2020 Ram 1500 Full-Size Pickup Truck Review

Rivalry among full-size pickup trucks is fierce nowadays. But with its noteworthy onboard technology, attractive design, great capability and comfortable ride quality, the 2020 Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck is extremely difficult to beat. The Ram’s smooth riding coil-spring suspension tops all rivals, and optional air springs at all four corners do even better regardless of load. The choices of drivetrains and equipment make it easy to find a version suited to weekend household chores, off-road fun, or serious towing and hauling.

What’s New

Ram has also introduced a diesel engine to the Ram 1500 lineup which is offering gains in fuel economy, towing and payload, without ruining anything we already like about the Ram, the EcoDiesel engine is a great addition to a fantastic truck. The black-trimmed Night Edition on Big Horn and Laramie versions has also returned for 2020, while the off-road-oriented Rebel now includes a standard Comfort package with power tailgate release, heated rear seats and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Rebels can also be had with a driver-assistance technology package that includes adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.

Payload & Towing Capacity

The 2020 Ram 1500 can carry a payload of up to 2320 pounds and tow up to 12,750 pounds. The maximum towing capacity exceeds all but the Ford F-150, which tops out at 13,200 pounds. Rams with the crew cab, including the Rebel model, can’t tow as much as the extended Quad Cab model but still exceed 11,500 pounds.

Performance

There are V-6 and V-8 powertrains available among its different trims and both engines are assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system, but you can have V-8 without the electric support. The 2020 Ram 1500 lineup also includes an optional diesel 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel engine that develops 480 lb-ft of torque, which is more than similar diesel engines on half-ton pickups from Chevy and Ford. Every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs or optional air springs. Models equipped with the air suspension even have adjustable ride heights that aid fuel efficiency and off-road ability. The rugged Rebel model provides beefier looks and legitimate off-road capability.

Fuel Economy

The 2020 Ram 1500 lineup has varied fuel economy due to different engine options available like hybridized V-6 and V-8 engines and a diesel engine option. According to EPA estimation, the most efficient V-6 Ram will earn up to 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the V-8 version is rated up to 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. While the diesel-powered Ram 1500 estimates are not available.

Interior

The higher trim levels of the Ram 1500 are really luxurious. It has supremely functional cubby stowage and cavernous passenger space. Most models can be equipped with upscale features such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the fanciest versions have premium leather surfaces and genuine wood accents. It’s crew cab is supremely spacious with vast amounts of interior storage and a unique split-folding tailgate. Infotainment tech is handled by Chrysler’s Uconnect software, and it’s best viewed on Ram’s optional 12-inch, vertically oriented touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all included, and while the menu structure can be a little confusing, especially for climate controls, it’s arguably the best multimedia tech available in any pickup.

2020 Ram 1500 Pricing

The base 2020 Ram 1500 start at around $33,950, but a fully loaded Limited model can cost you up to $70,000. A two-wheel-drive Ram 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab EcoDiesel comes in at $36,890, plus $1,695 for destination. The 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel 4×4 that starts at $49,935 with additional air-spring suspension, the luxury-packed Level 2 equipment package, plus the bedliner, the Bed Utility group, and Trailer Tow group, standard 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque comes in at a moderate $55,385.