Used 2016
Ram 1500 Regular Cab Pickup

If you’re looking for one of the most comfortable rides found on a big truck, the 2016 Ram 1500’s ingenious coil-spring and multi-link rear suspension delivers it. The Ram’s steering and road manners are among best-in-class, too. The optional air-spring suspension isn’t so much about improving ride comfort but rather providing optimal load leveling. When so equipped, the Ram can level a loaded bed, make cabin entry easier and even help improve fuel economy by reducing drag. Venture off-road and the air suspension permits maximum ground clearance. Our truck was equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which seemed fine for light-duty applications. However, if you need maximum power to tow or haul, either the Hemi V8 or torque-laden 3.0-liter turbodiesel is the better option, with the latter offering best-in-class fuel economy and more torque than the V8.

For 2016, the Ram 1500 offers 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 2016 full-size Ram 1500 truck can be fitted to suit practically any individual. 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, LED bed lighting, 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 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6 may be the best choice, 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. An 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)