, particularly in higher trim levels. Even the rumbling V8 provides only a soothing soundtrack unless you decide to open it up. The Ram 1500 expertly soaks up varying road imperfections and does it without the rough ride you'd normally expect from a light-duty pickup.

　　The front seats are nicely shaped to provide comfort and support over long distances, and that's even true of the entry-level Tradesman. Even the rear bench has an agreeable backrest angle, and it reclines a surprising amount in higher trims. We also like the Ram 1500's effective climate control system, which offers rear center air-conditioning vents even if you get three-across front seating.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below