2010 Dodge Ram 1500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 is largely unchanged. It was slated to gain a gas/electric hybrid model, as well as a diesel engine, but neither materialized for the 2010 model year. Redesigned for model-year 2009, this large pickup truck continues to be offered as a 2-door regular cab and two 4-door cabs with conventional doors--the Quad Cab and the Crew Cab. The regular cab offers 6.4- and 8-foot cargo beds. The Quad Cab comes with a 6.4-foot bed while the Crew Cab uses a 5.7-foot bed. Regular cabs seat up to three passengers, the others up to six.

Ram 1500 models are available with three engines: A 215-hp 3.7-liter V6; a 310-hp 4.7-liter V8; and a 390-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The 4.7 V8 is capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Newly standard on all is Chrysler's Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off, which is designed to save fuel by shutting off the gasoline supply during deceleration. The 5.7 V8 has Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The V6 comes only with a 4-speed automatic transmission, V8s only with a 5-speed automatic.

ST, SLT, and Laramie trims continue. All Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or with 4-wheel drive. ST and SLT have part-time 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Standard on the Laramie is full-time 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement. Both systems include a low-range gear for off-roading. Maximum towing capacity is 8950 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Available only on Crew Cabs, the Ram Box option includes lockable cargo-bed storage bins, and a bed divider that doubles as a bed extender.

Also available are DVD entertainment and Chrysler's Uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files and photos, and a navigation system. A rearview camera with park assist and heated/ventilated front seats are available.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

Our Best Buys are the Dodge Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra. New or significantly redesigned models in the class include the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 and Toyota Tundra.