2019 RAM 1500

I was able to drive the 2019 RAM 1500 a few months ago in Scottsdale, AZ and just got back from a trip to Lexington, KY to drive the truck with the new eTorque system. RAM has built a truly competitive truck, which has unique and bold styling.

The new RAM is bigger, lighter and more technology packed, but just as easy to drive around town. They have managed to Impressive truck all around, but let’s get into the specifics a bit.

What I Like:

-Both the Pentastar V6 and Hemi V8 are great engine options. I’m really impressed with the capability of the V6, and that it comes standard with the eTorque mild hybrid system.

-There will be a diesel option on this 1/2 ton pickup, but we still know little about it. The truck is suppose to hit the market sometime in early 2019.

-One of my favorite things about the new 2019 RAM 1500 is the direct linear controls. The brake pedal and accelerator pedal in particular react immediately to driver inputs and in a very linear smooth way. The accelerator pedal is probably the most responsive of any new pickup I’ve driven.

-The steering is also really impressive on the new RAM. It is rock solid and smooth. It is actually an electric power steering system that uses an electric motor to power the rack-and-pinion system. This system improves fuel efficiency and even gains 5 hp, all by relieving the engine of constantly turning a hydraulic pump.

-Both engine options come with 8-speed transmissions. These transmissions are extremely smooth and well tuned. If the truck is equipped with the eTorque mild hybrid system then the transmission shifts are even smoother.

-The optional air ride suspension is impressively comfortable on the pavement, and pretty good off road. The standard shocks have been upgraded with FRD, frequency response damping, technology that really does work to smooth out both large and small bumps through a relatively basic OEM shock.

-The optional 12″ infotainment touchscreen is just badass! It is super configurable, offers a split screen option and is pretty easy to use. For sure the best screen system in the full size truck market.

-The basic manual seats are okay, but the power adjustable ones are quite good. The bottom cushion has adjustable angle and the inflatable lumbar is quite nice. The leather seats are a bit flat and firm form my 165lb frame, but they are nice. The cloth are actually what I’d go with on this truck. They look good, are a bit softer and conform better to my thin light frame.

-The rear seat passengers aren’t left out on the new RAM. The rear seats can be ordered with heat and cooling built in. They also recline, which is awesome for road trips.

-The flat rear cab floor and folding rear seats provide an extremely efficient locked cargo area.

What I Don’t Like:

-While the eTorque system provides about a 10% improvement in fuel economy, it doesn’t really provide any performance gains. It comes standard on the V6, but will set you back $1,450 on the v8. At $2.84/gal of fuel, the current national average, and a 2 mpg mixed use EPA rated fuel improvement on the V8 eTorque (19 mpg) over the V8 (17 mpg), it will take about 80,000 miles to recoup that initial investment.

-The off road oriented and fun Rebel model isn’t available with the big 12″ infotainment screen.

-I’m really not a fan of the rotary dial gear selector. If you want to do a three point turn, or even just back up and then go forward, it is a real pain. The issue is that it way too easily drops into park instead of reverse. This makes a three point turn a lot slower, and unsafe in some situations.

-I found the emergency brake assist system to be a bit overbearing. It false triggered on me a few times, especially when off pavement and in reverse.

Overall Impressions:

The new 2019 RAM 1500 is designed to make a lot of everyday users really happy. The truck is probably best at being a comfortable everyday truck that is well suited for adventures on the weekends.

If I were to buy one as the basis for an overland adventuremobile build I’d look at a: Limited Quad-Cab w/6’4” bed, 4×4 Offroad Package, 12” infotainment screen, heated/cooled leather seats and metal interior accents. Until the new EcoDiesel is released, choosing a powertrain would be hard. For now, it would have to be the Hemi with eTorque, power and efficacy all in one.

For even more in-depth info about the new 2019 RAM 1500 check out these stories I wrote for GearJunkie.com:

2019 RAM 1500 Comes Standard with Hybrid Technology

2019 RAM 1500 Review: ‘Bigger Everything’