The Ram 1500 continues to impress with the right mix of features and function.
A perennial favourite with many fleets, the Ram 1500 is available for 2016/2017 in three distinct flavours. Depending on the application and the requirements of the job, you can opt for one of three engines: 305-hp 3.6L V6, 240-hp 3.0L V6 (EcoDiesel), 395-hp 5.7L HEMI V8. The two V6 engines come with an 8-speed auto, while a 6-speed auto is available with the HEMI.
Our tester was equipped with the EcoDiesel V6, coupled to a smooth 8-speed auto with a very slick rotary dial e-Shifter. According to Ram, the EcoDiesel is supposed to burn a mere 8.0L/100 km on the highway, and we think their numbers are bang on.
Our highway performance was only slightly higher (8.6L/100 km), but then again, it wasn’t a pure scientific analysis of fuel consumption. Overall, however, highway and city mileage combined, our tester burned a mere 10.6 L/100 km, which is very impressive.
Three cab configurations are available: regular, quad and crew. All three come with a 1.9 m (6’4”) box, while the regular cab offers a 2.4 m (8’) option, and the crew cab offers a 1.7 m (5’7”) option.
Technology We also had the opportunity to experience the optional Active-Level Four- Corner Air Suspension, which offers five different modes:
Entry/Exit Mode – lowers the vehicle to make it easier for passengers to get in and out, for cargo to be loaded and unloaded, and for trailer hooking and unhooking
Aero Mode – reduces drag and body roll by lowering the vehicle when at highway speeds
Normal Ride Height – for day-to-day city driving
Off-Road 1 Mode – raises the vehicle 30 mm (1.2”) front, and 22 mm (.9”) rear for some off-road scenarios
Off-Road 2 Mode – raises the vehicle 51 mm (2.0”) overall for more aggressive off-road scenarios
In addition, the Ram 1500 is available with an entire menu of safety features, including ten parking sensors (front and rear), a rear back-up camera, Ready Alert Braking and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (for extra braking power and stability in emergency situations), Trailer Sway Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and Rain Brake Support (brake calipers pulse against the rotor, removing water from the pads in heavy rain), to name but a few of the highlights.
If you’re in the market for pick-ups, the Ram 1500 simply has to be on your short list. We don’t have room here to tell you about all the features we loved, so you’ll have to take a closer look yourself. And trust us, it will be well worth the effort.