The current generation Ram 1500 debuted in 2019. (Its predecessor, however, continues to exist as the Ram 1500 Classic.) Since then, the full-size pickup segment has seen updates at Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and Toyota. Yet only the Ram earns a spot in the ranking of the 10 best trucks and SUVs of 2023. The Ram 1500 is the best and most comfortable pickup in this group. Three powertrain options fill its engine list: a 260-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V-6, a 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6, and a 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8, all of which work with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For even more power, check out the 702bhp Ram 1500 TRX, which is sold separately. Folding trunk doors and a lockable cargo box are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the smart design of this half-ton truck. Ram also offers the 1500 with a large 12.0-inch infotainment screen for those who really want to prove themselves. With an impressive maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and great luxury, the Ram 1500 is our favorite full-size pick-up to date.
What's new for 2023?
This is the last year Ram will offer the 1500 with the affordable V-6 diesel engine. New for 2023 is a limited edition Emergency Medical Services (EMS) package. Part of Ram's "Built to Serve" lineup, the EMS version pays tribute to first aid heroes with a special design and a United States flag decal on the side of the bed. The 1500 EMS is available in bright blue or white and features a darkened front fascia and grille, 20-inch aluminum wheels in Technical Gray and black exhaust tips. Inside, the EMS version has special decorations on the front seats. The Ram 1500 EMS comes with a 4x4 Off-Road Group equipment package that includes a tow hook, some anti-slip pads on the underbody and an electronically locking rear differential.
Although the 702bhp Ram 1500 TRX (considered separately) detracts from the Rebel's appeal, we still consider it a half-ton Ram worth buying. We'd opt for the all-wheel-drive cabin and spend the money to get the V-8 rather than the standard V-6. We'd also add the available air suspension with a choice of ride heights. Since this requires either the Level 1 or Level 2 package, we think we'd rather opt for the latter since it includes items like remote engine start, a 115-volt socket, front and rear parking sensors, gas pedal, and hands-free passive access. We would also buy the 33-gallon fuel tank, which would increase the range of the truck noticeably (a 26-gallon tank is standard). The only other options we recommend are the Safety and Convenience package (adaptive cruise, automatic spotlights, lane control system) and a multi-functional tailgate that also includes spray bed varnish.
Engine, transmission and performance
The Ram 1500 offers the V-6 and V-8 gasoline engines combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are backed by a 48-volt hybrid system, although a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine is also available without electric support. Diesel engines are also available in 2023, although Ram intends to cease production of these engines in January 2023. Until then, a 260-hp V-6 diesel engine is available under the hood of the 1500 Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited. For adventurers, the rugged Rebel model provides a more rugged appearance and legitimate off-road capability. All Ram 1500s have an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that utilizes standard coil springs or optional air springs, as opposed to the traditional leaf spring setup found on domestic competitors. Models equipped with air suspension even feature adjustable ride height, contributing to fuel economy and off-road performance.
Towing and payload capacity
The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2,320 pounds. Its maximum towing capacity exceeds all other trucks except the Ford F-150, which currently stands at 13,000 pounds. Trucks with crew cab bodies - including the Rebel model - can't tow as much as those with extended cabs. Despite this, the more passenger-friendly 1500 with a double cab can still tow up to 11,500 pounds.
Real-world fuel economy and MPG
With hybrid V-6 and V-8 engines, as well as diesel options, the Ram 1500 series has varying fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the most efficient Ram, a rear-drive diesel, gets a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg. The V-6 and V-8 gas engines, meanwhile, achieve 23 and 20 mpg, respectively. A 1500 Rebel with a V-6 gas engine that we tested gave 24 mpg on a route with real-world fuel economy of 75 miles per hour, which is part of our extensive testing program. That's 6 and 4 mpg better than the V-8 Rebel and V-8 Laramie, which have no electric assist, that we tested. You can get more information about the Ram 1500's fuel economy on the EPA's website.
Interior, comfort, and cargo
Inside, the Ram 1500 has highly functional storage space and ample passenger space. Higher trims add high-end materials and great comfort, making the Ram feel more like a luxury car than a pickup truck. Most models can be had with high-end features like heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the most luxurious versions have premium leather surfaces and real wood accents. Like most full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500 crew cab is very spacious. It also has plenty of interior storage space and a unique folding tailgate. Five-foot-seven-inch and six-foot-four-inch cargo beds are available, but the extended cab body style is only paired with the latter. Ram does not offer the 1500 with a regular cab, although it does sell the previous-generation truck, the 1500 Classic, with such a body style.
Infotainment and connectivity
Ram trucks have had one of the best-in-class infotainment and connectivity systems for some time. This continues in the latest trucks, which feature a responsive 8.4-inch or optional 12.0-inch touchscreen, available on all but the base Ram model. It's unfortunate that during our 40,000-mile long-term test we experienced many problems with the large screen. Both systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even the larger touchscreen contains a handful of unnecessary buttons and dials.
Safety and driver assistance features
The Ram 1500 has many available driver-assistive technologies, from automatic emergency braking to lane-keeping assist. For more information on the Ram 1500's crash test results, visit the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) websites. Key safety features include:
Available blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Available automatic high-beam headlights
Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and maintenance coverage
The Ram has a competitive limited warranty and powertrain coverage, surpassed only by the Nissan Titan's longer warranty. Similarly, the half-ton Sierra and Silverado, as well as the Toyota Tundra, offer free scheduled maintenance.
The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles.
The engine warranty covers five years or 50,000 miles.
No free scheduled maintenance