There was a time when pickup vehicles had been simply work machines. You’d get a bench seat up entrance, a guide transmission and an enormous ol’ mattress for hauling. Sure, low-spec work vehicles nonetheless exist, however prospects right this moment have a wholesome urge for food for fancy vehicles, loaded with sufficient premium facilities and tech to embarrass a six-figure luxurious automotive.Take this 2019 Ram 1500 as an illustration, seen right here in straight-outta-Texas Laramie Longhorn trim. It has etched scroll work on its steel trim, belt buckle closure straps for the seat pockets, superbly stitched leather-based surfaces and barbed wire-style embossing on the floormats. This truck additionally comes full of an enormous touchscreen infotainment system, and all of the consolation and comfort options you might ask for.
Of course, none of that comes on the expense of functionality. And this Ram’s acquired an additional ace up its sleeve.eTorque energyThe Ram 1500 is the one truck in its class to supply mild-hybrid help. Standard on the truck’s 3.6-liter V6 and non-compulsory on the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the 48-volt eTorque motor-generator can provide quick bursts of additional energy — 130 pound-feet of torque, in reality. Add that to the already wholesome 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque from my take a look at truck’s V8 and you have loads of additional chutzpah for off-the-line acceleration and freeway passing, to not point out supplemental energy for operating automotive methods at idle.
The different good thing about the eTorque powerplant is effectivity. Granted, it isn’t numerous effectivity, however this electrical help continues to be good for 19 miles per gallon mixed, in comparison with the 17 mpg mixed ranking of the usual, non-eTorque V8. However, after my full week with the 1500, I internet solely 16.4 mpg.Trailer testingWhen correctly configured, the Ram 1500 can tow as much as 12,700 kilos. This specific tester, nevertheless, has a most towing functionality of about 8,000 kilos — nonetheless greater than most individuals want. Coincidentally, my take a look at of the Ram 1500 coincides with a visit to the California desert for my first competitors in my new-to-me race automotive. With the automotive within the trailer, I am pulling about 6,000 kilos — a complete cinch on this Ram.6,000 kilos of trailer is easy-peasy for the Ram 1500.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
On the street, the truck’s built-in trailer brake and sway damping management makes towing straightforward, even over lengthy distances on the freeway. The rear finish does squat a bit with the trailer connected, solely as a result of my take a look at truck would not have the non-compulsory four-corner air suspension that may mechanically stage the pickup’s rear when it detects a heavy load. Fold-out mirrors give me additional visibility down the size of the trailer, and the Ram’s blind-spot monitoring system accounts for the added size, giving me extra peace of thoughts whereas altering lanes.For different hauling wants, the Ram 1500 has a most payload ranking of two,300 kilos; my Laramie Longhorn 4×4 is rated for 1,750. The 4 spare tires I throw within the mattress do not even register on that payload scale, and if in-bed hauling is a frequent incidence, you may respect the brand new 60/40 split-swing tailgate that is coming to the Ram 1500 later this 12 months.Road trippin’The Ram 1500 is essentially the most comfy truck for long-distance driving, largely because of its subtle five-link rear suspension setup. Said one other manner, the 1500 has the least “trucky” journey of any full-size pickup. The 5.7-liter eTorque V8 and eight-speed automated transmission are a beautiful pair, with numerous energy delivered in a very easy trend.
Here, I am grateful for the Ram’s full-speed adaptive cruise management, taking a few of the stress away on the lengthy drive again to San Francisco. The lane-keeping help additionally helps hold the Ram monitoring straight on the freeway, and its stage of help might be dialed again in the event you so need.Inside, the Ram is a cushty place to whereas away the hours; the cabin is quiet and properly appointed. Rear seat passengers get an improve this 12 months, too, with 3 extra inches of legroom and a seat again that may recline as much as 8 levels.
There are loads of cubbies scattered concerning the cabin, and the middle console is sufficiently big to carry a laptop computer and a six-pack of Diet Dr Pepper. For bigger gadgets, the rear seats flip up, revealing a flat load flooring for carrying taller gadgets.Techy truckRam’s accessible 12-inch, vertically oriented Uconnect infotainment display is not like the rest within the full-size pickup phase. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot. The display responds rapidly to the touch inputs, and it is simple to navigate with its massive icons and crisp graphics. The display can run two capabilities without delay, so I can have entry to, say, local weather management similtaneously audio or navigation knowledge. Of course, it is also actually cool to have the large nav map taking on the whole big-screen format.The larger-than-life 12-inch display is a superb addition to the Ram 1500.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
There’s no motive for any gadget to expire of energy once you’re within the Ram, because of the plethora of charging choices accessible. My tester has 5 USB Type A ports, 4 USB-C retailers, a wi-fi charging pad, a 12-volt outlet and two 115-volt ports. Bring all of your smartphones!How I would spec itThe 2019 Ram 1500 is available in all kinds of trim ranges, with two- or four-wheel drive, Quad or Crew cabs and two totally different mattress lengths. Pricing begins as little as $31,795 for a lowest-spec Tradesman mannequin, and climbs to $53,240 earlier than choices for the range-topping Limited. The Laramie Longhorn you see right here, which is a step beneath the Limited, prices $66,755 as-tested, because of an entire host of choices.For me, I am going to take essentially the most badass-looking and off-road-ready Ram 1500 Rebel, which begins at $44,940. From there, I am going to improve to the 5.7-liter Hemi engine with eTorque, and I am going to take the air suspension, as effectively. I undoubtedly need the upgraded, 12-inch Uconnect display, and I am going to take the $995 Ram Box in-bed storage system, and the $400 trailer brake management, too. All in, my excellent truck is $58,155, together with $1,695 for vacation spot.A near-perfect pickupThe Ram 1500 has so much going for it, with a classy air suspension and the very best in-cabin tech within the phase. But that does not imply different pickup vehicles aren’t bringing the warmth. The Chevy Silverado presents two totally different V8 engines and a turbocharged I4 on the bottom finish. The Ford F-150 may even be had with a powerful-and-efficient 3.0-liter diesel V6, and tons of driver help tech.But in the long run, the Ram 1500 seems like essentially the most well-rounded choice. It’s comfy, succesful and never unhealthy to take a look at, both. With its smattering of tech and luxurious in spades, that is the pickup most Roadshow staffers would need to drive residence on daily basis.