2025 Ram 1500

In addition, the Ram 1500 Rebel comes with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires, a raised ride height of about an inch, and a lifted suspension that incorporates Bilstein shocks.

How fast is the Ram 1500?

The base versions are acceptably quick. The carried-over 3.6-liter V-6 has a larger battery and a mild-hybrid starter-generator to reduce the electrical needs on the go. With 305 hp, this V-6 has been around for a while, but its ample 271 lb-ft of torque serves fleet duty well—and it only requires regular unleaded. It’s standard on Tradesman and Big Horn/Lone Star models, and unavailable on other versions.

On other Ram 1500s, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 fits where Ram’s old Hemi used to sit (with lots of space left over). In lower tune, it’s rated at 420 hp and 469 lb-ft. Outfitted with dual 3.0-inch exhausts, the new engine sounds fantastic and has a buttery smooth demeanor that’s almost un-truck-like. It’s an option on Tradesman and Bighorn/Lone Star, standard on Rebel and Laramie—and a better choice than the V-6 thanks to great off-the-line surge. There’s more of that on tap in Rams with the high-output turbo-6. Longhorn, Limited, and Tungsten trucks come with the same engine with turbos tweaked to 28 psi—which means a soaring 540 hp and 521 lb-ft and admirably strong and smooth power that delivers a luxury punch.

All models get an assortment of drive modes (Normal, Tow, Snow, Sport, and Off-Road) and shift through an 8-speed automatic that’s unbothered by dramatic asks of the gas pedal, though the transmission can get startled awake by the stop/start function and by big stabs of gas at low speeds. An electronic locking differential comes with the Rebel and can be fitted to all other versions, while axle ratios range from 3.21 on low-spec trucks to a 3.92 axle ratio on the Rebel and the Limited, Longhorn, and Tungsten. 

Ram hasn’t broken out all the numbers, but V-6 1500s can carry a payload of up to 2,300 pounds, while lower-output turbo-6 trucks can tow up to 11,560 pounds when configured with the right bed and tow package.

How does the Ram 1500 handle?

Ram became the first truck maker to fit its full-sizer with rear coil springs versus leaf springs, and it still sets the 1500 apart in its class. The ride’s more tame and more tolerant of scrabbly pavement than the more usual setup, and the truck feels more planted on the road and off-road as a result.

Air springs are widely available to soften its ride as curb weight and speeds increase. They’re optional on Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel, and Laramie, and standard on the Longhorn, Limited, and Tungsten. We’d opt for them in most cases unless low cost and simplicity are a priority: They extend the truck’s usable off-road range and can shave off fractions of miles per gallon by lowering the truck at highway speeds. They can generate more low-speed jounce over broken pavement, too, but it’s not much of a loss compared to the steel-suspension truck. Entry mode gives the Ram 1500 6.1 inches of ground clearance when fitted with a skid plate, and up to 10.7 inches of clearance in its higher off-road mode when it isn’t.

The range of 18- to 22-inch wheels and tires absorb ride impacts well enough. The Ram’s relaxed but accurate steering make off-roading and towing simpler—no torture of a thousand corrections, just to stay on the path—and even in base editions, the Ram has more limited body lean.

There’s no denying the appeal of the crew cab, though. It has a wheelbase of either 144.6 or 153.5 inches, which translates into an enormous cabin whether it’s teamed to the short or long bed. At up to 241.3 inches long, about the same as a similar Silverado, a Texas-sized garage is required.

All Rams have touchscreen infotainment now, and the charms of the less expensive versions are considerable. We’re a long way from the days of AM radio only and wind-up windows. As the Ram gets more expensive, its cabin fills with multi-way adjustable seats and storage options. On the test Laramie provided, though, the seats were less comfortable than expected, thanks to a vertical spine of padding that pushed forward at shoulder height. Otherwise the Crew Cab’s huge interior doled out all the needed headroom and legroom—it’s good for 40.9 inches of front legroom, same as the extended cab, while rear-seat space blooms to 44.8 inches of legroom (up from the Quad’s 35.3 inches).

Ram goes the extra mile to outfit cabins with the luxe touches that have become its signature. The transformation happens at the Laramie trim level and works its way up to Tungsten grade with wood and leather and plenty of metallic trim. It’s the best of all big trucks—but even better is the cooler-deep center console with its reconfigurable trays and sliders and smartphone slots. 

The pickup bed follows suit with its wide array of storage choices. The 5-foot-7 bed on crew cab models and the 6-foot-4 bed on either cab size can hold cargo up to 51.0 inches wide between the wheel wells or 66.4 inches at the max. Ram will sell you storage bins carved into the rear fenders, bed lighting, a spray-in bed liner, a tailgate split barn-door-style, even a 1.8-kw inverter that powers two outlets available for the bed.

We’ll update this section when crash-test results become available.

Options across the lineup make custom solutions a snap. They include everything from remote start, heated front seats, automatic climate control, in-cabin power outlets, and a damped tailgate, to a power-sliding rear window, power-folding or power tow mirrors, dual-slot wireless smartphone charging, a 14.5-inch touchscreen, a power tailgate, and power front seats. Off-road shocks and all-terrain tires can be fitted too, along with a camera-based trailer hitch assist system and an onboard power inverter.

Which Ram 1500 should I buy?

For off-roaders, the $66,190 Rebel comes with the hardware that shortcuts to the trails. It’s the specialist in the lineup. The generalist? It’s the $62,025 Ram 1500 Laramie, which has a 10-speaker audio system and power features with the twin-turbo engine and crew cab body. Options here include 19-speaker audio, a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, rear seat heaters, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, shift paddles, and a second 10.3-inch screen on the front passenger side for entertainment and navigation. 

How much is a fully loaded Ram 1500?

The $77,645 Limited Longhorn and $77,150 Limited pile on even more equipment, but the Tungsten model tops them all. At $89,150, it has a full ration of standard gear—everything from leather upholstery, to four-wheel drive, 24-way heated and cooled front seats, a power sunroof, and a Klipsch 23-speaker sound system. Even here, options range from the larger 14.5-inch touchscreen to a surround-view camera system, hands-free driver assistance, a rear camera mirror, a bed extender, in-bed steps, lights, and fender storage, and a head-up display. A loaded Tungsten at about $100,000? It looks entirely possible.