The 2024 Ram 1500 lineup is about to undergo a significant change, losing its superstar Hemi V8 engine. This review will explore why this shift is disappointing and cover everything you need to know about the Ram 1500 DT model range in United States. There’s a lot to cover, including various variants and important considerations for this big truck.
Table of contents
- The High Stakes of the Ram 1500
- Variants and Features: From Basic to Luxurious
- Competitors: The Alternatives to the Ram 1500
- Dimensions and Practicality: Measuring Up the Ram 1500
- Clever Features: Innovation in the Ram 1500
- Safety Features: Staying Secure on the Road
- Warranty and Maintenance: Coverage and Care
- Conclusion: A Truck for the Future
The High Stakes of the Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is not a cheap truck, with the entry-level model, the Big Horn, priced around $120,000. While this may seem like a substantial investment, it comes with a suite of features that make it a worthwhile purchase for many.
These include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a nice cloth trim, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen media system. The interior might feel a bit basic, but the exterior looks tough. Buyers can choose between a short wheelbase short tub or a long tub, each providing ample space for various needs.
Variants and Features: From Basic to Luxurious
The Big Horn
The Big Horn, as the base model, features halogen headlights. It offers a short wheelbase option and a big tub for hauling. Despite its basic interior, it provides a robust exterior appearance.
The Laramie
Stepping up to the Laramie grade introduces several enhancements. It includes a larger touchscreen media system and upgraded interior trim, making the cabin feel more special. The Laramie also boasts heated and cooled front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, and electric adjustable pedals, catering to drivers of different sizes.
The Laramie Sport
The Laramie Sport offers additional features for those who value safety and technology. This model includes a surround-view camera, a 12-inch digital instrument display, and the Ram Box cargo solution system.
The Ram Box adds extra storage on the sides of the vehicle but narrows the tub space slightly. However, a tonneau cover compensates for this, providing security for the cargo area.
The Limited
The top standard model, the Limited, comes with 22-inch wheels, air suspension, and a panoramic sunroof, along with a $20,000 price hike. It includes several other features that cater to buyers seeking a more luxurious experience.
The TRX
At the top of the lineup is the Ram 1500 TRX, a mammoth machine with a supercharged V8 engine. It’s the most powerful pickup truck in mass production, with a hefty price tag of $225,000. This model is designed for those who demand the highest performance and are willing to pay for it.
Competitors: The Alternatives to the Ram 1500
Several alternatives to the Ram 1500 are worth considering. The Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, and Chevy Silverado each offer unique features that might appeal to different buyers.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150, with its punchy turbo six-cylinder engine, performs exceedingly well. It offers features at similar price points that the Ram 1500 range lacks, making it a strong contender.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra features hybrid turbo six-cylinder power, offering both performance and efficiency. Its distinct look might appeal to those seeking something futuristic compared to the more traditional designs of other trucks.
Chevy Silverado
The Chevy Silverado comes with a mammoth V8 engine and huge towing capacity, without much concern for fuel consumption. It’s not for everyone, but its power and capability make it a viable alternative.
Dimensions and Practicality: Measuring Up the Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is a big truck, almost 6 meters long, and over 6.1 meters if you choose the long wheelbase version. It’s about 2.5 meters wide, which requires some adjustment when driving in narrow lanes. Its height, at around 1.9 meters, makes it a challenge for some car parks. However, the handy pop-out side steps make getting in and out easier.
Clever Features: Innovation in the Ram 1500
Ram Boxes
The Ram Boxes on the sides of the vehicle offer quick access to tools or items you want to keep separate from the main cargo area. These boxes are drainable, allowing you to fill them with ice and drinks, making you the hero of any worksite.
Tailgate and Cargo Management
The tailgate opens with a damped movement, and the tub features a spray-in liner for added durability. The cargo cover system includes pull-down hooks and folds in thirds, allowing for easy access.
The cargo management system lets you adjust the space to suit your needs, whether reaching in from the side or climbing into the tub.
Towing and Capacity: Built for Heavy Loads
All grades of the Ram 1500 come with a towing kit, including a tow bar and electronic brake controller. The truck’s towing capacity is impressive, and it includes a spare wheel.
The Laramie Sport version offers a more luxurious experience, with features like a 12-inch touchscreen media system and digital instrument cluster.
Technology and Controls: User-Friendly Design
The Ram 1500’s touchscreen system is easy to use, with quick loading times. However, there are some quirks, like the volume knob being on the “reach for it” side and the tuning knob on the closer side to the driver.
Despite these minor issues, the controls are generally well-designed. The gear selector and four-wheel-drive selector modes are conveniently located.
Storage Solutions: Maximizing Space
The cabin offers a wireless phone charger pad, a large storage tray, and a sliding center console section with cup holders and pen holders. There’s a fold-up section for log books or service manuals, and the center console bin includes a ruler and protractor. The doors have multiple storage options, including bottle holders and twin glove boxes.
Rear Seat Comfort: Practical and Spacious
The back seat provides ample space for adults, with plenty of legroom, headroom, and width for three passengers. It includes directional air vents, USB and USBC ports, and heated seat buttons. The seat bases can be folded up independently, and there are handy underfloor storage containers.
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Ram 1500
The 2024 Ram 1500 lineup comes with a 5.7-liter petrol V8 engine, offering plenty of power and torque. The standard automatic transmission and four-wheel drive make it a versatile choice. The mild hybrid system enhances smooth driving in stop-start situations. For those not interested in fuel efficiency, the high-spec TRX version provides even more power.
Future Changes: The End of an Era
The Hemi V8 engine is on its way out, soon to be replaced by the Hurricane engine, a six-cylinder turbo unit. While the new engine promises better efficiency and power, it may lack the character of the V8. Fans of the V8 will miss its distinctive grunt and performance.
Driving Experience: Smooth and Responsive
The Ram 1500 offers a smooth and responsive driving experience, with a clever 8-speed automatic transmission. It handles well in corners for a vehicle of its size and has a decent ride characteristic. The brake response is positive, and the steering, while not as nimble as a smaller vehicle, is manageable for a truck of this size.
Safety Features: Staying Secure on the Road
Safety is a crucial consideration for many buyers. The base model Big Horn includes a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, but lacks active safety technology.
The Laramie spec adds autonomous emergency braking and front parking sensors. The Laramie Sport includes more advanced features like active lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera.
Warranty and Maintenance: Coverage and Care
The Ram 1500 comes with a 3-year, 100,000 km warranty, which is less than its rivals like Ford, which offers a 5-year warranty. The service intervals are every 12 months or 12,000 km, which can be a hassle for high-mileage drivers. There’s no capped price servicing plan, adding to the maintenance considerations.
Conclusion: A Truck for the Future
The 2024 Ram 1500 redesign represents a significant shift in the lineup, particularly with the loss of the Hemi V8 engine. However, it remains a versatile and powerful truck, offering a range of features to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize luxury, safety, or raw power, there’s a Ram 1500 model for you.
While the future will bring changes with the introduction of the Hurricane engine, the current V8 models continue to offer an impressive driving experience. If you’re considering a Ram 1500 and want the traditional V8 power, now is the time to act.
This comprehensive review highlights the key aspects of the 2024 Ram 1500 redesign, helping you make an informed decision about whether this big truck is the right fit for your needs.
