A full-size pickup is a must if you have a lot of cargo to haul, but practicality and a hulking size don’t mean that you can’t enjoy a comfortable ride with all the tech features you’d get in a luxury car. That’s what Ram was thinking when it crafted the 2016 Ram 1500.
The updated powerhouse of a vehicle is everything you’d want in a truck and then some. Check out our review to find out why:
Body & Styling
The Ram 1500 wears its prominent chrome grille effortlessly, yet it’s still an attention grabber. The classic “big rig” style has been refined with fully automatic aero-composite halogen headlights, 17-inch steel wheels and active grille shutters. Outside, you’ll also find a cargo lamp integrated with high mount stop light, galvanized steel and aluminum panels, lightly tinted windows and black trim on windows and door handles. Inside, the cabin is comfortable, luxe and as quiet as you can get in a vehicle with this kind of size and power.
One of the best features of the 2016 Ram 1500 is its smooth ride, thanks to a specially designed suspension system. With a class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension, it handles rough road surfaces gracefully. Drivers can also opt for air suspension with self-leveling that prevents the truck from getting weighed down when the bed is full or when you're hauling a trailer.
Tech & Entertainment
The Ram 1500 comes with a standard 6-speaker audio system, USB port and media hub. Drivers may also opt for Bluetooth technologies, HD radio, a 10-speaker audio system, voice-activated Uconnect infotainment system and a 5 to 8.4-inch touchscreen display with smartphone app integration. The touchscreen and voice recognition are intuitive and easy to use, so you'll never be left fiddling with knobs and tech when you're on the road – ideal for convenience and safety. Drivers may also include rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and navigation system.
Engine Options
Drivers get the choice between three engines on the Ram 1500. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Buyers who prefer diesel can opt for a 3-liter turbodiesel V6 that has 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, and those wanting the most power can choose the 5.7-liter V8 with 396 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is an 8-speed automatic, but some V8 powered trim levels have a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
The 2016 Ram 1500 received best possible scores in tests for moderate overlap impact, side impact and rear crash from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It has a number of standard safety features, including auto leveling headlights, lane departure warning and a rollover protection system.
Pricing
Starting at $27,615 MSRP