2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4-door SLT Pickup

While the dash is mostly hard plastic, the armrests and the tops of the doors are nicely padded. Fit and finish is generally good, though a few rough areas could be better. On the road the Ram is quiet for a truck and there is plenty of front-seat room, but a telescoping steering wheel would enhance driver comfort. Rear passengers can be pinched in the Quad Cab, but the Crew Cab has lots of rear-seat room. Laramie models are upscale, with a leather-covered dash, wood trim and plenty of amenities. Available hard-drive radio, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel and rear DVD entertainment with SIRIUS Backseat TV can make the Ram cabin a pleasant place to be for long trips.

The 2009 Dodge Ram is a refined version of the previous-generation Ram. The Dodge cross-hair grille remains, but is tilted forward, similar to that of the Dodge Charger. Also helping to change the look are tightened panel gaps, which help reduce aerodynamic drag. A true Crew Cab replaces the Mega Cab. The Regular Cab is offered with 6-foot, 4-inch or 8-foot beds, the Quad Cab has the 6-foot, 4-inch bed and the Crew Cab has a 5-foot, 7-inch bed.

Notable Standard Equipment

Notable Optional Equipment

Standard safety features include side-curtain side airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and Trailer Sway Control. The base ST model features air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, vinyl floors, power locks and 17-inch steel wheels. The SLT adds carpeting, cruise control, power windows, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry and aluminum wheels. The TRX gains off-road-oriented shocks and has skid plates and tow hooks when ordered with four-wheel drive. The Sport model has unique bucket seats, fog lamps and 20-inch wheels. Standard on the Laramie are dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, hard-drive radio, power heated front seats and rear park assist.

Optional features include the RamBox storage system, full-time four-wheel drive, sunroof, 10-speaker Alpine Surround Sound, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, navigation system, rear DVD entertainment with SIRIUS Backseat TV, heated and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel. The navigation system is easy to operate and voice commands can be used to program destinations while the vehicle is in motion. SIRIUS Backseat TV has three child-friendly channels that will keep the kids' attention on long vacation drives.

The base 3.7-liter V6 is fine if you use your truck as basic transportation, but the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is the best choice if you plan to tow or haul a lot of cargo. The HEMI is updated for 2009, with more power and torque. The HEMI also delivers fuel economy comparable to that of the 4.7-liter V8, and it can tow a heavier load. Dodge claims the Ram 1500 Sport Regular Cab with the HEMI and the optional R/T package is the fastest pickup in the class, with a zero-to-60-mph acceleration time under 6.0 seconds.

3.7-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
235 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20

4.7-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5650 rpm
330 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 (2WD, gasoline), 9/13 (2WD, E85), 13/18 (4WD, gasoline), 9\12 (4WD, E85)

5.7-liter HEMI V8
390 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
410 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 13/18 (4WD)