2019 Ram 1500 – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Spec
Going Big With the RAM 1500
Go big, or go home. That’s RAM’s motto when it comes to building one of ‘thee’ world’s best trucks. And the half-tonne quad-cab RAM 1500 Rebel shows absolutely no exception. The bombproof shell is stuffed with a 5.7L HEMI V8 outputting a hefty 395 horsepower and 410 lb.ft of torque. A smaller award winning Pentastar V6 engine is also available though if the extra power isn’t needed and the latter option lightens its weight by about 200 pounds while cash at the fuel pumps. In particular to the more purpose built V8 configuration, the pickup tows up to 12,750 pounds or can carry a maximum payload of 1,870 pounds.
Modern tech also makes its way into the classical pickup genre with RAM’s in-house E-Torque mild-hybrid system running on a 48V electrical bus using a 430 watt-hour lithium ion battery pack and a 12kW electric motor. With that said, there’s a reason why it’s called mild. At just a battery capacity of 430 watt-hour, that’s about one tenth the capacity of a 4.4kW hr battery pack used in the Prius. Despite just half a mpg in EPA improvements, there are still plenty of benefits to be had and that’s mainly an increased in torque. The V6 Pentastar powertrain will get an addition 90 lb.ft of torque and the V8 HEMI, an additional 130 lb.ft. Engine restart time is also reduced by half since the hybrid electric motor acts as a motor starter.
All powertrain option comes with the one and only 8-speed torque-flite transmission in what I would consider, a crown jewel with an available 2×4 or 4×4 lock drive system with the 4×4 drivetrain offering the ability to set the transfer case in three different settings: 2×4, or 4×4 mode in a low or high gear ratio. The differential can also be locked as well.
Its 4-corner air-shock FRD suspensions is also a key element that establishes identity of the RAM 1500 with the ability to raise or lower the truck’s ride height by up to an inch with four different settings. And the FRD (frequency response damping) system integrates intelligent valve controls within each suspension to dynamically control the damping to achieve the best balance of handling performance and comfort. The suspension system is also smart enough to automatically detects an increased payload and intelligently compensates the ride height back to normal to normal with the suspension lift system.
Ram 1500 Revamped
The all-new 2019 RAM 1500 revamps its dimensions this year with the wheelbase extended by 4″, its width by 0.5″ and its bed height raised by 1.5″ While this may not seem a lot, this improves the overall proportions of the pickup and overall aerodynamics. In the looks department, RAM has retired the now-legacy cross-hair front grille design and replaced it with the one and only large ‘RAM’ logo stamped dead center while offering different grille patterns as part of the purchase configuration process.
Configuration options might be the most frustrating process for most buyers, but that’s the complete opposite for truck enthusiasts. The RAM 150 offered in six different models, Limited, Longhorn, Laramie, Bighorn, Tradesmen, and the Rebel all come with a plethora of configurations from the aforementioned engine powertrain to interior seating, two choices of truck bed size between 6’4″ or 5’7″ and accessories, and don’t forget, an endless combination of Mopar aftermarket parts.
Interior offerings would be hard to beat for the quad-cab RAM 1500 and in the case of the Rebel model under test, the duo suede leather material looks and feels tough to sustain the harshest expectation of any journeyman. Storage was also one of the key positive elements of the RAM 1500’s cabin space. The interior alone holds a maximum capacity of 151 liters – twice the amount of even its closest competitor and the floating rear seats provide storage underneath with the ability to fold it up for extra cargo space if two extra rear passengers aren’t needed. Access to power especially in remote job sites aren’t a concern either with the available built-in DC-AC inverter that provides a 115V power outlet in the interior cabin.
The Ride
There is no denial that its shear size of the RAM 1500 is present especially in city roads, but the drive is still very manageable. And I have to admit that there’s only been a number of occasions that I’ve ever driven a truck, but every time I have the opportunity, the RAM 1500 always amazes me as to how comfortable and surprisingly easy and comfortable it is to drive. The power steering is tight, smooth and precise while the acceleration gives plenty of granularity with the long accelerator pedal travel and the help of the butter-smooth 8-speed torque-flite transmission. The built in frame dampers and noise-cancellation system built into the interior also proved to work well in insulating the cabin space from any sort of road or wind noise, even at higher speeds.
And while I’m a fan of the ride height adjustment, the compromise of air shock suspensions just don’t offer as smooth of a ride compared to more conventional spring suspensions. Yes, the Frequency Response Damping works to help isolate the problem, but it’s still a step behind in ride quality – at least for now.
Ride height adjustment proved to be a convenient feature and the ability to lower it via the key fob makes entry into the pickup much easier albeit a more simpler step would’ve suffice. Still, underground parking, improved handling and increased payload ride height compensation make the feature a valuable one.
The RAM 1500 latches onto its golden heritage trademarks while endlessly continuing to improve in what we come to know as one of the most toughest pickup trucks in existence. Our RAM 1500 Rebel model tester comes priced in at $67,143.28.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2019 RAM 1500
- Model : RAM 1500 Rebel w/ HEMI V8
- Vehicle Type : Quad-Cab Pickup
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Powertrain Configuration : 2×4, 4×4
- Engine : Hemi V8 / Pentastar V6
- Transmission : 8 Speed Torque-Flite
Test Drive Notes:
- Bomb proof looks and feel
- Plethora of configuration parts
- Purpose built cabin space for any workhorse of any type
- Easy and manageable ride even for everyday driving