2016 RAM 1500: Specs, Prices, Ratings, and Reviews
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2016 RAM 1500

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RAM
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1500
Year
2016
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Used Car Price Range
$14,990 - $33,995
$14,990 $33,995
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2016 Tradesman 4x2 Regular Cab 8 ft. box 140 in. WB
most popular
Price:   -  From $26,145
2016 Tradesman/Express 4x2 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB Price:   -  From $26,145
2016 Tradesman/Express 4x2 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $30,380
2016 Tradesman 4x4 Regular Cab 8 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $30,615
2016 Tradesman/Express 4x4 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB Price:   -  From $30,615
2016 HFE 4x2 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB Price:   -  From $30,805
2016 SLT 4x2 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB Price:   -  From $31,495
2016 SLT 4x2 Regular Cab 8 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $31,795
2016 Tradesman 4x2 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $32,960
2016 Tradesman 4x2 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $33,570
2016 Tradesman/Express 4x4 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $34,085
2016 SLT 4x2 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $35,000
2016 SLT 4x4 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB Price:   -  From $35,775
2016 Sport 4x2 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB Price:   -  From $35,985
2016 SLT 4x4 Regular Cab 8 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $36,075
2016 Tradesman 4x4 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $36,540
2016 Tradesman 4x4 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $37,150
2016 SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $37,380
2016 HFE 4x2 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $37,685
2016 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $38,705
2016 SLT 4x2 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $39,330
2016 Sport 4x2 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $39,370
2016 Sport 4x4 Regular Cab 6.3 ft. box 120 in. WB Price:   -  From $39,615
2016 Laramie 4x2 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $39,655
2016 SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $40,960
2016 Sport 4x2 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $41,550
2016 Laramie 4x2 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $41,610
2016 Sport 4x2 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $41,850
2016 SLT 4x4 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $42,910
2016 Sport 4x4 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $42,950
2016 Laramie 4x4 Quad Cab 6.3 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $43,235
2016 Rebel 4x2 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $43,270
2016 Laramie 4x2 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $43,560
2016 Sport 4x4 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $45,130
2016 Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $45,190
2016 Rebel 4x4 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $45,200
2016 Sport 4x4 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $45,430
2016 Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $47,140
2016 Longhorn 4x2 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $48,785
2016 Longhorn 4x2 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $49,085
2016 Longhorn 4x4 Crew Cab 5.6 ft. box 140 in. WB Price:   -  From $52,365
2016 Longhorn 4x4 Crew Cab 6.3 ft. box 149 in. WB Price:   -  From $52,665
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

No longer the outsider among big American pickups, the RAM 1500 has grown a lot more competitive in recent years. Nicely refined interiors have helped boost its appeal. So has a particularly strong engine roster. A dazzling array of trims and special packages has improved its desirability, too.

What's New for 2016

Two new Crew Cab models joined the RAM 1500 lineup late in the 2015 model year: a top-of-the-line Laramie Limited, and a 1500 Rebel with an air suspension, 33-inch tires, tow hooks, and other off-roading features.

Frame and body modifications have been made, to improve scores in the IIHS small front overlap crash test. Both the Rebel and Laramie Limited have a new grille design.

All models get a new center console, and the Laramie Longhorn adds a sliding tambour wood console door. Entry-level models gain Bluetooth connectivity.

Four new limited-edition “buzz” models based on the 1500 Sport have been added.

RAM 1500

Choosing Your RAM 1500

Like its Ford and GM competitors, the RAM 1500 comes in a dizzying selection of configurations and powertrains.

  • The Regular Cab seats three and is available with either a 6-foot-4-inch or 8-foot cargo bed.
  • The Quad Cab has narrow, front-hinged rear doors and a full backseat, and comes only with a 6-foot-4-inch bed.
  • The Crew Cab has full-size rear doors and more rear legroom, with a choice of 5-foot-7-inch or 6-foot-4-inch bed.
Regular CabQuad CabCrew Cab
5-foot-7-inch bedX
6-foot-4-inch bedXXX
8-foot bedX
  • The standard 3.6-liter V6 makes 305 horsepower, driving an eight-speed automatic transmission.
  • Next up is a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a six- or eight-speed automatic, depending on trim level.
  • RAM also offers a 3-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6 rated at 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, matched to an eight-speed automatic.

Four-wheel-drive buyers can choose a part-time system or one with an automatic four-wheel-drive mode. Both feature low-range gearing. With the eight-speed automatic, gear selections are made using a dash-mounted rotary knob instead of a shift lever.

A V6 RAM 1500 can tow up to 7,450 pounds; turbodiesel models, as much as 9,450. The V8 offers the greatest peak pulling capability, at 10,850 pounds.

Eight trim levels are available:

RAM 1500

Tradesman

This traditional workhorse comes sparsely equipped with vinyl seats, rubber floor covering, air conditioning, cruise control, 17-inch steel wheels, and a basic six-speaker sound system. Quad and Crew models also get power windows. A cloth interior and full carpeting are available. The optional V8 comes with a six-speed automatic; other trim levels get the eight-speed.

HFE

The High Fuel Economy version of the 1500 comes only as a rear-drive Regular Cab with special fuel-saving features such as automatic engine stop-start and a bed cover. Cloth upholstery and power windows and locks are standard.

SLT

The SLT is a step-up model that adds alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, and dual gloveboxes. An optional Luxury Group includes power-folding mirrors, upgraded lighting, an overhead console, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

Sport

The Sport swaps the V6 engine for a V8, along with heated front seats (driver’s powered), a heated steering wheel, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting, and Uconnect infotainment/communications. The exterior gets 20-inch wheels, body-color bumpers and grille, auto-dimming mirrors, and foglamps.

RAM 1500

Rebel

This sporty Crew Cab model is capable of harsher terrain and has an air suspension for increased ride height, 33-inch tires, skid plates, front tow hooks, choice of V6 or V8 engine, and other off-road-ready features. The Rebel comes in new interior colors and materials. A blacked-out grille shuns the familiar crosshair design.

Laramie

Available in Quad and Crew forms, the Laramie adds such luxuries as leather-upholstered power front seats, driver memory, two-tone paint, heated mirrors, woodgrain/chrome trim, and upgraded sound system.

Longhorn

Comes only as a Crew Cab with enhancements such as tow hooks, a larger fuel tank, remote start, parking sensors, HD radio, and a navigation system with real-time traffic data. The Limited package adds more upgrades, including ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, an air suspension, monochromatic paint, automatic wipers and high beams, and wood-rimmed steering wheel.

Laramie Limited

Top-end Crew Cab model features Argento wood and premium black leather, black headliner, chrome interior accents, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. The non-crosshair grille flaunts bold “RAM” lettering. Either a Hemi V8 or the turbo EcoDiesel may be installed.

CarsDirect Tip

With so many possible choices and temptations, it’s a wonder that anybody can make a final decision. For most buyers, an SLT strikes the best balance of comfort and affordability. It's a sharp-looking truck that doesn't overdo bling or warrant costly upgrades.

Get your price on a RAM 1500 »

Read our review on the RAM 1500 »

RAM 1500
author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Known as the Dodge Ram prior to 2011, the RAM line of pickups is the third bestselling truck in the U.S. after the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-Series. The light-duty 1500 has plenty to offer buyers, including a class-exclusive diesel engine and a standard eight-speed transmission.

Pricing and Equipment

The RAM 1500 lineup of pickups features one of the lowest-priced entry-level full-size trucks in the Tradesman. With a regular cab and two-wheel drive, this pickup starts at just $25,865. It's truly built for work, coming only with the most basic of features like:

  • Air conditioning
  • Vinyl seats
  • 17-inch steel wheels
  • Automatic headlights

There are plenty of other trim levels to choose, with lots more features and bigger prices. Buyers looking for a more luxurious experience can nearly double the price of the Tradesman if they opt for the $50,880 Limited.

Performance Pros

RAM 1500

A wide range of powerful and smooth engines makes it easy to pick the perfect model or you.

  • Potent 5.7-liter V8 HEMI with 395 horsepower.
  • Slick 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V6.
  • 3-liter EcoDiesel V6 packs 420 pound-feet of torque and a class-leading 29 mpg highway.
  • Tows up to 10,600 pounds.

Performance Cons

  • The air suspension has lots of uses, but we find its ride a little rough.
  • The 3.6-liter V6 engine cuts towing capacity to just 6,500 pounds.

Interior Pros

  • Laramie Longhorn and Limited trim levels have a luxury-car feel.
  • Storage cubbies are plentiful
  • Controls are well-placed and easy to understand.

Interior Cons

Finding fault in the cabin of the RAM 1500 is difficult. If pressed, we might say the interior of the base Tradesman is a bit spartan, but that's to be expected in a work truck.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

RAM 1500

The abilities of all three engines is a nice surprise. For so many years in the pickup truck segment, a base V6 was to be avoided. But the RAM 1500's Pentastar V6 actually does a great job of moving the big truck around. The 5.7-liter HEMI lets its 395 horsepower do the talking, and the EcoDiesel’s massive torque and high fuel economy make it an almost ideal balance of desirable attributes.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The EcoDiesel V6 is only available in very specific configurations, limiting your options if you want this thrifty torque monster. We don’t see a logical reason behind its limited availability.

The Bottom Line

RAM 1500

The RAM brand is steadily catching up to Chevy and Ford in terms of sales, and for good reason. The brand continues to build high-quality pickups with plenty of capabilities. What’s more, being the only model in its class with a diesel engine is a huge advantage.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 3.6L V-6 / 305 HP / 269 ft.lbs.
Available: 5.7L V-8 / 395 HP / 410 ft.lbs.3.0L V-6 / 240 HP / 420 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 8-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Available: 8-spd auto w/OD6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
17 / 25 / 21 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
3
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 3.6L V-6 / 305 HP / 269 ft.lbs.
Available: 5.7L V-8 / 395 HP / 410 ft.lbs.3.0L V-6 / 240 HP / 420 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
17 / 25 / 21 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Short And Long Arm
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
32.0 Gal. / 26.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded / Diesel
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$123
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
Passenger Volume
63 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
231.0 "
Exterior Width
79.4 "
Exterior Height
74.4 "
Front Headroom
39.9 "
Rear Headroom
Front Legroom
41.0 "
Rear Legroom
Front Shoulder Room
66.0 "
Rear Shoulder Room
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,702 Lbs. / 4,705 Lbs. / 4,710 Lbs. / 4,746 Lbs. / 4,699 Lbs. / 4,709 Lbs. / 4,889 Lbs. / 5,086 Lbs. / 4,704 Lbs. / 4,758 Lbs. / 4,703 Lbs. / 4,708 Lbs. / 4,694 Lbs.
Wheel Base
140 "
Turning Radius
22.6 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
2 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Argent Styled Steel / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Manual / Dual Power Remote Heated Convex Spotter / Dual Power Remote Heated / Dual Manual Heated
Bumpers
Black / Front Chrome
Grille Moldings
Black / Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
3
Seat Trim
Vinyl / Cloth
Front Seat Type
40-20-40 Split-bench
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
4-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan / Clock / Am/fm, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Parksense Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Sentry Key
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 RAM 1500 for Sale

12 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
RAM
Tradesman
Price

$14,990

Mileage

114,694 mi

Map location icon

Autohighway, Inc (20 mi)

Phone: (818) 632-3015
RAM
Tradesman
Color: Silver
Price

$15,999

Mileage

126,876 mi

Map location icon

Corona Auto & Truck Wholesale (48 mi)

Phone: (951) 340-3119
RAM
Laramie
Color: Gray
Price

$18,495

Mileage

117,500 mi

Map location icon

Autobahn Luxury Motors (18 mi)

Phone: (323) 345-3371
RAM
Big Horn
Color: White
Price

$18,900

Mileage

89,700 mi

Map location icon

South Bay Lexus (9 mi)

Phone: (310) 325-9999
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