When releasing a new model of a vehicle, you’re actually in competition with both your own previous year’s model and all the other vehicles out there. In a category as competitive as that of full-size trucks, you have to make sure that each new model you come out with is even better than the last and able to take on the other new releases. It’s a tough category to compete in, but it really brings out the best from all the truck makers out there. With the 2020 Ram 1500, it’s no different. Easily leaving the days of Dodge behind them, Ram has forged on to create a line of trucks that has continued to grow in popularity for the past decade, and the Ram 1500 is leading the way. Let’s check out some of the features you can expect from this new Ram pickup.
Uncertainty No More
When it was announced that the Dodge name would no longer be attached to any Ram truck moving forward, there was a lot of uncertainty and hesitation moving forward. People didn’t know what to expect since the Dodge Ram pickups had been a mainstay in the truck market for years. Would the changes be dramatic or was it simply a different name to go by? It seemed as if Dodge would move their focus solely on the more performance-oriented vehicles, namely cars, while Ram would only be working on trucks. Ten years later and so far so good.
Looking back, it seems like there was no reason to worry as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have continued to make their Ram division an extremely popular and profitable one. In fact, Ram pickups have competed very strongly with the Chevy Silverado over the past few years for the title of #2 best-selling pickup in the United States. The coveted top spot, though, will always be a tough one to crack since that’s where the Ford F-Series resides. Still, the Ram 1500 continues to make strides forward.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2020 Ram 1500 comes with five different models to choose from, with all six (seven if you include the Lone Star) available in 4×4. In ascending starting MSRP order, you have the Tradesman ($32,145), Big Horn/Lone Star ($36,440), Laramie ($40,540), Rebel ($44,490), Laramie Longhorn ($50,890), and Limited ($53,465). Do note that these are all the starting prices for the 4×2 versions of these models.
On average, you can expect the Ram 1500 pickups to start off at slightly higher prices than some of their full-size light-duty pickup counterparts, like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. Both of those trucks will start in the sub-$30,000 range, but they also both have more options for trim levels. It’s not necessarily a positive or negative for Ram; it just means your starting Ram 1500 will be slightly more expensive but come with more features. On the other hand, the highest trim levels on the Ram 1500 are much less expensive than the highest of the F-150 and Silverado, so you can get to the best options and features with a lot less money.
Performance and Capability
One of the main areas where the 2020 Ram 1500 (New Ram) can shine is with its selection of engines. With four different engine configurations available, it won’t be the most on the market, but it is certainly enough to appease most consumers out there. You’ll start with the classic 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that has been seen on other vehicles from Fiat Chrysler. This time around, it comes with E-Torque and has up to 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. With this engine equipped, the maximum towing capacity will be 7,730 lbs.
Stepping up, you’ll find the legendary 5.7L Hemi V8 with up to 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity of a sizable 11,610 lbs. There’s also the option to have the same engine, but with E-Torque added on. If you opt for the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine with E-Torque, your horsepower and lb-ft of torque numbers will be the same, but the maximum towing capacity will actually rise to 12,750 lbs. That is actually the maximum towing capacity you’ll find on the 2020 Ram 1500 (New Ram), across all configurations.
Last but not least, you have the very capable and popular 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine with up to 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The maximum towing capacity on this engine is 12,560 lbs, so not too far off the total maximum amount, but with some added torque and a lot better fuel economy.
Overall, the new Ram 1500 puts up some impressive numbers with its engine options and capabilities. Diesel has especially become a popular way to go for many truck owners that want the extra torque for pulling heavy loads and some increased fuel economy for driving long distances. Just imagine, a properly equipped Ram 1500 with the EcoDiesel engine can get up to 32 MPG on the highway. That’s a better number than a lot of cars out there.
Great Features
No vehicle is quite up to par these days if it doesn’t come with a lot of nice features attached to it. Unique to Ram, there’s the available multifunction tailgate that makes your life a lot easier and convenient with just some simple additions to a durable tailgate. It can split 60/40 to allow for easy access to the bed on one or both sides, or to allow for a longer piece of equipment or some supplies to fit better in the back. The 60/40 doors have also been designed to work well with most trailers, still leaving enough room for you to access everything you need from the bed. And, there’s no worry about standing on the tailgate itself, as it’s rated to hold up to 2,000 lbs.
In addition to the multifunction tailgate, there’s also the available RamBox Cargo Management System. This system provides you with storage bins on each side of the bed that are lockable, protected from the weather, illuminated, and can easily be drained if needed. The storage area also includes a 115-volt outlet to make it easier for using tools and toys straight from the back of your pickup.
Plenty to Like
The 2020 Ram 1500 has everything you’d want in a full-size pickup. It has a very high towing capacity, multiple powerful engines to choose from, and a lot of versatility for the modern truck owner. With up-to-date features like the multifunction tailgate and RamBox Cargo Management System, your life will be made a lot easier when dealing with gear in the back of your truck. And that’s basically what Ram is aiming for with the 2020 Ram 1500, to please their loyal customers and attract new fans along the way. As a consumer, you should definitely be happy with the way Ram is building their trucks, as you’re the one they have in mind with each new update and addition. We only expect Ram pickups to continue to grow in popularity, especially if the 2020 Ram 1500 is anything to go by.
