2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500: Road Test
2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 ▼
- MSRP: $29,185 - $51,075
- Invoice: $26,097 - $45,431
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Our road test for the 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 help you decide if a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.5 |
The Hemi V8 has good power for everyday use and is smoother than many competitors' engines. Manual or automatic, either transmission works well. No opportunity yet to test with the turbodiesel 6.7-liter 6-cylinder.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.9 |
No opportunity to measure. Dodge recommends 89-octane fuel for the Hemi V8. Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is required for turbodiesel models.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.2 |
All 2500/3500 models come with 17-inch wheels, which provide adequate comfort over rough roads. Increasing the payload hurts ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 |
A stiff chassis and firm suspension help the Dodge hold the road as well as any Ford or Chevrolet pickup. Body lean is modest in turns. Steering offers good road feel but is a bit slow to return to center. Brakes have excellent stopping control and pedal feel is confidently firm.
QUIETNESS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.7 |
Quiet for a big truck, though wind noise can grow intrusive at highway speeds. Hemi growls nicely under hard acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
Simple, mostly handy layout, though most drivers must stretch to reach climate, audio, and dashboard-mounted 4WD controls. High nose hides view of nearby objects, hampering sense of control in tight spaces. Dashtop vents cast distracting windshield reflections. Cabin decor ranges from rubber floor covering and vinyl seats to leather and suede. Materials quality competitive with domestic rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 8.4 |
Spacious even for big adults, though the lankiest may want more seat travel in regular cabs. Center floor hump eats into passenger foot room. Seat too flat for ideal support. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from steering-wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4WD models have an extremely high step-up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | 5.4 |
Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits center rider's foot space. No opportunity to test Ram 2500 or 3500 with Mega Cab, but test of 1/2-ton Ram 1500 Mega Cab shows rear seat has room that rivals many large sedans.
CARGO ROOM
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 5.6 |
Generous storage behind regular-cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray is handy.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.2 |
Dodge's heavy-duty pickups marry functional design, competitive prices, and powerful engines. The Ram is good enough to garner the Consumer Guide Recommended nod and deserves a look for anyone shopping in this segment.
Total Score
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 39 | 55.7 |
Total Score: 39
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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