SUMMARY
The Pickup class of trucks has stiff competition coming into the 2022 model year. With so many contenders vying to be the best, how would a brand like Ram respond? More Power, Better ride experience, and a great interior and exterior look is what they bring to the table. The Ram 1500 is purposely designed for the capabilities of a serious pickup truck, while also being polished to a degree of luxury.
LATEST
The newest iteration of the Ram 1500 brings a ton of new additions for the different models. The Laramie and Rebel trims all have a new sporter G/T package. This includes a cold-air intake, a newly designed exhaust systems, and both paddle shifters and a console-mounted shifter.
Other new trims for buyers to go for include the off-road capable BackCountry Edition and the Limited 10th Anniversary Edition trim. The BackCountry focuses on giving drivers an off-road focused model, comparable to the Lone Star and Big Horn trims. The 10th Anniversary Edition model uses much higher quality materials for the interior, along with an exclusive Blue Shade paint scheme and unique badging in the interior and exterior of the pickup.
ESTIMATED PRICE
There are 8 different trim levels for buyers to choose from when it comes to the 2022 Ram 1500. The Tradesman, the lowest priced of all the models, comes in at $33,975*. The HFE model comes next at $36,605*. The Lone Star and Big Horn models are both meant for off-roading and are priced in at $38,800*. The Laramie starts off at $46,600*. The Rebel trim will cost about $47,850*. Lastly, the Limited Longhorn and the Limited trims come in at a price of $54,430* and $59,160*, respectively.
| Trim (Drivetrain) | MSRP* |
| Tradesman | $33,975* |
| Tradesman HFE | $35,605* |
| Big Horn | $38,800* |
| Lone Star | $38,800* |
| Laramie | $46,600* |
| Rebel | $47,850* |
| Limited Longhorn | $54,430* |
| Limited | $59,160* |
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
The all-new 2022 Ram 1500 doesn’t just come with multiple trim levels; it also comes with multiple powertrain options. The various trim levels can come in either a V6 or V8 gasoline option, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Specifically, options for engine choices are:
• The standard 3.6-liter eTorquePentastar V6 Engine – 305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque
• The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 Engine, with or without eTorque, 395 horsepower, 410 lb-ft of torque
• The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 Engine – 260 horsepower, 480 lb-ft of torque
Nearly all engine options are supported by Ram’s eTorque 48-volt hybrid system. It helps by giving a bit of electrical help to the vehicle’s acceleration, improving the stop/start system, and of course the fuel economy of the truck.
The 1500’s five-link coil spring rear suspension provides a smooth experience for riders, benefitting the handling of the truck as a whole. Steering is always on-point, always on the move to wherever the wheel is turned towards. It feels more like a crossover as it drives across terrain, with the eTorque-fitted models having such a smooth ride experience. The eTorque engines are also remarkably quiet for their class.
Buyers can go for an upgrade to the Ram 1500’s suspension system: The Active-Level four corner air suspension system. This allows for the pickup’s height to be automatically lowered when cruising at highway speeds, improving the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Drivers can also manually lower the height themselves, lowering the bed and cab for easier accessibility. It can also help in low-clearance garages or when you’re trying to tow something that’s low.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
The fuel economy of the 2022 Ram 1500 does vary on which engine the buyer goes with. The most efficient of the diesel V6s without eTorque, being the 3.0-liter V6, produced results of 22 MPG/City, 32 MPG/Highway, 26 MPG/Combined in Rear-wheel drive configuration. The 4WD version is rated lower at 21 MPG/City, 29 MPG/Highway, 24 MPG/Combined.
The 3.6-liter V6, aided by the eTorque hybrid system, results in 20 MPG/City, 25 MPG/Highway, and 22 MPG/Combined as a rear-wheel drive model. The four-wheel drive model also rates lower at 19 MPG/City, 24 MPG/Highway, and 21 MPG/Combined.
For the 5.7-liter V8’s, the rating depends on whether or not it comes with the eTorque system. eTorque-aided engines have results of 17 MPG/City, 23 MPG/Highway, and 19 MPG/Combined. The V8’s that aren’t hybrids suffer in the efficiency department with 15 MPG/City, 22 MPG/Highway, and 17 MPG/Combined.
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
The Ram 1500 has great focus on the rider’s comfort, exuding luxury in each of its components. The seats can either be covered with cloth or leather, depending on the model chosen. The top versions, like the Longhorn and Limited trims, can even come with premium tanned leather and genuine wood grain accents.
The rear passengers can enjoy temperature-controlled seats, that can either be heated or cooled and can be reclined.Under-seat storage is also an option, making the Ram 1500 have quite the capacity for cubby stowage. Other options include additional rear legroom, 5- and 6-foot cargo beds, and an extended Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations for added passenger capacity.
TECHNOLOGY
Ram has been quite the competitor when it comes to infotainment systems and integrated connectivity features. The 2022 Ram 1500 comes with either an 8.4-inch or 12.0-inch touchscreen, with the latter being on every other model but the base Tradesman model. The center console is carefully thought-out, with a multi-configuration storage layout that’s designed with usage in mind.The user interface on the Uconnect touchscreen is one of the most beginner-friendly ones in the market today, integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Buyers may also opt for additional USB ports for the rear seats, with USB-C type ports being an option as well.
TOWING & PAYLOAD CAPACITY
The Max towing capacity for the 3.6L V6 Hybrid can range from 6,750 lbs. on the Tradesman HFE to 7,690 lbs. on the Tradesman with the Quad Cab and an axle ratio of 3.55.
For the 5.7-Liter V8 with axle ratio of 3.92, it can range from 11,540 lbs. without the Quad Cab to 11,590 lbs. with it. The story changes when it comes to the V8 with eTorque, soaring up to a max of 12,750 lbs. with the quad cab on a 3.92 axle ratio
The 3.0-Liter TurboDiesel V6 is also a strong option for the Tradesman, Lone Star, and Big Horn models. On the Big Horn and Lone Star, it boasts a towing capacity of 10,010 lbs. without the quad cab and 12,560 lbs.
SAFETY
The Ram 1500 offers a rearview camera as standard, offering different safety tech features in three different package groups.
First of these is the Level 1 Safety Group, costing $595 and ads forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking systems, and lane-keeping assist functionality. This is only for the Tradesman and Big Horn trims, as the other models come with these features as standard.
The Advanced Safety Group, available on the Rebel trim and all higher tier models, costs $1695 and includes a whole slew of features. These include automatic high-beam assist, parking assistance, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control.
WARRANTY
Ram has a pretty competitive warranty plan, both for limited warranty and the powertrain warranty. The Limited warranty spans for 3 years or the first 36,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty covers for 5 years or the first 50,000 miles driven. Ram does not offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance plans.