RAM, just RAM
RAM has existed as a separate brand since 2009. However, this range has been developing continuously since 1981, when the first RAM pickups were created by the legendary American company Dodge. And for a long time it was very successfully developed under the Dodge Big Horn mark.
RAM 1500 Classic. From 2011 to the present
In 2009, the manufacturer introduced the upgraded RAM 1500 into the Dodge Ram model range. This was already the fourth generation of Dodge pickups, but in fact it was considered the first one as a separate brand within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (formerly FCA, since 2021, the name was changed to Stellantis NV). In 2011, the FCA Group took RAM vehicles under its wing in order to help the nearly bankrupt Dodge to survive. Accordingly, the new chronology of RAM models has started since 2011. But to emphasize the continuous connection between Dodge and FCA, the 1500 is called the Classic. The 1500 Classic is still in production and can even be called the basic model of all basic RAM models.
RAM pickups have different cab types: Crew Cab is a 4-door version with an enlarged rear door and sufficient space for rear-row passengers; Quad Cab is a 4-door modification with rear seats that are not very spacious, but ample; Regular Cab is a modification with two doors and two or three rear seats. The length of the vehicle varies from 5,308 to 5,817 mm, the height is from 1,894 to 1,923 mm, the width in all modifications is 2,017 mm, and the front wheels are moved away from the rear ones at a distance from 3,061 to 3,570 mm, depending on the modification. The useful volume of the cargo compartment varies from 1,424 to 2,016 liters, depending on the modification. The pickup is capable to transport cargo weighting up to 875 kg, while its towing capacity is up to 4,740 kg.
All RAM modifications have a well-equipped interior, including a multifunctional 4-spoke steering wheel, an informative instrument cluster with analog dials and a 3.5-inch display, a front panel with a massive console in the center, a 7-inch multimedia center screen with climate and music control units.
1500 versions
The fourth generation Crew Cab 1500 is a large family weekend pickup, the size and power of which are aimed at providing comfort rather than conquering impassable swamps. It was equipped with an air suspension that provides a smooth ride. In 2013, the model underwent a slight external restyling, acquiring new LED turn signals and the expanded radiator grille.
A standard 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine was coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. V8 engines were also available with a 6- or 8-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim level, the Crew Cab modification was offered with rear or all-wheel drive.
The RAM 1500 Crew Cab is a 4-door modification with an enlarged rear door and sufficient space for rear-row passengers.
The Quad Cab 1500 was designed for those who used the vehicle for everyday trips, for example, to work. The design featured more massive elements, a larger front panel and a taller hood. The vehicle was distinguished by Active Grille shutters, which helped warm the engine in cold weather and improved cooling when it was hot outside. The Quad Cab provided excellent traveling comfort, had air suspension, 5 passenger seats and 10 interior trim options. The most popular was the 3.6 liter V6 Pentastar engine, combined with a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Regular Cab 1500 was lighter than other models and was an off-roader for everyday use. The vehicle featured the Active Grille shutter system that opened or closed the radiator grille to maintain thermal balance in the engine. The standard engine was a 3.6 liter V6 engine coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Two other V8 engines were available with a 6- or 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 diesel engine was on the option list. The Regular Cab was offered with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the trim level.
The Quad Cab is a 4-door modification with rear seats, not very spacious, but ample. The Regular Cab is a modification with two doors and two or three rear seats.
1500 trim levels
In 2015, the RAM 1500 model range was upgraded, acquiring an upgraded chassis, even wider radiator grilles, and a new line of engines. Here the Americans proceeded with their favorite thing to do: systematization and qualification. Thus, in addition to the same cab types, RAMs had six trim levels: Tradesman, Express, HFE, SLT, Sport and Laramie.
- Tradesman was a workhorse with a matching body kit,
- Express was similar to the Tradesman, but with a focus on the exterior beauty,
- SLT was even more beautiful and had more comfort options,
- Sport’s body kit was perfect for fast and dexterous driving,
- Laramie was a model moving towards excessive luxury.
2018 RAM 1500. 5th generation
According to the chaotic American classification, the RAM, created in 2018, is not the classic heir to the Dodge RAM, but still the fifth generation that was released after the previous, fourth generation developed by Dodge. Both models are still being produced. It is too difficult to understand this scheme, but it is not even necessary, because that is not the main thing! In fact, all the RAMs remain the same, only preserving and increasing their size and power.
The fifth generation RAM 1500 is a full-size pickup truck, which can be all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. In addition to the established Crew Cab, Quad Cab and Regular Cab classification, there are 11 standard trim levels: Tradesman, HFE EcoDiesel, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, Sport, Night, Lone Star Silver, Laramie, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn и Limited. Plus, there are many custom-built models.
Most of the trim levels are equipped with a 3.6 liter 6-cylinder engine producing 305 hp, the Rebel, Laramie Longhorn and Limited versions are offered with 5.7 liter 8-cylinder engines producing 395 hp. There is also a 3 liter 6-cylinder diesel engine with 240 hp. The engines are coupled with an 8-speed gearbox.
The fifth generation RAM 1500 is a full-size all-wheel or rear wheel drive pickup.
The Sport and Night models are equipped with 20-inch wheels, driving lamps and adjustable pedals. The Laramie and Big Horn have auto-dimming mirrors, wood trim, heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory settings, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Laramie Longhorn version includes: keyless access and ignition, remote start, front and rear parking sensors, wood trim, new leather upholstery and navigation system.
2020 RAM 1500 TRX. 1st generation
The RAM 1500 TRX (T-Rex), introduced in 2020, is a good old 1500, but only more powerful and dynamic. The 1500 was so strikingly different from the original model that it was separated into a separate family. The T-Rex is equipped with a 6.2 liter turbo Hellcat 8-cylinder engine that produces 702 hp and 35-inch tires.
In addition to the power limit, the pickup has a 12-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, a luxurious interior with premium leather trim and numerous comfort options.
2019 RAM 2500. 5th generation
From Dodge's point of view, the 2500 model is the fifth generation, but de facto, within a separate brand, it belongs to the first generation. This was the very generation that lost the characteristic ‘Dodge-like’ cross-shaped radiator grille ‘for scaring away demons’, instead of it they began to put giant letters R.A.M. Everything else was the same: wide grille, muscular massive contours, convex wings.
The basic 6.4 liter 8-cylinder engine with 410 hp is paired with an 8-step automatic transmission. The majority of trim levels offer an embedded trailer brake controller, heating the driver’s seat, steering wheel with electric power, sunroof, front and rear parking sensors.
The new RAM 2500 is equipped with a standard zoomable rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision avoidance system with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, rain sensors and other options.
2020 RAM 3500. 5th generation
The fifth generation RAM 3500 is offered in five basic trim levels: Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited. The standard engine for all trim levels is a 6.4-liter petrol V8 engine with 410 hp, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Most trim levels are equipped with 17-inch discs, trailer brake controller, remote tailgate release, rear air suspension with load control.
Other important options include dual rear wheels, surround view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, adaptive steering and blind spot monitoring system. Moreover, there is an extra 50 gallon fuel tank.
2019 RAM Chassis Cab. 1st generation
The RAM Chassis Cab (3500, 4500 and even 5500!) modifications are initially designed for business. The first generation of these vehicles, called ‘Chassis-Cab’, is distinguished by powerful towing capacity of 15,975 kg. And the carrying capacity is 5,674 kg. Such opportunities are in demand not only in commercial activities, but also can come handy for other purpose, for example, ambulance vehicles.
The new 2019 Chassis Cab is powered by the basic 6.4-liter Hemi V 8-cylinder engine with a minimum output of 370 hp, coupled with a 6 or 8-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 6.7-liter turbocharged Cummins inline 6-cylinder diesel engine with 360 hp, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox.
The Chassis-Cab is distinguished by powerful towing capacity of 15,975 kg. And the carrying capacity is 5,674 kg.
The front face and hood of commercial pickups are designed to ‘pump’ a large amount of air through the engine compartment and provide a huge amount of cooling air through the radiator grille and bumper.
The 2019 models are equipped with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking system, parking assist, cargo monitoring camera, six-wheel tire pressure monitoring, adaptive headlights and many more options.
2018 RAM Promaster. 1st generation
The 2018 RAM ProMaster is the first generation front wheel drive cargo van. This vehicle is not typical for the brand. But it is an evolutionary continuation of the standard models.
The van is equipped with a 3.6 liter 6-cylinder 280 hp engine, which drives the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The carrying capacity varies from 1,710 to 1,809 kg (1500 version), from 1,678 to 1,873 kg (2500 version) and from 1,823 to 2,009 kg (3500 version).
Standard options include 16-inch steel wheels, split-opening rear doors, manually adjustable mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, reversing camera, air conditioning, telescopic steering wheel, cargo lights, 5-inch touchscreen and 4-speaker audio system with USB port.
2018 RAM Promaster City. 2nd generation
The Promaster City is a Promaster van adapted for purely city conditions. Considering the design changes made to the vehicle, it can be included into a separate family. In particular, it is lower than the basic Promaster and it also has a narrow profile that allows it to seep through the narrow streets of the skyscraper-studded center of New York. All versions are equipped with a relatively small 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine with 178 hp.
Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, keyless access, power front power windows, air conditioning, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, front overhead storage compartment, fold-down rear seat, 5-inch touchscreen and 4-speaker stereo system with USB port.
