The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 pickup has made a big splash in the full-size pickup market. In a few months the pickup has accumulated several awards and sales have jumped in both Canada and the US. I could devote an entire paragraph just listing the awards this truck has earned. The most prestigious is the Motor Trend magazine “Truck of the Year.”
Completely redesigned, the Ram 1500 has a long list of all-new features, technology and premium materials making this pickup an ideal family hauler and more than capable for business use. Chrysler is making a big deal of the technology and after driving a well optioned model for a week it’s easy to see why.
The 2019 Ram 1500 features the first application of a bonded flush 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen with tailor-made graphics for various Ram models and state-of-the-art connectivity. Personalization is made easy with the new split-screen, operating two different applications such as Apple CarPlay and HVAC controls, or one application, such as navigation across the entire 12-inch touchscreen. Customers who prefer not to use the screen for HVAC will find redundant controls located on both sides of the display for convenience. Available for the first time on the Ram 1500 is a 360-degree Surround View Camera system providing a bird's-eye view via four cameras positioned around the vehicle.
Ram owners can now manage their personal device connectivity with a number of charging options. The centre console has a wider docking area and an all-new optional wireless charging pad that can hug a small tablet or multiple smartphones. To keep devices charged there are five USB ports; three in front and two in the back of the cab. You might be wondering why the hype over connectivity. It’s because this is what contractors and other business operators want as the truck cab becomes the office on the road.
The interior of my Limited 1500 was well designed in terms of style, convenience and comfort. Designers have put controls and switches right where they need to be. Some of the controls are large enough so they can be used while wearing work gloves. The optional vented leather seats offer really good support and legroom is plentiful no matter how big the person or whether they ride in front or back. The rear seat reclines, another plus if there are items you don’t want to haul in the bed of the truck.
The Ram 1500 rides sure-footed on pavement or gravel with minimal road noise coming up into the passenger cab. Chrysler says the Ram also has the best aerodynamics in its class as a result of extensive engineering. This is done in part by use of an active air dam to divert air around the truck. There are also grille shutters and the hood is elevated to direct air away from the wipers. The bed rails were also raised to help the truck’s aerodynamics and with the optional air suspension, the truck can be lowered to help it cut through the air. All these things helped my tester get 11.9L/100 km (24 mpg) on the highway while cruising at 110 km/ph.
The new Ram 1500 is longer, lighter and can tow more payload. Towing capacity is now rated at 12,750 lb (5,783 kg) with a max payload of up to 2,300 lb (1,043 kg). The wider cargo bed offers more volume. There are three engines available in the 1500; two 5.7 litre Hemi V8s and a 3.6L V6 powerplant. My truck had the 395 horsepower Hemi with 410 lb-ft of torque.
A basic Ram Tradesman starts at $34,595. My 4X4 Limited Crew Cab carried a base price of $74,195. Loaded up with many options its final sticker price was an eye watering $85,295 not including gst and shipping. Loyal Ram owners eager to step up to the 2019 model won’t be disappointed. Those who are considering a new Ram will also be impressed, it’s just that good.
Read more of Garry Melnyk’s Auto Talk at http://www.stalberttoday.ca/auto-talk
