WE LIKE New eTorque V-8, high-quality interiors across the line
WE DON’T LIKE Base eTorque V-6 could use a bit more low-end power
It’s gotta be tough playing third fiddle in the truck sales race to the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, but FCA’s Ram team seemed to have turned any animosity it has toward its crosstown rivals into a new pickup that ought to have them looking over their shoulders.
The fifth-generation 2019 Ram 1500, the first version of Ram’s light-duty pickup developed outside the Dodge brand envelope, does a fantastic job of staying true to the 1500’s heritage while still keeping an eye toward the future.
Ram brass freed its engineers from chasing down the (relatively) lightweight Ford F-150’s segment-best payload and towing figures so that they could focus on a holistic approach to improving performance and fuel economy. The driver behind that is largely Ram’s new lineup of eTorque mild-hybrid engines, which use small electric starter-generators paired with a tiny 0.43-kW-hr battery to help the stop/start system and provide a minor torque assist while cruising so the standard eight-speed automatic doesn’t need to downshift. The new eTorque technology is standard on the base 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and available on the 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8. A non-eTorque version of the V-8 is also available.
The base eTorque V-6 feels gutsy for such a small engine, though we noted it felt like it made most of its power higher in its powerband. Additional low-end torque would be welcome, especially when towing and hauling. Both V-8s felt smooth and powerful, even with a trailer attached, but especially the eTorque one. “I find the eTorque drivetrain a bit smoother through the revs and shifts and when accelerating up steep grades,” features editor Scott Evans said.
The 1500’s handsome, aerodynamic sheetmetal won praise from our judges, as did the range of new interiors. From the volume Big Horn models to the top-trim Limited, the new Rams sport high-quality interior materials and supremely functional designs.
Although Ram may not lead the pickup sales race, its refresh should make even the most brand-loyal Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, and Toyota buyers think twice.
READ ABOUT 2019 SUV OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- BMW X2
- BMW X3
- BMW X4
- Cadillac XT4
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Edge
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- Jeep Cherokee
- Lexus RX L
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
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- Nissan Kicks
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- Toyota RAV4
READ ABOUT 2019 SUV OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:
- Acura RDX
- Ford Expedition
- Hyundai Kona
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Jeep Wrangler
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READ ABOUT 2019 CAR OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- Buick Regal
- Ford Mustang
- Ford Transit Connect
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Elantra
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- Lexus ES
- Lexus LS
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback
- Volkswagen Jetta
READ ABOUT 2019 CAR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:
| 2019 Ram 1500 | Big Horn 4×2 (Quad) | Big Horn 4×4 (Crew) | Rebel (Quad) | Long Horn 4X4 (Crew) | Limited 4X4 (Crew) |
| BASE PRICE | $37,390 | $43,590 | $46,390 | $55,390 | $57,890 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $46,240 | $55,485 | $55,400 | $68,385 | $68,340 |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door truck | Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door truck | Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door truck | Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door truck | Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door truck |
| ENGINE | 5.7L/395-hp/410-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 plus 16-hp/130-lb-ft electric motor, 395 hp/410 lb-ft comb | 3.6L/305-hp/269-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6 plus 12-hp/90-lb-ft electric motor, 305 hp/269 lb-ft comb | 5.7L/395-hp/410-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 | 5.7L/395-hp/410-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 | 5.7L/395-hp/410-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 |
| TRANSMISSION | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 5,111 lb (58/42%) | 5,456 lb (55/45%) | 5,575 lb (58/42%) | 5,820 lb (56/44%) | 5,876 lb (57/43%) |
| WHEELBASE | 140.5 in | 144.6 in | 140.5 in | 144.6 in | 144.6 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 228.9 x 82.1 x 77.6 in | 232.9 x 82.1 x 75.8-79.6 in | 228.9 x 82.1 x 77.7 in | 232.9 x 82.1 x 75.8-79.6 in | 232.9 x 82.1 x 75.8-79.6 in |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.9 sec | 8.5 sec | 6.4 sec | 6.3 sec | 6.5 sec |
| QUARTER MILE | 14.4 sec @ 97.6 mph | 16.5 sec @ 84.5 mph | 14.9 sec @ 93.1 mph | 14.8 sec @ 94.4 mph | 15.0 sec @ 82.1 mph |
| BRAKING, 60-0 MPH | 122 ft | 130 ft | 135 ft | 126 ft | 132 ft |
| LATERAL ACCELERATION | 0.76 g (avg) | 0.71 g (avg) | 0.76 g (avg) | 0.74 g (avg) | 0.74 g (avg) |
| MT FIGURE EIGHT | 28.1 sec @ 0.62 g (avg) | 29.7 sec @ 0.54 g (avg) | 27.7 sec @ 0.73 g (avg) | 29.0 sec @ 0.57 g (avg) | 28.3 sec @ 0.60 g (avg) |
| REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB | 19.2/23.1/20.8 mpg | 15.4/19.7/17.1 mpg | 14.0/19.4/16.0 mpg | 14.7/21.6/17.2 mpg | 18.7/22.6/20.3 mpg |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | 17/23/19 mpg | 19/24/21 mpg | 15/21/17 mpg | 15/21/17 mpg | 17/22/19 mpg |
| ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY | 198/147 kW-hrs/100 miles | 177/140 kW-hrs/100 miles | 225/160 kW-hrs/100 miles | 225/160 kW-hrs/100 miles | 198/153 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 1.01 lb/mile | 0.93 lb/mile | 1.13 lb/mile | 1.13 lb/mile | 1.02 lb/mile |
The post Ram 1500: 2019 Motor Trend Truck of the Year Finalist appeared first on Motor Trend.
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