When it comes to towing, the best you'll see out of the Quad and Crew Cab 4x4 models is 8,550 pounds with the Hemi, 3.92 gears and 17-inch wheels. Models with the 20-inch wheels are limited to 7,400 pounds. All towing capacities are given with a 150-pound driver; add more people/cargo, deduct trailer weight accordingly.
THREE ENGINES, ONE CHOICE
The new Ram takes the Power Gold Medal as well. Dodge offers the new Rams with three engines: 215 hp 3.7L V-6 (2WD Reg Cab & Quad Cab); 310 hp 4.7L V-8 (all 4WD models); and the 390 hp 5.7L Hemi V-8, which is standard in all Sport/Laramie models.
Forget the V-6; too little engine, too much truck. Forget the 4.7L; decent engine, but it can't best the Hemi's fuel economy (13/18) or power. That leaves the Hemi, which is the only rational choice for anyone buying a new 4x4 Dodge Ram 1500. It delivers excellent power and the Multiple Displacement System allows it to switch between V-4/V-8 modes as you drive to get decent fuel economy.
Of course the new Ram will be available with either a four- or five-speed automatic (standard with the Hemi) transmission depending on the engine option. You'll also be able to get part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases; and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 (Reg Cab only) axle ratios. If you tow, get the 3.92 axle ratio as it has the highest towing capacity rating for the 4x4s.
The On-Demand 4WD system can be shifted into high-range on the fly-or left in automatic mode leaving you free to enjoy the drive regardless the road conditions. We tested its ability a few times on a sandy, rutted field road and the only item the new Ram appears to lack is an electric-locking rear diff.
By the way, for those who want a Ram that smokes the other pickups, the Hemi-powered Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4x2 model with a short bed and 4:10 gears is the hot ticket. It rips 0-60 mph times in less than six-seconds. We didn't experience that rapid acceleration first-hand, but we can tell you the 4x4 Quad Cab Laramie is at least 10 mph faster than Ford, GM, or Toyota on the top end.
ONE FINE RIDE
Speaking of the Ram 1500 Laramie, one will be hard-pressed to find a more well-appointed or quieter interior. The new front bucket and back seats are really well-done for both comfort and support. The leather and trim is on par with the Chrysler C-300 nicer with the creature comforts to boot. The Quad Cab we spent most of our seat time in even sported heated and cooled bucket seats for driver and passenger.
In fact, if you use the remote start feature on the key fob the truck's computer will bring the temperature to 72-degrees whether it's 20-below or 120-degrees outside. So when you slide into the cab the temperature - and your seats - are just right.
Those in the backseat can watch Sirius Backseat TV while you motor down the road, or you can take advantage of state-of-the-art systems such as uconnect GPS for real-time traffic information, a 30-gig hard drive to store/play uconnect music, and Bluetooth voice-controlled tech.
CHOICES GALORE
Dodge offers the new Ram in a wide variety of either two- or four-wheel-drive configurations starting with Regular ($22,170), Quad Cab ($26,225) and Crew Cab ($32,530) models. In addition, the new Ram is available in five trim levels within each cab style: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie. The well-appointed Laramie Quad Cab 4x4 we liked the most listed for $45,490.
If bed length is a concern, there are three: 8-foot (Regular Cab); 6-foot-4-inches (Regular Cab and Quad Cab); and a new-for-2009 box length of 5'7" (Crew Cab). Dodge's fully-adjustable bed extender is a great option regardless of bed length.
Overall Dodge should be really proud of what they have brought to the pickup-buying audience. Some say Dodge's timing is bad bringing out a new pickup at a time when pickup sales are falling due to the higher costs of fuel. But for those of us who are pickup owners because they fit our work needs and recreational lifestyle, the timing couldn't be better.
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