Half-Ton or Heavy Duty, RAM Sets the Bar High
Ram has fought hard to earn and maintain its impressive rank in the competitive half-ton pick-up truck segment. Setting the bar in driving dynamics, the definition of what a generously appointed interior should be, and pushing the limits of fuel efficiency and ride quality has kept Ram on the heels of the best-selling Ford F-150 and kept both competitors striving for more year after year.
One of Ram’s secret weapons in the 1500 battle is its class-exclusive rear coil air suspension that gives it its smooth ride and superior efficiency but also makes it capable off-road—something that’s essential to almost all of the trucks and SUVs in the FCA family. Load-leveling and entry/exit convenience are other benefits afforded by the signature suspension system. Combine that with an all-steel frame and new damping shocks and it’s truly as comfortable to ride in as a luxury car. Oh but that doesn’t mean it’s not all trucks! Our tester sported the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with the optional e-torque mild hybrid system that improves the fuel efficiency (to 17/22) and smoothness of the engine stop-start system. Putting out 395 hp and 410 lb.ft. of torque it is rated to tow 11,320 pounds.
Enticing the target market that it’s going after with clever packaging and marketing messages is another of Ram’s hallmarks. Our Lone Star Crew Cab 4×4 sported a sleek, modern appearance with new front fascia and 20” black wheels against the Red Flame exterior. Its raised hood with HEMI emblems assures that everyone recognizes that it’s a monster, while its dual exhaust also looks and sounds great. Inside, Ram has spoiled us with the quality of materials, comfortable seats, easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system, clever storage solutions, and an impressive list of standard options. Even the second-row seats offer eight degrees of slide recline, were heated and cooled atop a flat-load floor. Tune in the country music and let’s go on a road trip across Texas in style!
If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty truck, jump up to the 2500 Ram and that coil-spring suspension delivers ride quality unheard of among heavy duties. There is no compromise on Ram’s beautiful fit and finish here. either. This means that you can get a heavy-duty vehicle with comforts and luxuries just as impressive as the brute power and capability. 2020 Ram 2500 models feature more high-strength steel in the frame and aluminum body panels to reduce weight and improve fuel economy while increasing towing and hauling capabilities.
If off-roading is in your blood, and a payload of 1,660 and 10,300 tow capacity is sufficient, you can have the superlative there, too. We were fortunate to test Ram’s Power Wagon with the 6.4-liter V8 HEMI engine, the undisputed ruler among off-road heavy-duty trucks. Ford’s Tremor is a new contender in a category that the Power Wagon solely captured to date, but this time, it will be Ram that’s the one to catch up to. The Power Wagon’s main advantage lies in the fact that It comes standard with serious off-road hardware included– locking front and rear differentials and an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar that can be activated from inside the cab, 33-inch tall tires, a factory-installed 12,000 pounds rated winch, and hill descent control.
Ram’s design and engineering team deserve a pat on the back, and they’re getting it in the form of sales and awards!
