Since its 2011 separation from Dodge, the Ram brand has gone from strength to strength. Its primary model, though, is the Ram 1500, a full-size pickup truck that’s enjoyed record sales in recent years. Much credit is given to style as well as to arguably the most comfortable interior in the segment.
What’s New for 2023
Most of the changes for the Ram 1500 this year involve equipment improvements and package changes. All models now come with a rear seat minder and an LED hitch lamp found in the tailgate handle.
Grade Levels and Pricing
Ram offers the 2023 1500 in eight grades: Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. Most models feature standard rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive. Ram also offers the 1500 Classic, based on the previous-generation model. This one comes in Regular and Quad Cab configurations. The current model offers Quad Cab and Crew Cab Choices.
The price for the Ram 1500 Classic starts at $30,695. However, we’re not covering that model here as we’re focusing on the current generation alone. Pricing ranges from $37,410 to $84,555, plus a $1,895 destination charge.
Four Engines for the Choosing
The 2023 Ram 1500 offers drivers four engine options, with the turbodiesel being the newest addition. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The second engine option is a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The third option is a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that makes 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque and like the first two comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Finally, you can opt for the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Ram TRX that pumps out 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, mated to an 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum performance potential on or off road.
Robust Tech Features
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that has been completely redesigned for 2023. It comes with a variety of tech features, including an 8.4-inch touch screen with Uconnect infotainment system, Bluetooth, and HD Radio and satellite radio integration. It also has USB ports for charging devices as well as navigation capabilities. The instrument cluster also features an LCD display to provide drivers with more information about the vehicle’s performance. The list of options is impressive and includes a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and two rear USB ports.
All-New Limited Elite Edition
A multifunction and locking tailgate, a tailgate ajar warning lamp, a deployable bed step, four adjustable cargo tie-down hooks, and a cargo divider are included in the recently released 2023 Ram 1500 Limited Elite Edition. The inside features a heated steering wheel, a jeweled rotary shifter, a distinctive instrument cluster motif, premium leather bucket seats, heated and ventilated 12-way driver and front passenger seats, suede headliner, and a vivid pedal kit.
TRX Takes on the F-150 Raptor
The Ram 1500 offers the TRX, a powerful and capable off-road vehicle. Competing directly with the Ford Raptor, the TRX has an impressive 702-horsepower supercharged V8 as well as suspension that can handle high speed desert running. It also comes with several comfort features, allowing you to enjoy 10 miles per gallon without sacrificing on luxury. We’re kidding about “enjoying” the TRX’s fuel economy, but at 10/14/12 mpg city/highway/combined, the efficiency just isn’t there. But it is doubtful true enthusiasts will care.
Peer Group
The Ram 1500 competes with three other domestic models and two Japanese trucks in the full size segment. The Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 are the Ram’s primary rivals. Other models in this peer group include the Toyota Tundra and the Nissan Titan.
2023 Ram 1500 Specifications
| Ram | 2023 1500 |
|---|---|
| Segment | Full-Size Pickup Truck |
| Price Range | $37,410 to $84,555 |
| Destination Charge | $1,895 |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, Rear- or Four-Wheel Drive |
| Engine No. 1 | 3.6-liter, V-6 |
| Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 271 lb.-ft. @ 4,900 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.78 x 3.27 (96.0 x 83.0) |
| Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 2 | 3.0-liter, V-6 |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 3,600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 480 lb.-ft. @ 1,600 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.27 x 3.60 (83.0 x 92.0) |
| Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 3 | 5.7-liter, V-8 |
| Horsepower | 395 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 410 lb.-ft. @ 3,950 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.92 x 3.58 (99.5 x 90.9) |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 4 | 6.2-liter, V-8, Supercharged |
| Horsepower | 702 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 650 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 4.09 x 3.58 (103.9 x 90.9) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | 3, 5, or 6 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 4,876 to 6,440 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 144.6 to 153.5 (crew) |
| Length (inches) | 232.9 to 241.8 (crew) |
| Width (inches) | 82.1 (crew) |
| Height (inches) | 77.4 (crew) |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 40.9, 39.8 (crew) |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 40.9, 45.2 (crew) |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 66.0, 65.7 (crew) |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 63.4, 63.4 (crew) |
| Pax Volume (cu. ft.) | 132.4 (crew) |
| Cargo Storage (cu. ft.) | 53.9 – 61.5 (crew) |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | N/A |
| Towing (pounds) | Up to 12,750 (crew) |
| Payload (pounds) | 1,360 to 2,024 (crew) |
| Fuel Type | Regular, Mid-grade, Premium, Diesel |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 23/26/33 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 10/14/12 to 23/33/26 |
| Manufacturing Plant | Sterling Heights, Michigan |
Specifications and images supplied by the manufacturer. Statistics assembled by Tom Keegan.
