New 2018
Ram 1500 Quad Cab Pickup

With its unique coil-spring and multi-link rear suspension, the 2018 Ram 1500 rides as comfortably as a car. It isn’t as sporty as the Ford F-150, but the Ram’s ride is smooth and relaxed with little jiggle and no trucky bounce. The Ram’s steering and road manners are among best-in-class, too. The base 3.6-liter gas V6 makes 305 horsepower and gives the truck plenty of acceleration and passing power. The 8-speed automatic transmission is also among the best in the class with smooth shifts and manual control. The Ram’s optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, also used in the Dodge Challenger muscle car, packs 395 horsepower and an intoxicating V8 rumble, but if fuel economy is your highest priority you’ll like the Ram’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. It delivers 29 mpg on the highway, which is impressive, and has a total fuel range of over 700 miles. The optional air-spring suspension can level a loaded bed, make cabin entry easier and increase ground clearance for off-roading.

With 11 trims, the 2018 Ram full-size truck spans from basic work truck to loaded hauler that could be mistaken for a luxury truck. At its most basic in Tradesman form, the new Ram comes with a locking tailgate, automatic headlights, a tilt -- but not telescoping -- steering wheel, air conditioning, and a basic 6-speaker radio with USB and auxiliary inputs. Note that you'll have to crank your own window and manually adjust the mirrors. If you want more than a very basic work truck, we recommend climbing trims or opting for a quad-cab or crew-cab version, which includes more amenities. A rearview camera is also standard.

With numerous options and packages from which to choose, the 2018 full-size Ram 1500 truck can be fitted to suit practically any individual and a variety of budgets. One item we recommend 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, LED bed lighting and air suspension. Since the steering wheel does not offer a telescoping function, taller or shorter drivers should consider adding the power-adjustable pedals. And don’t forget to consider the EcoDiesel engine and the RamBox cargo system.

Three engine choices are offered for the 2018 Ram 1500. The base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar gasoline V6 with 305 horsepower and an EPA highway fuel-economy rating of up to 25 mpg. 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 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6 may be the best choice, with 240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque and laudable fuel economy. This turbodiesel is unique to half-ton trucks. All engines are available with 2-wheel drive (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard with the gasoline and diesel V6 engines and optional with the Hemi V8, which otherwise uses a 6-speed automatic.

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), 16/23 mpg (4WD)

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
240 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 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: 15/22 mpg (2WD, 8-speed automatic), 13/18 mpg (4WD, 6-speed automatic), 15/21 mpg (4WD, 8-speed automatic)