Acceleration

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
6	7	5.7

Only V8 models have been made available for testing so far. The 4.7-liter V8 is nearly the performance equal of the 5.3-liter V8 from Chevrolet, or the 5.4-liter V8 from Ford. It pulls strongly from a stop and has more than adequate passing punch. The 5.7 V8 is stronger still, with impressive launch power and abundant passing and merging muscle.

Fuel Economy

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
3	3	3

No opportunity to measure. All Rams use regular-grade gas. The 4.7-liter V8 can also run on E85 ethanol.

Ride Quality

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
7	7	5.3

Best in class. For 2009, Ram becomes the only full-size pickup to use a coil-spring rear suspension instead of the traditional leaf-spring arrangement. The result is a remarkably compliant ride with little of the rear-end hop normally exhibited by unloaded pickups.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
4	4	3.6

Ram is far too large and prone to cornering lean to be called nimble, but car-like is not a stretch. There's too little on-center steering response though, and Laramies with their 20-inch wheels seem prone to highway wander--requiring frequent correction. Brake response is excellent, with little nose plow in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
7	7	5.8

Dodge claims to have paid special attention to wind and road noise, and it shows. Unpaved surfaces result in undue droning, especially at speed, but the cabin is otherwise impressively serene.

Controls

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
6	6	6.4

Huge gauges are boldly marked and easy to read at a glance. Major controls are mostly convenient to access, though audio and climate switchgear positioned towards the passenger side of the center console requires a long stretch to reach.

Details

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
5	6	5.5

Perception of Ram quality is a matter of where you sit. Front seat occupants are treated to a cabin generally finished in high-grade and soft-touch materials, with Laramie models seeming especially nice. Though consistent in design, the rear seating area is fitted with lower-grade stuff, with hard-plastic door sills and generally less touch-friendly surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
9	9	8.4

A high step in is about the only complaint one can muster. Large, firmly padded seats offer impressive long-drive comfort and back support. Visibility is very good all around.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
8	8	6.3

As up front, though flatter seats seem less supportive. Again, a high step up complicates entry and exit.

Cargo Room

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
8	8	5.9

Dodge claims that there are nearly 50 separate storage cubbies, bins, and wells. Consumer Guide counted more like 30, but that's plenty for most folks. Front-bench seat models have a fold-away center armrest that doubles as a storage area, but it's really too shallow for anything more than cell phones and iPods. Bucket-seat models enjoy a huge, deep center-console storage area. All models have a two-tiered glove box, with the top compartment chilled for beverage cooling. The available Ram Box storage wells combine to offer sufficient space for a week's worth of groceries or a couple of golf bags. The lockable boxes are lined and include drainage holes so they can be used as coolers.

Value within Class

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
8	7	7.4

The new Ram makes news for impressive ride comfort, creative storage options, and abundant available power. Improved cabin trappings over the previous generation are a nice bonus. Chevy, Ford, and Toyota loyalists would do well to have a look. You may well be won over.

Total Score

2WD SLT Crew Cab, 4.7	4WD Laramie Crew Cab, 5.7	Class Average
71	72	63.3

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		38
Average Score		63
High Score		72