Pickup trucks are as popular as ever and Ram has really benefited from its makeover just three years ago. Ram has continued to upgrade the full-size truck each year to help keep up with hot-selling trucks.
Styling can make or break a truck or any vehicle for that matter. The Ram 1500 Laramie G/T that I drove stands out with a more sport-truck look than work vehicle. Bright red paint helps this large truck catch attention just about anywhere. A sport performance hood has vented louvers to help the truck convey its racy style. The optional Night Edition adds blacked-out trim, front grill and even the huge 22-inch wheels are finished in black. The tailgate is cool. It moves up and down or you can swing it open as the tailgate splits and acts more like a door than a folding tailgate.
The Ram 1500 came with the optional Hemi V-8 that had no problem moving this four-door pickup. While this truck will work without complaint, it is willing and happy to treat riders to a complaint-free ride. A four-corner air suspension allows the Ram 1500 to show a softer side on the highway and it soaks bumps nicely. The noise level in the cabin is also in check. You hear some of the V-8 engine, but not much road or wind noise. While the Ram 1500 is pleasant on the road, its size can be a bit daunting in parking lots and tighter spaces.
(WTOP/Mike Parris)
The success of the Ram 1500, especially in the higher trim levels like the Laramie model I drove, is its class-leading interior. Ram is ahead of the competition with well thought out and luxurious surroundings. From comfortable leather-covered heated and ventilated power seats to tons of space and nifty storage areas, this is a well-planned and executed design. An updated Uconnect 5 is easy to use. The large 12-inch screen provides better graphics for the NAV system, and the 19-speaker sound system is impressive.
Cost: $53,540; as tested $77,715
MPG: 18 MPG City; and 22 MPG Highway. I managed 16.4 mpg in 153 miles of driving.
Options: $1,095 trailer tow group; $3,495 night edition; $945 bed utility group; $2,095 G/T package; $3,895 Laramie level 2 equipment group; $550 tri-fold tonneau cover; $1,495 dual-pane panoramic sunroof; $995 multifunction tailgate; $2,795 5.7L V-8 Hemi VVT eTorque w stop start; $1,805 4-corner air suspension; $2,095 Uconnect 5 with 12-inch touch screen; $220 rear wheelhouse liners; $ 1,795 destination charge
Safety: Ready-alert braking; full speed forward collision warn plus; adaptive cruise control with stop & go; lane departure alert warning plus; automatic high beams; parallel & perpendicular park assist with stop; ParkSense front and rear with stop; advanced brake assist; lane keep assist; blind spot and cross path detection
Things to know: The Ram 1500 Laramie G/T walks the line of luxury and sport with a big V-8 enhanced style and interior that’s ready coddle when the work is done.
Pros:
- A sporty look with G/T package and Night Edition will make the Ram standout
- Interior is more like a luxury car then a hard working pickup
- V-8 power and sound
Cons:
- Pricey in higher trim levels with added options
- Feels big and heavy in the corners
- V-8 fuel economy
