Full size pickup trucks are hugely popular at the moment, and the competition among manufacturers is fierce. However, the 2024 Ram 1500 manages to stand out in this competitive class thanks to its superior comfort and refined features.
Ram made a bold move by introducing a unique coil spring rear suspension, which greatly improved the handling, trailering control, and overall ride quality of the vehicle. The Ram 1500 offers an exceptionally smooth ride, especially when the bed is unloaded. While the Toyota Tundra has recently adopted coil springs, it still does not match the comfort level of the Ram 1500, as it continues to ride like a traditional truck.
In addition to its comfortable ride, the Ram 1500 offers an impressive interior. The cabin boasts an appealing design with high quality materials throughout, and higher trim levels can even be considered luxurious. However, there are also more affordable versions available for those seeking a bare bones option. In the past, the Ram 1500 has been criticized for its lack of engine diversity, and the situation has not improved for the 2024 model year, with the discontinuation of the turbo diesel option. Despite this drawback, the mild hybrid eTorque V6 and V8 engines offer both power and efficiency compared to the competition.
The standout model in terms of power is the 702 hp TRX, which will be retired after this year. Despite facing competition from newer rivals, the 2024 Ram 1500 remains the top choice in its class, thanks to its sophisticated ride and upscale interior that surpass those of the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra.
Interior and Technology:
The Ram 1500’s interior and in car technology are highly impressive. The higher trim levels, such as the Longhorn and Limited, offer luxurious features like soft leather upholstery, unique color schemes, and special styling elements. These models also come with standout features like a large vertically oriented touchscreen and ventilated reclining rear seats, making them the most luxurious pickups on the market. However, even the more basic Tradesman and Big Horn trims impress with their attractive design and thoughtful storage solutions.
The cabin of the Ram 1500 surpasses competitors in terms of aesthetics, materials, and functionality. The in-car technology is also exceptional, with even the base Tradesman trim featuring a usable 5-inch touchscreen and multiple USB ports. Higher trims receive an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, which is known for its user friendly interface and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional USB ports can be added to the rear, including the USB-C type. The top four trims can upgrade to a massive 12 inch vertical touchscreen.
Passenger and Cargo Space:
The 2024 Ram 1500 comes in three body and bed configurations: an extended Quad Cab with a 1.9m bed, or a Crew Cab with either the longer bed or a standard 1.7m bed. There are also two tailgate designs available: the standard one and the optional multifunction split design.
The exterior dimensions of the Ram 1500 are similar to its competitors, although the TRX model is notably wider and taller. The interior dimensions are also comparable to other trucks in its class.
While the rear legroom in the Quad Cab is adequate, the Crew Cab offers a significant upgrade in space. The Ram 1500 Crew Cab provides ample legroom, surpassing all of the competitors. Additionally, the Crew Cab models can be equipped with a reclining backrest, providing even more comfort. Only the Tundra offers a similar feature among trucks in this segment.
Performance and Fuel Economy:
The Ram 1500 offers fewer powertrain options compared to its competitors from GM and Ford.
The base engine is a 3.6 liter V6 paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system known as eTorque. This hybrid system enhances power and refinement, improves fuel economy, and enhances the automatic stop/start system.
The V6 engine produces 305 hp and comes with an eight speed automatic transmission. The fuel economy of the V6 Ram 1500 is impressive, with estimated ratings of 8.5 km/l city, 10.5 km/l highway.
The optional 5.7 liter V8 eTorque engine delivers even more power, with 395 hp. The V8 achieves an estimated fuel economy of 7.5 km/l city, 9.8 km/l highway.
The maximum towing capacity of the Ram 1500 is a competitive 5800 kg. Unfortunately, the popular and efficient 3.0 liter turbodiesel engine has also been discontinued. The top of the line Ram 1500 TRX model stands out with its 6.2 liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, which generates an impressive 702 hp. However, this high performance model has significantly lower fuel economy, with estimated ratings of 4.25 km/l city, 6 km/l highway. The TRX requires premium fuel, making it more expensive to operate compared to other models.
Driving Experience:
The Ram 1500 offers a refined driving experience that rivals that of large crossovers rather than traditional pickup trucks. The five link coil spring rear suspension provides an incredibly smooth ride, surpassing all of its competitors. The suspension design also enhances handling and trailering control. The 2024 Ram 1500 is known for its exceptional ride quality and superior handling, which sets it apart from rivals. The Ram 1500 delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience, making it suitable for both long journeys and daily commuting.
Pricing and Trim Levels:
The Ram 1500 lineup includes a final edition of the high performance TRX model and the addition of the off road focused Tradesman Warlock trim. The turbodiesel V6 engine has been discontinued, and it appears that the non eTorque V8 engine has also been dropped. Additionally, all Ram 1500 models now come with a new tailgate ajar warning feature. The pricing for the Ram 1500 varies depending on the trim level and optional features chosen. The base Tradesman trim offers a competitive starting price, while higher trims like the Limited and Longhorn are more luxurious and come with a higher price tag. Customers can choose a trim level that suits their budget and desired level of luxury and features.
Safety Features and Crash Ratings:
The Ram 1500 does not come with standard safety technology and features, which is a drawback compared to some competitors that include these features as standard. However, customers can choose to add optional safety packages that include advanced driver assistance systems. The crash ratings for the Ram 1500 are generally good, with high scores in various tests. It is recommended that customers consider adding safety options to enhance the overall safety of the vehicle.
Conclusion:
Overall, the 2024 Ram 1500 remains a top choice in the full size pickup truck segment. Its standout features include the best in class ride quality, exceptional interior comfort, and impressive infotainment technology. While it may have fewer engine options compared to some competitors, the available eTorque V6 and V8 engines offer a balance of power and efficiency.
The Ram 1500 distinguishes itself with its refined driving experience and classy interior, surpassing the F-150, Silverado, Sierra, and Tundra. However, customers should keep in mind that safety technology is not standard and must be added as an option. Overall, the 2024 Ram 1500 is a reliable and luxurious choice for those seeking a full size pickup truck.
Ram Cambodia can be contacted for pricing and availability.