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What's New?
The Ram 1500 adds a few new standard and optional features to this year’s model, as well as a special Harvest Edition and a new top-of-the-line Limited Tungsten Edition. The latter includes an interior wrapped in premium leather, accented by a faux-suede headliner, as well as an exterior design that features a sport hood and chrome grille with the Ram name. A backup camera is now standard on all models, and a remote switch in the cargo box illuminates the truck’s bed with vibrant LEDs.
Overview
The 2018 Ram 1500 is a versatile vehicle that boasts excellent cargo management options and an attractive interior. It’s also pleasant to drive, thanks to a unique coil-spring suspension. Whether you’re towing materials to work or hitting the open road, the Ram 1500 delivers the goods. And just like a proper truck, the Ram 1500 is a champ when it comes to towing a trailer thanks to a stout gasoline V8 engine or turbocharged V6.
The Perfect Ride for...
Just about anyone. That may seem like a reach, but it’s the truth. The Ram 1500 is as fitting for the buyer driving to the job site as it is for the suit-clad city slicker. Why? Because this year’s model boasts a myriad of options that are sure to satiate your every need. You’ll have the choice of three cab styles and bed lengths and the choice between a base V6 or a towing-titan Hemi V8. All are mated to an effortless eight-speed automatic transmission. Along with these options, you’ll receive a Uconnect® infotainment system available with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™; it’s just one more reason to choose the 2018 Ram 1500.
Drive & Handling
This year’s model comes in three available powertrains. The base 3.6-liter V6 produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque; the 5.7-liter V8 is good for an astonishing 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque; and the top-tiered turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6 delivers 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
Fuel economy for the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6 tops out at a best-in-class 24 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway).* The 1500’s 5.7-liter, when outfitted with all-wheel drive, boasts 19 mpg combined (13 city/19 hwy),* and the 3.6-lter V6 is among the best, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway* in rear-wheel drive. For a full-sized pickup, those fuel efficiency statistics are outstanding.
This pickup is also highly stable. You shouldn’t feel it swaying if you’re hauling a heavy load. Furthermore, the folding side mirrors give you outstanding visibility. A special attribute we find particularly interesting is Active-Level™ Four Corner Air Suspension +. With its air springs, you can select from five different height levels for riding. And when you get on the highway, the truck can decrease its height on its own to become aerodynamic.
Key Features
Limited Edition Tungsten Trim
The new top-of-the-line Tungsten trim is for the most distinguished of drivers, adding premium materials to the interior. The seats are wrapped in high-class leather, as are other surfaces. The elegant cabin also features a faux-suede headliner, new brushed metal interior accents, and genuine wood trim throughout. But that’s not all. Chrome exterior trimmings line the body-color running boards, limited edition wheels are built from satin carbon with tungsten accents, and a tungsten chrome grille sports an emblazoned Ram logo.
Uconnect® Infotainment System
The Ram 1500 features the Uconnect® infotainment system, which is a favorite among users because of its intuitive controls; it’s also one of the most responsive systems on the market. The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen has an improved resolution for 2018 and pinch-to-zoom features. Adding popular features like 4G LTE mobile hotspot, HD radio, and Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™, the Ram 1500 is just as much a tech titan as it is a towing titan.
Alternative Options
The heavy-duty Ram 3500 is a behemoth that boasts first-class powertrains and a long list of features. With exceptional towing power and tons of horsepower, the Ram 3500 is a great choice when you're simply looking to get the job done. The Ram 2500 is a happy medium between the 1500 and the heavy-duty 3500. The 2500 also offers a dedicated off-road model in the form of the Power Wagon®, which features beefed-up suspension, unique styling, and other upgrades for 2017.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
Image Credit: Ford Chrysler
