Used 2015 Ram 1500 Crew Cab

Despite falling fuel costs, today’s full-size truck buyer demands maximum fuel economy without sacrificing power or capability. To achieve this goal, the 2015 Ram 1500 pickup truck offers a number of innovative features aimed squarely at out-performing Ford’s F-150 EcoBoost and GM’s Silverado/Sierra twins. It starts with an 8-speed automatic transmission and moves on to an active air suspension that can lower the vehicle and active grille shutter to reduce drag. Available with all the required cab and bed configurations, in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, the Ram 1500 goes above and beyond with its stylish exterior and well-appointed cabin. Under the hood, the Ram 1500 for 2015 offers the choice of a 305-horsepower V6, a 395-horsepower Hemi V8, or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 good for 240 horsepower.

Thanks to an ingenious multi-link and coil spring rear suspension setup, the Ram 1500 pickup truck for 2015 delivers one of the most comfortable – dare we say car-like – rides of any full-size truck. The Ram drives well, too. And while the Ram’s available air-spring suspension may not deliver a notably stark contrast in ride comfort, it offers other advantages: Load leveling is always appreciated when the bed is full, and variable ride height helps to improve both fuel economy and handling, as well as ease of entry. When off-roading, the air-spring system can elevate the Ram 1500 for maximum ground clearance. For light duty applications, we think the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is perfectly acceptable. However, those needing serious pulling power should look to either the mighty Hemi V8 or the 3.0-liter diesel, which not only crushes the Hemi in EPA ratings, it actually offers more torque.

The 2015 Ram 1500 full-size truck is a nice place to climb in, sit down and take a ride. Materials show a high level of quality and panel gaps are notably tight. In the Quad Cab version rear-seat legroom is generous, but the Crew Cab models offer even more legroom for stretching out. The center cluster on the instrument panel includes a Multiview screen, which can display well over 300 readouts of pertinent vehicle information. We found the standard front seats to lack proper support for those longer rides – our suggestion is to upgrade to the available 10-way power driver’s seat.

Several years ago the Ram (then Dodge) was the first truck to take on the so-called “big-rig” look and it’s a style that, on the Ram 1500 for 2015, still stands out in a crowd. You can’t mistake the obviously big and decidedly bold chrome grille that looks for all the world like it came from an 18-wheeler. The 2015 Ram also offers some features still not found on the competition, such as the Rambox storage system that utilizes the tops of the rear fenders. Other exterior details include LED turn signals and taillights and an attractive assortment of available wheels.

ECODIESEL V6 ENGINE
Why no one thought of this sooner is beyond us. The Ram 1500’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 is a master of all trades, providing 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm, yet still delivering a class-leading 28 mpg on the highway. Expect others to follow suit.

AIR SUSPENSION
Better ride, better ground clearance and easier entry and exit are all assured by the Ram 1500’s available air suspension. A simple push of a button can lower the cabin and bed height liftover, or raise the Ram 1500 up providing 10.7-inches of ground clearance.

For 2015, the Ram 1500 offers in a wide range of body styles, cargo-bed lengths, powertrains and trim levels, all the way from a basic work truck to a fully-loaded 4-door that rivals luxury sedans in its interior treatment. With so many variations and trim levels, the standard equipment list begins with a removable and locking tailgate, cruise control, automatic headlights and a USB port, and goes from there to a number of interior and trim features, upholstery choices, wheel options and powertrain and drivetrain selections. Standard equipment also includes hill-start assist, to aid when starting from rest on an incline.

With numerous options and packages from which to choose, the 2015 full-size Ram 1500 truck can be fitted to suit practically any individual wants or needs. One item for consideration is the Uconnect Access infotainment system with its 8.4-inch touch screen and user-friendly interface. Additional options include a heated steering wheel, 10-way power driver’s seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 115V household power outlet, air suspension and an engine stop-start system to help save fuel when idling. Since the steering wheel does not offer a telescoping function, taller drivers should consider adding the power-adjustable pedals. And don’t forget to consider the EcoDiesel engine.

The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar gasoline V6 is rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, and has an EPA highway fuel-economy rating of a commendable 25 mpg; it will probably be adequate for most general-purpose use. The well-known 5.7-liter Hemi V8 cranks out 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, but the fuel economy is, not surprisingly, only average at best. The new 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6 should prove highly popular, with 240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque (more than the Hemi, and at only 2,000 rpm) and exceptional fuel economy; the EcoDiesel may very well be the main reason for many Ram purchases. The class-exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission is available with any of the engines.

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 6,175 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (2WD), 12/17 mpg (2WD, E85), 16/23 mpg (4WD), 11/16 mpg (4WD, E85), 18/25 mpg (2WD, HFE trim)

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
240 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (2WD), 19/27 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter Hemi V8
395 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
410 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg (2WD, 6-speed automatic), 15/22 mpg (2WD, 8-speed automatic), 13/19 mpg (4WD, 6-speed automatic), 15/21 mpg (4WD, 8-speed automatic)