Ram1500

　　

2023 Ram 1500 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The Ram 1500 has been one of our highest-rated full-size pickup trucks for the past decade or so. The reasons why are many but include an upscale interior, a surprisingly comfortable ride quality and, of course, the utility you might expect from a large pickup truck. And much like other full-size trucks, the Ram 1500 is available in a bewildering array configurations and can be dressed up or dressed down to suit the needs of its buyer.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $37,410 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $40,160 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $41,260 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,455 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $44,010 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $47,305 MSRPHFE 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,050 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $42,625 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $45,375 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,475 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $48,670 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $49,225 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,520 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $42,625 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $45,375 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,475 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $48,670 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $49,225 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,520 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,625 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $55,920 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $56,475 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,770 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $53,440 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $57,290 MSRPLimited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,385 MSRPLimited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $62,680 MSRPLimited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $63,235 MSRPLimited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $66,530 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $63,800 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $64,100 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $67,650 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $67,950 MSRPTRX 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) - $84,355 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　The Ram 1500 can also get as dirty as you dare thanks to the TRX, a no-holds-barred off-road monster. Aimed squarely at the Ford Raptor (T. rex vs. Raptor — get it?) the TRX boasts a hysterical 702-horsepower supercharged V8, suspension designed for high-speed desert running and enough creature comforts to almost make you forget you're barely getting 10 miles to the gallon.

　　No doubt you're familiar with the Ram's closest rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150. All three of these trucks offer similar levels of power, capability, technology and customization. Toyota's back with its recently redesigned Tundra, too. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to see if the Ram 1500 has what it takes to earn a spot in your garage.

　　

What's it like to live with?

One reason we're such big fans of the Ram 1500 is that we bought one and lived with it for two years and more than 35,000 miles. The crew-cab short-bed Laramie's 5.7-liter V8 utterly guzzled gas, but aside from an unusual number of minor recalls, the 2019 Ram 1500 proved comfortable, capable and trouble-free. Get all of the details in our Ram 1500 long-term test.

　　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. The same can largely be said for the EcoDiesel powertrain — especially if you appreciate the pulling power of diesel torque.

　　But there's much more to the Ram than solid powertrain choices. 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 A/C vents even if you get three-across front seating.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below