2014 Ram 1500 Expert Review
Reviewed by Jason Udy
Vehicle Overview
Refreshed last year, the Ram 1500 pickup became the 2013 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. While last year's winner is available with two engines, two transmissions, and in rear- or four-wheel-drive, a new turbodiesel option is available for 2014. A 304-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with 269 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic serves as the Ram 1500's base engine. The 395-hp, 407 lb-ft 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 returns with either a six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmission. A new turbodiesel 240-hp 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 produces 420 lb-ft comes solely with the eight-speed automatic. Rear-drive Ram 1500s with the Pentastar V-6 are EPA-rated 17/25 mpg city/highway, while four-wheel-drive model Pentastars are rated 16/23 mpg. Hemi engines with the six-speed automatic and rear-drive and four-wheel-drive are rated 14/20 mpg and 13/19 mpg, respectively. The eight-speed automatic boosts Hemi fuel economy to 15/22 mpg for rear-drive and 15/21 mpg for four-wheel-drive models. Fuel economy for the EcoDiesel hasn't been rated.
"At the end of our testing, the decision was unanimous," we wrote during 2013 Truck of the Year testing. "Hands down, the Ram ran away with this Truck of the Year award. The V-6 fills the void where the Dakota once existed. The V-8 is as much if not more truck than we expect to find in a 1500. The variety of trim levels offered by Ram can give you everything from a very basic work truck to a near-luxury vehicle with performance and off-road models falling somewhere in between. It ticks all six boxes in judging criteria. With loyalty higher in this segment than just about any other, we do wonder how many truck buyers are willing to switch brands. Until the rest of the industry can catch up with Ram trucks in the half-ton segment, it would be a shame to pass this one up."
Not only is the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 new for 2014, but it's the only turbodiesel engine available in a half-ton pickup. While not yet rated by the EPA, Ram claims the EcoDiesel offers best in class fuel efficiency. A front park assist feature is now available, while a capless fuel filler system. Two new exterior paint colors (Blue Streak and Granite Crystal) are available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model. The 2014 Ram 1500 pickup has a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars), but hasn't been evaluated by the IIHS.
New for 2014
The 2014 Ram 1500 is first half-ton pickup with an available turbodiesel engine. All 2014 Ram 1500 models get a capless fuel filler system. Front park assist is available as is two more paint colors: Blue Streak and Granite Crystal.
Key Competitors
Sum Up
Ram gives half-ton customers the power of choice
