2017 Ram 1500 Review: Comfortable and Capable
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Surprisingly luxurious and refined, the Ram 1500 is fully capable of doing dirty work when duty calls, but it also produces among the most comfortable rides in the class. The Ram doesn’t beat you up like most trucks, thanks to a unique coil-spring rear suspension. And interior and powertrain improvements have made it a well-rounded choice.
All Rams come with an efficient, slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Most have the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which delivers seamless power and 15 mpg overall. A 3.6-liter V6 is standard, aiding fuel economy and a significant savings over the Hemi. It does an admirable job motivating this big truck, as long as your towing needs are modest.
Most recently, Ram was on the cutting edge in offering a turbodiesel engine for a half-ton truck. While the available 3.0-liter diesel V6 gives up some payload and acceleration compared to the V8, it dishes up tons of welcome torque for merging, passing, or towing. We measured 20 mpg overall—the best fuel economy of any full-sized pickup.
Why Buy One
Impressively refined yet can still handle truck chores
Excellent powertrains, with slick eight-speed transmission
Diesel’s 20 mpg overall leads class
Coil-spring rear suspension makes ride comfortable
Super-roomy and quiet crew cab
Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system
Why Not Buy One
It’s a huge climb into the cabin
Heavy tailgate lacks an assist feature, and no steps for climbing into the bed
Awkward to park in tight spaces
V8 fuel economy is thirsty
Diesel engine is expensive option
Well-below-average reliability
Best Version to Get
Note that different axle ratios can change the tow rating by thousands of pounds. The 5.7-liter V8 has the highest tow ratings and fastest acceleration. The diesel’s fuel economy costs $4,000 more. Get the backup camera, power driver’s seat, and Uconnect 8.4 system.
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