2020 Ram 1500

Overview

Easy to drive despite its size, the 2020 Ram 1500 is versatile and competitively capable. Redesigned for 2019, this half-ton pickup truck now wears sleek bodywork and can be equipped with an interior that rivals many luxury-brand SUVs for plushness, without compromising its ability to do real work. 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. The Ram 1500 isn't just a great truck, it's a great vehicle, and that's why we named it to our 2020 10Best list.

What's New for 2020?

The most significant news for 2020 is that the optional EcoDiesel V-6 has been improved, with a lighter block, improved cylinder-head breathing, and a more efficient turbocharger. That bumps the costly diesel's output to 260 horsepower and a stout 480 lb-ft of torque, a measure by which the previous version already topped all light-duty diesel pickups; at this writing, the EPA has not yet certified the new engine but Ram says it'll be on sale by the end of 2019. Also new for 2020 is the return of the black-trimmed Night Edition on Big Horn and Laramie versions, 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.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd go for a Ram 1500 Rebel 4x4 that starts at $49,935 and add the air-spring suspension, the luxury-packed Level 2 equipment package, plus the bedliner, the Bed Utility group, and Trailer Tow group. With the standard 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque, that's an efficient, go-anywhere truck that can handle most of what life throws at it for what is, by modern pickup standards, a moderate $55,385. If you need to get to 60 mph in less than six seconds, you'll need the Hemi but now you're adding cost both at buy-in and in operation—you could easily build out a Ram 1500 with a lot more towing and hauling ability, or one with all the bells and whistles, but that's how people end up driving pickups that crest the $70,000 mark.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Among its many trim levels, there's V-6 and V-8 powertrains. Both engines are assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system, but the V-8 can be had without the electric support. The lineup also includes an optional diesel 3.0-liter V-6 (called EcoDiesel) that develops 480 lb-ft of torque, which is more than similar diesel engines on half-ton pickups from Chevy and Ford. For adventurous folk, the rugged Rebel model provides beefier looks and legitimate off-road capability. Every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs or optional air springs, unlike the traditional leaf-spring setup found on domestic rivals. Models equipped with the air suspension even have adjustable ride heights that aid fuel efficiency and off-road ability. Its light steering and strong brakes provide relaxed cruising and confident stops, too.

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Towing and Payload Capacity

The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2320 pounds. Its max 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.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With hybridized V-6 and V-8 engines as well as a diesel option, the 2020 Ram 1500 lineup has varied fuel economy. The EPA estimates that 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 EPA hasn't announced estimates for the diesel-powered Ram 1500, the Rebel model we tested earned 24 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route. That was 6 mpg better than the gas-only V-8 Rebel and 4 mpg better than the nonhybrid V-8 Laramie we tested.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the 2020 Ram 1500 has supremely functional cubby stowage and cavernous passenger space. Higher trims add upscale materials and creature comforts that make the Ram feel more like a luxury vehicle than a pickup truck. 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. As with most full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500's crew cab is supremely spacious. It also has vast amounts of interior storage and a unique split-folding tailgate. Both 5'7" and 6'4" cargo beds are available, but the extended Quad Cab only pairs with the latter.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Ram trucks have had one of the best infotainment systems and connectivity features in the class for a while. That continues on the latest trucks, with a responsive 8.4-inch or massive optional 12.0-inch touchscreen that is available on all but the base Ram model. The systems boast numerous power points as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile hotspot. Thankfully, even the largest screen has physical knobs and hard buttons that complement the touch points.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The 2020 Ram 1500 earned solid ratings form the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it hasn't been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also has a host of driver-assistance technologies that range from automated emergency braking to lane-keeping assist. Key safety features include:

• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available automatic high-beam headlights
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ram has a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is only eclipsed by the Nissan Titan's lengthier coverage. Likewise, the half-ton GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado as well as the Toyota Tundra offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance