The Ram 1500 comes in no less than six different trim levels; however, drivetrain choices are pretty straightforward. All models are available in either 2-wheel drive or 4x4 configuration with an 8-speed automatic as the only transmission choice. The base engine is a 3.6L V6, making 305 horsepower. Ram's eTorque mild hybrid system is standard on this engine, providing start/stop technology and short-term torque assist when needed. The alternative is the return of the 3.0L Ecodiesel engine providing a hefty 480-pound feet of torque and 260 horsepower. For drivers that need a V8, a 5.7L Hemi engine available that makes 395 horsepower. Ram's eTorque system is optional on this engine, though opting for it will add up to 130 lb-ft of torque when needed.
The most basic Ram 1500 is the Tradesman trim. Intended mostly as a work truck, the Tradesman does without a fancy grill or exterior chrome accents. Instead, it makes do with power door locks and windows, remote keyless access, a rear-view backup camera and of course, a Uconnect system with a 5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth streaming audio.
The Rebel trim goes for sporty over luxurious and gets a unique, aggressive front grill along with blacked out exterior accents. It looks far meaner than any other trim level. Standard on the Rebel are LED headlamps, taillights and fog lamps, an electronically locking rear differential, 33-inch tires, tow hooks, an assisted tailgate, a power sliding rear window and the 12-way adjustable seats from the Laramie. Of note, the Rebel is only available with a short bed should buyers opt for the bigger crew cab.
The Big Horn Edition adds on to the Tradesman and makes the truck far more livable for the daily driver than just as a work truck. The Big Horn comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls on it; exterior chrome work in the grill, bumpers and door handles; fog lamps and in-floor storage should buyers opt for the crew cab.
The next step up is the Laramie, which is where things start to take a turn towards the luxurious. The Laramie comes with a nicer Uconnect system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch driver information digital gauge cluster, heated and ventilated front seats with power seat adjustments and a memory function and a 506-watt alpine stereo with ten speakers.
The Laramie Longhorn is only available with a crew cab, but can have either a short or a long bed. It combines much of the Laramie features with LED projector headlamps, slick looking 20-inch wheels, leather seats, side steps and a wood trimmed interior.
Top-of-the-line Limited editions come with a huge 12-inch touchscreen, powered running boards, active noise cancellation, a blind spot monitoring system, active air suspension, a wireless charging pad and more. It also has an available 19-speaker harman/kardon sound system, which Ram claims is the most powerful stereo in its class.
New for 2021, is the high-performance and off-road capable Dodge Ram 1500 TRX. This high-performance truck comes with not only the popular 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine from the Hellcat but comes with a slew off-road unique features for the brand such as paddle shifters performance pages, launch control, unique interior VIN placard and beefier all-terrain tires.
Futuristic Styling
Aerodynamic Body
Large Towing Capacity
Off-road Ability, Refined Interior, Newly Introduced High-performance Model
For 2021, the Ram returns mostly unchanged except for the introduction of the high-performance Ram 150 TRX. This highly anticipated model comes with the popular Hellcat engine and can generate 702-horsepower, all while being fully capable off-road. The rest of the Ram line-up also receives some upgrades for off-roading and hauling, along with some new tech. A special Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition.
The Ram is priced very competitively for all spectrums of the market, it offers an incredibly capable vehicle for the price. However, it can also be optioned up until it essentially becomes a luxury vehicle. And it's not just options, the new Ram rides well, is quiet inside and when featured correctly, feels every bit the luxury car when compared to your average Lexus or BMW. But it's also capable of towing up to 12,750 lbs with a maximum payload weight of 2,300 lbs. The Ram weighs over 200 lbs less than the previous generation, while achieving a striking drag coefficient of just 0.357, so fuel economy lands at an impressive combined figure of 21 mpg.
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