2017 Ram 1500

Road-ready and built to deliver

The 2017 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 rear suspension. So whether you're towing materials for work or hitting the open road, the Ram 1500 delivers the goods. And just like a proper truck, and with its stout gasoline V8 engine or available torque-rich turbodiesel V6, the Ram 1500 is a champ when it comes to towing a trailer.

Performance

The base 3.6-liter engine of the 2017 Ram 1500 generates 269 pound-feet of torque and 305 horsepower. The EPA has given this V6 engine an 18 city/25 highway mpg rating.** For a full-size pickup, those fuel efficiency statistics are outstanding.

Also available is a V8 engine, one that produces 407 pound-feet of torque and 395 horsepower. It's a 5.7-liter HEMI® engine, and it's ideal if you'll be towing often. Moreover, it can reach 60 mph from a standing start in 6.7 seconds, and its EPA ratings are 15/22 mpg.**

Another option is the turbodiesel engine. This 3.0-liter V6 engine is capable of 420 pound-feet of torque and 240 horsepower. Its EPA ratings are the most impressive of the three choices: 20/29 mpg.**

The 1500 has power steering and four-wheel drive. What's more, most of its trims have eight-speed transmissions, although you can opt for a more cost-effective six-speed version. All of those transmissions are automatic.

On top of that, a hill start assist system will keep your brakes engaged when you're stopped on an incline until you're able to accelerate. That way, your truck won't begin to roll.

This pickup is also highly stable. You shouldn't feel it swaying if you're hauling a heavy load. Furthermore, the folding side mirrors will give you outstanding visibility.

A special attribute here is called Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension+. With its air springs, you can select from among five different height levels for riding. And when you get on a highway, the truck can decrease its height on its own to become more aerodynamic.

Features 

There are multiple 2017 Ram 1500 trims; some are deluxe, and others are more basic. Among them are the Laramie Limited, Laramie Longhorn, Laramie, Rebel, Sport, Lone Star, Big Horn, SLT, Express, and Tradesman.

While every 1500 trim has its own features ― and each has its own uniquely designed grille as well ― there are a few major decisions that you'll have to make when shopping for one.

First, there are three 1500 bodies. The Regular Cab comes with two doors and two seats. The Quad Cab, meanwhile, has four doors, but the two rear doors are smaller. Finally, the Crew Cab has four equally-sized doors and plenty of space for people in the backseat.

Second, how large do you want your truck bed? Ram 1500 beds range in length from 5.7 to 8 feet.

Third, 1500 owners must choose between bench seats and bucket seats. Either way, you'll have a spacious interior. However, the bucket seats make for an especially enjoyable ride. Thanks to a system of power adjustment, you can get your bucket seats in the precise positions that you like.

Design

In its appearance, the 1500 exudes strength, yet its body is surprisingly lightweight, which helps it conserve fuel. Also improving the vehicle's fuel efficiency are the low-rolling resistance tires and the grille shutters that reduce drag.

As for the interior, you can request an 8.4-inch touchscreen, which allows you to take advantage of Wi-Fi and mobile apps. There's also a navigation program that'll supply you with three-dimensional maps, weather updates, assistance with staying in your lane and more. Even the windshield wipers are smart: they can sense when rain is falling.

If you're going on a long journey, you'll probably appreciate the cup holders and numerous storage bins inside this truck. As an added convenience, an app is available that will let you use a smartphone to start your 1500. And you can press buttons on the steering wheel to change gears.

Safety

To make your drives as safe as can be, the Ram 1500 has anti-lock brakes, airbags, and rearview video cameras. For most trims, you can order parking sensors that'll let you know if you're about to hit an object.

Verdict 

The 2017 Ram 1500 offers extraordinary value, lots of room for people and cargo, many safety elements and the latest in entertainment technologies. It's a full-size pickup that's full of amenities and well worth (ahem) picking up.

For more information about the 2017 Ram 1500, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

*MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title and license fees. Destination charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost.

**EPA estimates. For comparison only. Your actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.

Image Credit: RAM