Ram 1500 Review 2021: Exclusive

It's like there was no such thing as a big truck segment in Australia. And the very next day the market began to boom. And this is almost entirely due to the introduction of the Ram lineup in 2018.

We are talking about significant numbers. In 2700 alone, Ram has sold almost 1500 of its 2019 trucks. And yes, I know these are far from Toyota HiLux numbers, but for a truck that starts at around $80,000, and those are absolutely huge numbers, they are very big numbers. 

So big, in fact, that other brands have taken notice. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is now launched in Australia, making Ram a real competitor in our market. Toyota is also eyeing the US-born Tundra for Australia. And just like Ford with the next F-150.

All this means that Ram cannot afford to rest on his laurels. This brings us to why we ended up in Los Angeles (before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, of course). You see, the new 2021 Ram 1500 is expected to arrive in Australia by the end of the year, but we couldn't wait that long to tell you what it's like.

And given that the car had already been launched in the US, we knew exactly what we needed to do…

Ram 1500 2020: Express (4X4) с Ramboxes
Safety Rating
engine's type	5.7L
fuel type	Regular unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	12.2l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$75,500

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

It's a bit tricky, it's all about the price. See, what you're seeing here is a 2020 Ram 1500 now codenamed DT in the US where it sits above the existing DS now called Classic. 

In Australia, the new truck hasn't landed yet, but it should arrive later in 2020 - coronavirus ready - and when it does, it's expected to be taller than the existing DS model in the lineup, which currently costs $79,950 to $109,950 . the largest number is reserved for the existing diesel engine.

Given the pricing and specifications of the 2021 EcoDiesel 1500 engine we tested here remains to be confirmed for Australia, which leaves us with little more than guesswork, but a starting price north of $100K seems a given. 

It will feature a huge 12-inch portrait touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

However, when it lands, you can expect a lot of equipment, with the existing top model's auto-dimming rear view mirror, parking sensors, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, sat nav, heated front and rear seats, front seat ventilation, heated steering wheel. , remote keyless entry, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and the remote start feature are expected to remain.

And, even better, it will be joined by a new kit for 2020 with a huge 12-inch portrait-based touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving the cabin a serious tech feel.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

In my opinion, the 2020 Ram 1500 is the prettiest giant truck on the market, somehow managing to look premium but not soft, tough but not hardy. And that's especially true in the Rebel styling we tested in the US, which swapped out much of the chrome for body-coloured or darkened design elements.

The 2020 Ram 1500 may be the most beautiful giant truck on the market.

But we won't stop here. You know what the Ram looks like, and if you don't, then you have videos and photos to shed some light on it - and besides, the Ram's best design elements are functional, and we'll touch on them. to those under the heading Practicality.

But I'll say it; the cab of the 1500 is not like a truck. From the feel of the materials to the overall fit and finish, the Ram's interior feels top-notch.

The Ram's interior feels like it's on the top shelf.

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

Very practical. Mainly because there are a lot of cars here. We are driving a Crew Cab 1500 which is 5916mm long, 2084mm wide and 1971mm high. It also provides 222mm of ground clearance and 19mm approach, exit, and breakaway angles (without underbody protection installed). 

We are driving a Crew Cab 1500 which is 5916mm long, 2084mm wide and 1971mm high.

The massive rear end only takes up 1711mm of usable area and is 1687mm wide, and Ram says its new diesel engine (in Crew Cab 4×4 guise) can carry around 816kg and tow 4.4 tons with brakes, according to the US. specifications

It also floats with smart touches like rear seats that fold down to the tray so you can slide big boxes (like a flat screen TV) behind the front seats, or insanely smart tray cargo stoppers that can slide forward or backward. to secure items in the bed of the truck. How much of this will come as standard versus optional remains to be seen. 

However, perhaps my favorite feature is the RamBox's cargo area outside the cab, with one deep and lockable bin located on either side of the bed. Of course, you can put tools and such in there, but it's better to use removable rubber plugs that allow you to drain the water and fill it with ice and cold drinks the next time you go camping or fishing.

You are seriously spoiled for space and storage space in such a big car.

There are storage bins inside, from a two-tiered bucket separating the front seats to phone-sized bins in the center shelf. You are seriously spoiled for space and storage space in such a big car.

You, too, are spoiled by space. Front-seat passengers would be better off sending each other letters if they want to chat, and there's plenty of room in the back seat, too.

One quirk, however. While there are three top tether points for child seats, the Ram 1500 lacks ISOFIX attachment points.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

So let's talk about the engine. This is the third generation of Ram's 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and it now puts out about 194kW and 650Nm, which is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine we're currently getting in Australia - the outgoing diesel - is good for 179kW and 569Nm.

This is the third generation of Ram's 3.0-litre diesel V6, and it now produces around 194kW and 650Nm.

This is a significant jump. If you're a math genius, then you know that's an increase of 14% and XNUMX% respectively, with gains thanks to a new turbocharger, redesigned cylinder heads, and an updated exhaust gas recirculation system.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Ram says the 1500 EcoDiesel will drink a claimed 9.8 liters per hundred kilometers combined in 4WD models. That's an improvement over the current car's 11.9L/100km, although we took the new number as a direct conversion from the US fuel consumption statement, so we'll have to wait and see what Ram Trucks Australia promises when the car lands. . 

What is it like to drive? 9/10

Now I know that RAM in Australia recently released a diesel version of the 1500, but very importantly, they didn't release that version. This is the third generation EcoDiesel V6 with more power, more torque - more than anything, really. 

If you're like me, when you think of really big trucks in Australia, you probably think of a big V8 petrol engine. Yes, our dual cab market is dominated by diesel, but in the States the opposite is true.

It's an amazing engine/gearbox combination for a car like this.

But I can tell you that this diesel has more than enough power to move a Ram 1500. Sure, it's not lightning fast, and it lacks the sound of fanfare you could get from a booming petrol V8, but it does exactly what it does. has to do, moving a big truck on that generous wave of torque, and never feeling under load. - nutrition. 

It's an amazing engine/gearbox combination for a car like this, and it gets even better when you factor in the claimed fuel economy compared to a V8 petrol.

Another critical point is that it doesn't look like a truck at all from behind the wheel. There is nothing agricultural about the driving experience, the cabin technology is top notch, the materials are fine, the transmission is smooth and the steering is light and controllable. It doesn't feel like you're riding a workhorse. In fact, it feels, dare I say, almost premium.

Ram did a brilliant job of hiding how big this thing is. It's really no different than driving a larger HiLux.

It's also undeniably big, but you don't feel it from behind the wheel.

Then let's talk about the disadvantages. The engine can be noisy under acceleration, there's really no hiding it, and there's not much excitement when you put your foot down. 

It's also undeniably big. Sure, it doesn't feel like you're driving, but it doesn't feel like you're flying across oceans when you're strapped to your seat in an A380. This does not change the facts of the situation.

You can neither see the edges of the 1500 nor judge them correctly, and it makes you nervous when navigating tighter parking spaces. 

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

The Ram 1500 has not been tested by ANCAP in Australia, but has received five stars from the US safety authority, NHTSA.

The 2020 Ram 1500 EcodDiesel is offered with available adaptive LED headlights with high beam support.

While we're based on US specifications, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcodDiesel is offered with available adaptive LED headlights with high beam support, Forward Collision Avoidance with AEB, Rear View Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Blind Spot Monitoring and Trailer Detection, Departure Warning lanes, adaptive cruise control with Stop, Go and Hold functions, rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors, as well as front, side and ceiling airbags.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

All Ram vehicles sold in Australia are covered by a three-year 100,000 km warranty with service every 12 months or 12,000 km.

And that's... not great.

Verdict

Better technology, more power, better ride quality and more options. Seriously, what's not to like here? The big question remains the price, but for that we'll have to wait and see.