Last year, we wondered if the Ram 1500 was still the finest in its class despite major improvements to its rivals (including the all-new Tundra). After driving all of them extensively and taking another ride in a Ram, we are confident in declaring that the 2023 Ram 1500 should remain the top choice for most truck purchasers.
It all starts with its coil-spring rear suspension (or optional air suspension), which gives a level of ride comfort and vehicle control that its competitors cannot match. This includes the new Toyota Tundra, which, despite having coil springs in the rear, falls short of Ram’s almost crossover-like ride and agility.
Then there’s the interior of the Ram, which, despite being in its fourth year since being redesigned and facing fierce new competition from GM, is the most inventive, functional, and high-quality we’ve seen. The most expensive trim levels are also actual luxury grades, which is significant considering the genuine luxury price tag.
The Uconnect infotainment suite is no longer as advantageous as it once was, but it is still great. If the Ram falls short in any area, it may be beneath the hood. 1500 has no match for Ford’s electric, full hybrid, or silky-smooth turbo V6 engine options, which are all outrageously remarkable (as are several unique features), but we’re thinking most truck buyers won’t notice.
Looking for a good, old-fashioned American V8? Well, the Ram’s Hemi still gets the job done (perhaps with the assistance of a mild hybrid system) and sounds very civilized. Even the V6 manages to outperform GM’s new turbo-four base engine in terms of fuel economy. So, certainly, it’s difficult to find fault with the Ram 1500, and regardless of the version you’re looking at, we believe it should be the first truck you look at.
What’s new in 2023?
The Elite Limited gets a new luxury lineup in the Ram portfolio. Aside from a plethora of additional standard amenities, it features a unique “jewelled” rotary knob and digital instrument cluster for 12″, which have been updated throughout the range with new styles and options. The (RED) version returns in 2023, complete with a front grille and signature red decals, as well as a new UV-C glovebox light that kills microorganisms.
The Off-Road Group package now includes 22-inch all-terrain tires, and the Rebel receives Selec-Speed Control, which doubles as off-road cruise control. In the end, the costs for each level increased by several thousand dollars, including about $11,000 for TRX. Ka-Ching.
What about the Ram 1500’s interior and interior technology?
The most expensive versions of the Ram 1500, the Longhorn and Limited, are easy to fall in love with because they have smooth leather, unusual colour schemes, and unique design features almost as iconic as the Longhorn in the real wood trim. The vertically oriented touchscreen and ventilated, reclining rear seats are two standout features. It is without a doubt the most luxurious pickup truck ever produced.
However, we’re more fans of the base Ram 1500 Tradesman and Big Horn trim levels. While plastic quality is normal for the segment (and that includes luxury Rams), the varied textures and attractive design result in a cabin that looks better than trucks costing a similar amount or more. For example, the Big Horn’s dark grey cloth interior contributes to a noticeably more luxurious environment than the comparable Ford F-150 XLT trim level.
The Ram does more than just look good. The centre console of the five-passenger model provides storage solutions that are intentionally planned for how people use this area – it’s not just cup holders and a couple of different-sized bins. There is also a covered compartment under the back floor and small boxes that can be attached to the sides of the bed (top right).
The technology inside the car is also excellent. Even the entry-level Tradesman features a 5-inch touchscreen and three USB connections, while the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen on the higher edges is one of the most user-friendly interfaces on the market and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
More USB ports, including USB-C, can be attached to the back. The first four edges provide the option to upgrade to the aforementioned 12-inch vertical touchscreen.
What is the size of the ram?
The chassis/bed configurations for the 2023 Ram 1500 are as follows: Extended Quad Cab with 6-foot-4 beds; Crew cabs with a longer bed or a traditional 5-foot by 7-foot bed. There are also two tailgate options: a standard divider and a multi-function option. External dimensions are similar to those of its competitors, but the new TRX is 8 (!) Larger than its brethren. It is two inches high.
Interior dimensions are also comparable to those of competitors. Rear legroom in the Quad Cab (34.7 inches) is slightly more than that of the Ford F-150 Super Cab (33.5 inches) and slightly less than that of the Silverado Double Cab (35.2 inches). All these values equal narrow legs, and given the straight backrest angle, none of them is suitable for long trips.
There’s no centre front seat on the six-passenger model (shown below), but the seatback is noticeably higher than on any other van and should provide some head and neck support in addition to increased comfort.
However, if you need to carry people, an upgrade to the crew cabin will be required. However, the rear seat legroom expands to 45.2 inches. That’s about 2 inches longer than the Silverado Crew Cab and F-150 Super Crew, and 3.6 inches longer than the Toyota Tundra Crew Max. Sure enough, they all have ample reclining legroom, with a full foot between the knees and the back of the front seat. Thus, although the RAM has more, we are not convinced that it matters. What might help is providing a reclining backrest, which greatly enhances comfort. The only other truck to do this is the Tundra.
What are the fuel efficiency and performance specs of the Ram 1500?
The Ram 1500 has fewer powertrain options than its GM and Ford counterparts. Assisting the base engine is the base 3.6-liter V6 engine with 48-volt Ram eTorque mild-hybrid technology. When accelerating from a stop, it delivers a small amount of power to boost power and refinement while maximizing the stop/start system and fuel efficiency.
The engine makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. RWD gets 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (better than Chevy’s standard turbo-four), while all-wheel drive gets 19/24/21. It wasn’t that long ago that V6-powered midsize cars got this kind of mileage.
The optional 5.7-litre V8 comes in two variants, each with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. One has eTorque and checks on 17/23/19 with RWD. The other model lacks the eTorque and achieves 15/22/17 with rear-wheel drive. The penalty for all-wheel drive is minor. Although changes in fuel efficiency estimates with and without the eTorque may seem small, when we’re talking about lower mpg numbers like these, they add up to hundreds of dollars in gas savings each year.
The 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine develops 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, ranking first among full-size truck diesels in terms of torque and fuel efficiency. It gets 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined in RWD, and 21/29/24 in AWD. This is somewhat less than the diesel DuraMax from General Motors.
The increase in diesel fuel prices over the past year has significantly reduced the cost advantage of environmentally friendly diesel fuel over the 5.7-litre V8 engine. Sure, it’s still significantly more efficient, but the Environmental Protection Agency estimates it’ll only save you $100 a year on gasoline, versus hundreds in the past. It may not be worth the hassle of hunting down the green pump.
The Ram TRX, with its supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, is at the opposite end of the scale. It generates 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. To accommodate all that power, it receives a new eight-speed automatic transmission, transfer case, and rear axle.
According to EPA estimates of the average cost of gasoline, filling up a TRX will cost $2,250 more per year than a V6-powered Ford Raptor. Since it requires premium gasoline, it will cost $1050 more than the Raptor R.
How does the Ram 1500 drive?
The Ram 1500 has become so sophisticated that it might feel more like a large crossover than a pickup. Its ride quality is buttery smooth, thanks to its five-link coil spring rear suspension, and it outperforms all competitors (including the disappointing Toyota Tundra and its rear coils).
The suspension design also improves handling and trailer control, and it may be improved with an optional air suspension that can raise to clear obstacles and lower them for easier loading. On-centre steering has a linear, steady effort and is reassuringly precise.
The eTorque-equipped V8’s acceleration is similarly buttery smooth and incredibly quiet. You don’t detect the smidgeon of power provided by the 48-volt electrical system, as you would in a true hybrid, but you also don’t hear any noise or vibration from the automatic stop/start system. The Hemi V8 is still outstanding even without eTorque,
and one wonders whether it will be less expensive to maintain in the long run without the sophisticated extra pieces connected. Similarly, you’d be astonished to learn that the standard V6 has eTorque, and you’ll be amazed by how capable the Ram can be with only six cylinders. The eight-speed automatic transmission definitely helps in this area, especially when towing.
The EcoDiesel impresses with its quiet and confident voice, consistent power, quick response, and smooth acceleration. Like most types of diesel, it begins to lose power higher in the rpm range, but here is where the eight-speed automatic comes in help once more. We towed with this engine, used it off-road in the Rebel, and found it to be well-suited to truck duties in general. It’s a shame about the current diesel fuel prices.
The TRX is the final component. It’s not only fast on pavement, but it’s also unbelievably fast on dirt. Off-road, you can even employ launch control. Its extensively reworked and updated suspension, transfer case, tires, and other components add up to a truly amazing off-road truck experience. Of course, it’s also quite tall and broad, which can make driving in some areas difficult, and it consumes premium fuel like few other modern vehicles on the market. Please see our specific Ram TRX review for additional information.
What is the price of the 2023 Ram 1500?
Ram doesn’t have as many options as its GM and Ford competitors, but there’s still plenty of variety and personalization options. On Autoblog, you can get a very complete breakdown of available features and pricing for each trim level.
The expanded Quad Cab has smaller, front-hinged rear doors, whereas the Crew Cab has large, front-hinged rear doors. The Quad Cab has simply a 6-foot-4 bed, but the Crew Cab has a 5-foot-7 basic bed and an optional 6-foot-4 bed.
Please keep in mind that not all trim levels are available with the Quad Cab, as indicated in the pricing below. All prices given below include the very hefty $1,795 destination charge, which is mandatory but not included in the advertised pricing. Prices for 2023 have also risen by a few thousand dollars.
Tradesman: $39,205
(A basic work truck is available in Quad and Crew cabs)
Big Horn / Lone Star: $44,420
(The volume-selling trim level with a huge number of options. It’s called Lone Star in Texas and some surrounding states. Available in Quad and Crew cabs, and offers BackCountry, Sport Appearance, and Night Edition variants).
Laramie: $54,370
(The first luxury-oriented trim and the only one available in both Quad and Crew cabs. Offers G/T, Laramie Southwest, Night Edition, and Sport Appearance package variants).
Rebel: $55,185
(The first of two off-road-oriented models is easily identified by its handlebar moustache grille. Pictured below left, it’s 4×4 only and available in Quad and Crew cabs. Offers G/T and Night Edition variants).
Longhorn cost $61,130.
(This is the first of two extra-luxurious models. It lacks some of the typical equipment included in the Limited and features ranch-themed design elements. Only the crew cab is available. It is shown in the image to the right.)
Just $65,545 is available.
(The most opulent trim level, having the most standard features and the most ornate grille. Only the crew cab is available. Provides the Red package as well as the new Limited Elite version)
TRX: $86,150 (Awesome off-roader powered by a Hellcat V8. Just the crew cab and 4×4 are available. Its price has risen by $11,000 for 2023).
Finally, Ram continues to market the 1500 Classic, the previous-generation model that debuted in the 2009 model year. It is not taken into account here, but despite being horribly antiquated, it is still a really nice truck.
What are the safety ratings and driver-aid features of the Ram 1500?
Front, side, and curtain airbags are included, as is a rearview camera. Except for the Tradesman and Big Horn/Lone Star, which can add it as part of the Level 1 Equipment Group, forward collision warning is now standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control system, which is optional on all but the two bottom models, includes automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, and trailer reverse control are available as options on all model levels. Except for the most basic Ford F-150, much of this equipment is standard.
The government rates the 2022 Ram 1500 Crew Cab as a five-star vehicle overall, with four stars in the front and five stars on the sides. The Quad Cab receives four-star overall, frontal, and side ratings, as well as a five-star side rating. The 1500 Quad Cab and Crew Cab received the highest possible crashworthiness and front collision avoidance system ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Higher trim levels with LED headlights receive a Top Safety Pick+ designation.
