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2023 Ram 1500

Starting at $39,305

10/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2023 ram 1500 limited
Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
10/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Lavish interior, handles and rides well, handsome styling.
  • Lows Can get needlessly expensive, rivals can tow more, no regular-cab option.
  • Verdict The Ram 1500 impresses as a half-ton pickup not based on sheer capability alone, but also by how comfortable and impressive it is off the job site.
By Austin Irwin and Eric Stafford

Overview

The current-generation Ram 1500 debuted in 2019. (Its predecessor, however, continues on as the Ram 1500 Classic.) Since then, the full-size pickup truck segment has seen updated entries from Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and Toyota. And yet, only the Ram celebrates a spot on our 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2023. The Ram 1500 is the best driving and most comfortable pickup of the group. Three powertrain options fill its engine roster: a 260-hp diesel-drinking turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, a 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6, and a 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8, all of which use an eight-speed automatic transmission. For even more firepower, seek the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX, reviewed separately. Ram's split-folding tailgate and lockable bed cargo boxes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this half-ton's cleverness. Ram also offers the 1500 with a giant 12.0-inch infotainment screen for those really looking to show off. With an impressive 12,750-pound max tow rating and a heavy bias for luxury, the Ram 1500 is our favorite full-size pickup available today.

preview for 2023 Ram 1500: Car and Driver 10Best

Where This Vehicle Ranks

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1

Ram 1500

STARTING AT: $39,305
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2

Ram 1500 TRX

STARTING AT: $86,450
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3

Ford F-150

STARTING AT: $35,680
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4

Ford F-150 Raptor

STARTING AT: $78,480
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5

GMC Sierra 1500

STARTING AT: $37,445
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6

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

STARTING AT: $36,645

What's New for 2023?

This marks the last year Ram will offer the 1500 with an available diesel V-6. New for 2023 is the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) limited-edition trim. Part of Ram's Built to Serve lineup, the EMS edition honors first-responder heroes with special design cues and United States flag decals on the bedsides. Available in Hydro Blue or Bright White paint, the 1500 EMS comes with a blacked-out front fascia and grille, Technical Gray 20-inch aluminum wheels, and black exhaust tips. Inside, the EMS edition gets special front-seat décor. The Ram 1500 EMS comes standard with the 4x4 Off-Road Group equipment package, which includes tow hooks, a handful of underbody skid plates, and an electronic-locking rear differential.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

    Although the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX (reviewed separately) diminishes the desirability of the Rebel, we still think it's the half-ton Ram to get. We'd opt for the crew cab with four-wheel drive, and spend the money to get the V-8 over the standard V-6. We'd also add the available air suspension for its selectable ride height. As doing so requires either the Level 1 or Level 2 package, we think the latter's the way to go, as it includes items such as remote start, a 115-volt power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, and passive hands-free entry. We'd also nab the 33-gallon fuel tank, which ought to noticeably improve the truck's driving range (a 26-gallon tank comes standard). The only other options we'd recommend are the Safety and Convenience package (adaptive cruise, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist) and the Multifunction Tailgate, which also brings a spray-in bedliner.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    The Ram 1500 offers V-6 and V-8 gasoline powertrains that pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system, though the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is also available without the electric support. A diesel is also available for 2023, though Ram intends to stop production of this engine in January 2023. Until then, the 260-hp diesel V-6 is available under the hoods of 1500 Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited trims. For adventurous folk, the rugged Rebel model provides beefier looks and legitimate off-road capability. Every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs or optional air springs, unlike the traditional leaf-spring setup found on domestic rivals. Models equipped with air suspension even have an adjustable ride height, which aids fuel efficiency and off-road performance.

    2023 ram 1500 limitedView Photos
    Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

      Towing and Payload Capacity

      The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2320 pounds. Its maximum towing capacity exceeds all but the Ford F-150, which currently tops 13,000 pounds. Rams with the crew cab body style—including the Rebel model—can't tow as much as those with the extended cab. Nonetheless, the more passenger-friendly 1500 crew cab can still tow north of 11,500 pounds.

      Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

      With hybridized V-6 and V-8 engines, as well as a diesel option, the Ram 1500 lineup has varied fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the most efficient Ram, the rear-drive diesel, nabs a combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg. The gas V-6 and V-8, meanwhile, top out at 23 and 20 mpg combined, respectively. A 1500 Rebel with the gas V-6 we tested returned 24 mpg on our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. That's 6 and 4 mpg better than a V-8 Rebel and a V-8 Laramie, which lacked electric-assist, we tested. For more information about the Ram 1500's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

      Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

      Inside, the Ram 1500 has supremely functional cubby stowage and cavernous passenger space. Higher trims add upscale materials and creature comforts, making the Ram feel more like a luxury vehicle than a pickup truck. Most models are available with upscale features such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the fanciest versions have premium leather surfaces and genuine wood accents. As with most full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500's crew cab is supremely spacious. It also has vast amounts of interior storage and a unique split-folding tailgate. Both the five-foot-seven-inch and six-foot-four-inch cargo beds are available, but the extended cab body style only pairs with the latter. Ram doesn't offer the 1500 with a regular cab, though it does sell the prior generation truck, the 1500 Classic, with such a body style.

      2023 ram 1500 limited interiorView Photos
      Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

        Infotainment and Connectivity

        Ram trucks have had one of the best infotainment systems and connectivity features in the class for a while. That continues in the latest trucks, which have either a responsive 8.4-inch or an optional 12.0-inch touchscreen that is available on all but the base Ram model. Too bad we experienced a lot of glitches with the huge display during the course of our 40,000-mile long-term test. Both systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, and even the larger touchscreen includes a handful of redundant knobs and buttons.

          Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

          Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

          View Crash Test Results

          The Ram 1500 has a host of available driver-assistance technology that range from automated emergency braking to lane-keeping assist. For more information about the Ram 1500's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

          • Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
          • Available automatic high-beams headlights
          • Available adaptive cruise control

          Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

          Ram has a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is only eclipsed by the Nissan Titan's lengthier coverage. Likewise, the half-ton Sierra and Silverado as well as the Toyota Tundra offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.

          • Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
          • Powertrain warranty covers five years or 50,000 miles
          • No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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          Specifications

          Specifications

          2020 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel 4x4 Crew Cab

          VEHICLE TYPE
          front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup

          PRICE AS TESTED
          $67,530 (base price: $63,655)

          ENGINE TYPE
          turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve diesel V-6, iron block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection
          Displacement
          182 cu in, 2987 cc
          Power
          260 hp @ 3600 rpm
          Torque
          480 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

          TRANSMISSION
          8-speed automatic

          CHASSIS
          Suspension (F/R): controls arms/live axle
          Brakes (F/R): 14.9-in vented disc/14.8-in vented disc
          Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza, 275/55R-20 113T M+S

          DIMENSIONS
          Wheelbase: 144.6 in
          Length: 232.9 in
          Width: 82.1 in
          Height: 77.6 in
          Passenger volume: 126 cu ft
          Curb weight: 5734 lb

          C/D
          TEST RESULTS
          Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
          60 mph: 7.7 sec
          100 mph: 24.5 sec
          Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.9 sec
          Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
          Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec
          ¼-mile: 15.9 sec @ 95 mph
          Top speed (governor limited): 108 mph
          Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
          Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.75 g
          *stability-control-inhibited

          C/D FUEL ECONOMY
          Observed: 23 mpg
          75-mph highway driving: 25 mpg
          Highway range: 650 miles

          EPA FUEL ECONOMY
          Combined/city/highway: 24/21/29 mpg


          2019 Ram 1500 Limited 5.7L eTorque Crew Cab 4x4

          VEHICLE TYPE
          front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup

          PRICE AS TESTED
          $66,310 (base price: $58,735)

          POWERTRAIN
          pushrod 16-valve 5.7-liter V-8, 395 hp, 410 lb-ft; permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor, 16 hp, 49 lb-ft; combined output, 395 hp, 410 lb-ft; 0.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack

          TRANSMISSION
          8-speed automatic

          CHASSIS
          Suspension (F/R): control arms/live axle
          Brakes (F/R): 14.9-in vented disc/14.8-in vented disc
          Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza, 275/55R-20 113T M+S

          DIMENSIONS
          Wheelbase: 153.5 in
          Length: 241.8 in
          Width: 82.0 in
          Height: 77.5 in
          Passenger volume: 132 ft3
          Curb weight: 5765 lb

          C/D TEST RESULTS
          60 mph: 6.1 sec
          100 mph: 16.4 sec
          Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
          Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
          Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec
          Standing ¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 94 mph
          Top speed (governor limited): 107 mph
          Braking, 70–0 mph: 186 ft
          Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.73 g
          Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. 

          C/D FUEL ECONOMY
          Observed: 14 mpg
          75-mph highway driving: 17 mpg
          Highway range: 560 miles

          EPA FUEL ECONOMY
          Combined/city/highway: 19/17/22 mpg 

          C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

          More Features and Specs

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