2015 Ram 1500

The 2015 Ram 1500 adds a new exterior color, and a new instrument panel comes with the Luxury Group package on SLT-grade trucks.

Vehicle Summary

The 2015 Ram 1500 is full-size truck sold with nine trim levels, three engine choices, two transmission options, three box lengths, three cab styles, and in rear- or four-wheel-drive configurations.

Overview

The 2015 Ram 1500 truck's three engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed automatic is also available but only with the V-8 engine.

• Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
• Power: 305 hp/269 lb-ft of torque
• EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 17/25 mpg city/highway (rear-wheel drive), 16/23 mpg (four-wheel drive)
• Max Towing Capacity: 7,600 pounds

• Engine: turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V-6
• Power: 240 hp/ 420 lb-ft
• EPA-Rated Fuel Economy: 20/28 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 19/27 mpg (four-wheel drive)
• Max Towing Capacity: 9,200 pounds

• Engine: 5.7-liter V-8
• Power: 395 hp/410 lb-ft
• EPA rated fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (rear-wheel drive eight-speed automatic), 15/21 (four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic), 15/20 mpg (rear-wheel drive six-speed automatic), 13/19 mpg (four-wheel drive six-speed automatic)
• Max Towing Capacity: 10,650 pounds

The 2015 Ram 1500 has a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars).

All engines provide a great combination of power, fuel efficiency, capability, and refinement. Diesel-powered trucks, in particular, provide good acceleration due to it having a lot of low-end torque but not at the cost of fuel economy. The optional air suspension also makes the 2015 Ram 1500 ride well and made it feel "confident and responsive in turns," even when towing.

Interior build quality is superb in the 2015 Ram 1500, with appointments that make it feel upscale particularly in the Laramie Limited grade, which cabin swathed in high-grade leather upholstery. Additionally, there is no shortage of storage cubbies inside the car and the RamBox in the truck's bed. Chrysler's UConnect infotainment system and available 3G hotspot are strong points with easy-to-use and intuitive controls.

What We Think

The 2015 Ram 1500 is an excellent choice among full-size trucks because it provides a superb balance of upscale interior appointments, a wide range of engine choices, generous number of storage spaces, and impressive capability. In a Comparison Test, we said that the Ram's ride was also a strong point thanks to its optional air suspension, which also improves the truck's handling and utility by allowing the truck to lower to raise itself.

Additionally, in a long-term test review of a 2013 Ram 1500 V-8, we noted that its interior proved comfortable for long journeys with a comfortable seats and soft ride whether the truck was loaded or not. The optional diesel V-6, however, is an expensive option, costing $4,270 more than a V-6 powered 2015 Ram 1500. Additionally, V-8-powered trucks aren't as fuel-efficient compared to the two six-cylinder engines, and its capabilities are only slightly better than the diesel-powered truck.

This generation Ram 1500 was the Motor Trend 2013 and 2014 Truck of the Year.

Key Competitors

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Ford F-150
• GMC Sierra 1500
• Toyota Tundra
• Nissan Titan