2012 Ram 1500 in Valdese, NC - $22,000

The 2015 Ram 1500 pickup truck capitalizes on a truckload of exclusive, pioneering, fuel-saving systems, including: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics with grille shutters and air suspension.

This successful light truck maker offers the Ram 1500 pickup in regular, Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations and three cargo box sizes: Short (5’7”); Regular (6’4”) and Long (8’). Likewise, the trim level offerings are extensive and include: Tradesman, Express, HFE, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited.

The Ram 1500 leads pickup truck fuel economy with winning powertrains: an exclusive 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel and Pentastar 3.6L V-6. The legendary 5.7L HEMI V-8 is an available option. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is mated to the TorqueFlite 845RE eight-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0L EcoDiesel engine is joined to a robust ZF TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission. Aptly branded EcoDiesel, the 3.0L powerplant is a turbocharged 60-degree, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 that produces abundant torque and outstanding towing capabilities. The EcoDiesel, developed and manufactured by VM Motori is one of the most advanced diesel engines in the marketplace. Equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction, it is emissions-compliant in all 50 states.

The 5.7 HEMI V-8 is also bolted to the ZF TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission. A 65RFE six-speed automatic transmission is an available option.

The Ram 1500 rides on a ladder-type frame which includes a steel cab and a double-wall steel pickup box. Control hardware consists of upper and lower “A” arms in front with coil springs, twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. At the rear, a five-link suspension includes a track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, twin-tube shock absorbers and a solid axle. The optional air suspension replaces the twin-tube shock absorbers and coil springs.

Inside the passenger cabin, the Ram 1500 features the next generation 8.4-inch Uconnect system with background screens tailor-made to specific Ram models and themes. To make room for the new big screen, the center stack is upgraded with matching materials found throughout the interior. To complement the range of Ram 1500 models, the interior design team created new, individualized themes with different colors and materials. For the Laramie Longhorn, the Ram design team sought out a very rare Walnut grain with a unique burl that was unintentionally created by ranchers using trees as fence posts for barbed wire. Eventually, the trees grow over the rusting metal wire, creating a swirl coloring pattern and tone that is not found anywhere else.

The HVAC controls take lessons learned from other Chrysler Group Uconnect applications and feature simpler function. The HVAC system includes a redundant architecture allowing the operator to use either the 8.4-inch touch screen or manual controls to alter the truck’s environment. Below the upgraded HVAC arrangement is a switch bank with easy-to-use controls for a number of features depending on vehicle models and options. All buttons in the comfort bank also are redundant on the Uconnect system. Contiguous to the switch bank is a prominently placed, adjustable integrated trailer brake control allowing the driver to add or reduce trailer brake function on the fly.

Dimensions & specifications 
Regular Cab/regular cargo box
Wheelbase: 120.5; overall length: 209.0; width: 79.4; height: 74.6 (75.2/4WD)
Regular Cab/long cargo box
Wheelbase: 140.5; overall length: 231.0; width: 79.4; height: 74.4 (75.0/4WD)

Quad Cab/regular cargo box
Wheelbase: 140.5; overall length: 229.0; width: 79.4; height: 77.2 (77.7/4WD)

Crew Cab/short cargo box
Wheelbase: 140.5; overall length: 229.0; width: 79.4; height: 76.9 (77.5/4WD)
Crew Cab/regular cargo box
Wheelbase: 149.4; overall length: 237.9; width: 79.4; height: 76.8 (77.4/4WD)

Engine: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 – 240 hp at 3,600 rpm and 420 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm; 3.6L V6 – 305 hp at 6,400 rpm and 269 lbs-ft of torque at 4,175 rpm; 5.7L HEMI V8 – 395 hp at 5,600 rpm and 410 lbs-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic, eight-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 – 20 city/28 hwy.; 3.6L V6 – 18 city/25 hwy.; 5.7L HEMI V8 – 15 city/22 hwy. (8-speed automatic), 14 city/20 hwy. (six-speed automatic).
Payload capacity: 1,900 lbs.
Towing capacity: 10,650 lbs.

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, rainy day braking, ready alert braking, all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation, electronic stability control, trailer-sway control, brake override, remote keyless entry, automatic headlamps, engine immobilizer, full-size spare tire, and tire pressure monitor. Express adds fog lamps. SLT adds Bluetooth hands free phone system. Outdoorsman adds navigation system, security alarm, and universal garage door opener. Sport adds power adjusting pedals and ParkView rear backup camera. Laramie Longhorn adds remote engine start system and ParkSense front/rear park assist system. Laramie Limited adds SmartBeam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Keyless Enter ‘n Go.
Optional safety features include: anti-spin rear differential and trailer brake control.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Ram 1500 pickup truck starts at $23,970. Destination charges add $1,195.