Issues have gotten fascinating. The 2022 Ram 1500 stays each bit the distinctive pickup it has been since being utterly redesigned three years in the past. From the standard Tradesman all the best way as much as the indulgent Restricted (with the stupefying Ram TRX by itself high-octane aircraft of existence), the Ram is a thoughtfully designed truck with distinctive options and a compelling lineup of construct mixtures. It satisfies the nuts-and-bolts functionality necessities of a critical truck, whereas boasting shockingly refined highway manners and a knock-out inside. It is a winner.
The wrinkle is that this winner’s league simply received an entire lot tougher this season. Final yr’s up to date Ford F-150 noticed the addition of a hybrid powertrain Ram cannot match, plus chassis refinements that wipe out a lot of the Ram’s earlier on-road benefits. For 2022, there’s an all-new Toyota Tundra that counts a rear coil-spring suspension (identical to the Ram) amongst its multitude of enhancements, whereas the 2022 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra see their laughable interiors get changed by what seem like cabins which are each bit the equal (if probably higher) than the Ram when it comes to design, high quality and have content material. Other than the Ford, we now have but to spend sufficient time with these up to date opponents to make any definitive statements about which is now the most effective (OK, so it is most likely not the Tundra), however the Ram undoubtedly stays within the working.
Inside & know-how | Passenger & cargo area | Efficiency & gas economic system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & options | Crash scores & security options
What’s new for 2022?
The brand new Uconnect 5 tech interface is added to the Ram 1500, beginning with the Large Horn trim degree. It is 4 occasions quicker and has 3 times extra reminiscence than Uconnect 4 (which was one of many higher methods on the market as-is). The Trailer Tow Group provides 4 LED lights instantly above the hitch, and a brand new Clear Air system is now commonplace, filtering out 95% of air particulates.
Then there’s the annual Ram custom of recent fashions and look packages, most of that are pictured within the above gallery. The brand new Laramie G/T and Insurgent G/T (pictured above left) are absolutely described right here. The BackCountry, which builds upon the Large Horn/Lone Star, provides a body-color grille encompass, black-accented two-tone paint and varied black-painted exterior components. On the opposite finish of the trim degree spectrum, the mighty TRX beneficial properties an Ignition variant. Final yr’s Longhorn tenth Anniversary Version lives on as this yr’s Longhorn SouthFork, whereas the Restricted will get its personal tenth Anniversary Version for 2022 (pictured above proper). It will get distinctive blue paint and “Indigo and Sea Salt” quilted leather-based seats, 22-inch wheels, “a jeweled shifter knob and aluminum Litho bezels” (do not these sound fancy?), a 19-speaker sound system and naturally particular badging.
Clockwise from higher left: Tradesman, Large Horn BackCountry, Restricted tenth Anniversary, Longhorn Southfork
What are the Ram inside and in-car know-how like?
It is simple to be obsessed on the Ram 1500 in its fanciest Longhorn and Restricted trim ranges, that are bedecked in smooth leather-based, particular coloration schemes and distinctive styling parts just like the Longhorn emblem actually branded into actual wooden trim. There are distinctive options like the large vertically oriented touchscreen and the ventilated reclining again seat. They’re simply essentially the most luxurious pickups ever made.
Crucially, nevertheless, we are literally extra impressed by the fundamental Ram 1500 Tradesman and Large Horn trim ranges. Whereas the standard of plastics is typical for the phase (that goes for these ritzy Rams, too), the completely different textures and enticing design end in a cabin that appears and feels higher than vans that price a comparable quantity or extra. As an example, the wealthy grey fabric upholstery in a Large Horn check truck contributed to a much more premium setting than what we present in a comparable Ford F-150 XLT trim degree (to not point out any trim degree of the pre-2022 Chevy Silverado).
The Ram would not simply impress aesthetically. The five-passenger mannequin’s middle console options intelligent, multi-configuration storage options thoughtfully designed for a way individuals may use this area — it isn’t just a few cupholders and a pair of in another way sized bins. There’s additionally a lined compartment underneath the rear flooring and the RamBox bins that may be added to the mattress partitions.
In-car know-how is phenomenal as properly. Even essentially the most fundamental Tradesman has a wonderfully useable 5-inch touchscreen and three USB ports, whereas the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen discovered on different trims is likely one of the most user-friendly interfaces available on the market and consists of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And we thought that earlier than the system was upgraded for 2022 to be quicker and have extra system reminiscence. Extra USB ports will also be added to the rear, together with the USB-C kind. The highest 4 trims can step issues up additional with the aforementioned 12-inch vertical touchscreen, which we evaluate within the video under.
How massive is the Ram 1500?
The 2022 Ram 1500 is offered with three physique/mattress configurations: prolonged Quad Cab with a 6-foot-4 mattress, or a Crew Cab with both the longer mattress or a regular 5-foot-7 mattress. There are additionally two tailgate designs: the usual one and the elective multifunction cut up design pictured under left. The outside dimensions are much like its opponents, though the brand new TRX is a whopping 8(!) inches wider than its siblings. It is also 2 inches taller.
Inside dimensions are additionally much like these of its opponents. The Quad Cab’s rear legroom (34.7 inches) is a little more than a Ford F-150 Tremendous Cab’s (33.5) and a bit lower than a Silverado Double Cab’s (35.2). All of these figures equal cramped legs, and given the upright backrest angle all of them share, none are precisely ultimate for prolonged journeys. Neither is the six-passenger mannequin’s entrance center seat (pictured under proper), however at the least its seat again is notably greater than some other truck’s and will truly present some head and neck help to go along with further consolation.
If you really want your truck to ferry passengers, although, an improve to the Crew Cab is a should. With it, backseat legroom grows to an indulgent diploma to a whopping 45.2 inches. That is about 2 inches higher than the Silverado Crew Cab and F-150 Tremendous Crew, and three.6 inches higher than the 2022 Toyota Tundra Crew Max. Admittedly, all possess a lot huge, stretch-out legroom that there’ll doubtless be a full foot from knees to the entrance seat again. So sure, the Ram has extra, however we’re unsure it actually issues. What might, nevertheless, is the accessible reclining again relaxation that will increase consolation significantly. The Tundra is the one different truck that gives that.
What are the Ram 1500 gas economic system and efficiency specs?
The Ram 1500 has fewer powertrain choices than its GM and Ford opponents. The usual engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that’s aided by a 48-volt gentle hybrid system Ram calls eTorque. It provides a small quantity of electrical energy whereas accelerating from a cease to extend energy and refinement, in addition to enhancing the automated cease/begin system and gas economic system. We clarify it extra in our Ram 1500 eTorque first drive. Output is 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, and an eight-speed computerized is commonplace. EPA-estimated gas economic system is 20 miles per gallon metropolis, 25 mpg freeway and 22 mpg mixed with RWD, and 19/24/21 with 4WD. It wasn’t so way back that V6-powered midsize sedans have been getting that form of gas economic system.
There are two variations of the elective 5.7-liter V8 accessible, each good for 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. One has eTorque and achieves 17/23/19 with RWD, an estimate we confirmed throughout our check of a Ram 1500 Large Horn. The opposite model doesn’t have eTorque and achieves 15/22/17 with RWD. The penalty for 4WD is negligible. Whereas the variations in gas economic system figures with and with out eTorque could seem small, after we’re speaking decrease mpg numbers like these, they really equate to tons of saved in fuel yearly.
For max torque and gas economic system, the three.0-liter V6 produces 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque that’s tops amongst full-size truck diesel engines. It returns 22 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway and 26 mpg mixed with RWD, and 21/29/24 with 4WD. That is a smidge decrease than GM’s DuraMax diesel, and roughly the identical because the Ford F-150 Energy Enhance hybrid (in fact that is means extra highly effective and has different advantages). Though your financial savings will largely rely on diesel costs the place you reside, the EcoDiesel might prevent many tons of of {dollars} on the pump yearly in comparison with the eTorque V8. It’s going to additionally can help you go a lot additional on a tank.
On the opposite finish of the spectrum is the Ram TRX and its 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8. It produces 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It additionally will get a distinct eight-speed computerized, switch case and rear axle to deal with all that grunt. The EPA says the TRX will get a really atrocious 10 mpg metropolis, 14 mpg freeway and 12 mixed, and that is fairly per what we have skilled. In keeping with EPA common gas price estimates, it might price you $1,950 extra per yr to fill a TRX versus a Ford Raptor. It could be $2,100 greater than a Ram 1500 with the eTorque-equipped V8.
What is the Ram wish to drive?
The Ram 1500 continues to be so refined that it might probably really feel such as you’re driving a big crossover reasonably than a pickup. Due to its five-link coil spring rear suspension, its trip high quality is buttery clean and betters all its opponents (although the F-150 and the equally coil-sprung 2022 Tundra come nearer than ever earlier than). That suspension design additionally advantages dealing with and trailer management, and might even be upgraded with an accessible air suspension able to elevating to clear obstacles and decreasing for simpler loading. The steering possesses linear, constant effort and is reassuringly exact on-center.
Acceleration from the eTorque-equipped V8 is equally buttery clean and impressively quiet. You do not actually discover the smidgen of energy contributed by the 48-volt electrical system as you’d in a correct hybrid, however you additionally do not discover noise or vibration coming from the automated cease/begin system. Even with out eTorque, nevertheless, the Hemi V8 remains to be glorious and one wonders if it will be cheaper to take care of in the long run with out the sophisticated further bits hooked up. Equally, you would be exhausting pressed to know that the bottom V6 possesses eTorque, and you will be stunned at simply how succesful the Ram may be with solely six cylinders. The eight-speed computerized definitely helps on this regard, particularly whereas towing.
As for the EcoDiesel, it impresses with its quiet and assured voice, regular energy, straightforward response and clean acceleration. Like different diesels, it begins to expire of steam greater in its rev vary, however that is the place the eight-speed computerized turns out to be useful as soon as once more. We towed with this engine, used it whereas off-roading within the Insurgent and customarily discovered it well-suited to truck responsibility.
Lastly, there’s the TRX. Not solely is it fast on pavement, it is impossibly quick on filth, too. You may even use launch management off-road. Its considerably overhauled and upgraded suspension, switch case, tires, and so on. add as much as what we’re comfy proclaiming the most effective and most succesful manufacturing unit off-road pickup truck in existence. It is astonishing. After all, it is also unbelievable tall and broad, which might make it a chore to drive sure locations and swills premium gas like few different new autos on the highway. For extra about it, be sure that to learn our particular Ram TRX evaluate.
What different Ram 1500 opinions can I learn?
2021 Ram TRX First Drive Evaluation | King of the Jurassic parking zone
We put the brand new TRX to the high-speed check and discover it to be greater, badder and higher than the Raptor.
2021 Ram 1500 12-inch Uconnect Infotainment System Evaluation
Explaining why the Ram’s accessible 12-inch vertically oriented touchscreen is likely one of the greatest infotainment methods available on the market.
2020 Ram 1500 4×4 Suspension Deep Dive
Why is the Ram’s coil-spring rear suspension higher and the way does it work? Engineer Dan Edmunds explains.
2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel First Drive
Extra in-depth driving impressions and details about the brand new EcoDiesel V6.
2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Drivers’ Notes Evaluation
Our editors breakdown the mid-level Laramie trim degree.
2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman Drivers’ Notice Evaluation
Our editors additionally received an opportunity to guage the fundamental Tradesman. It nonetheless impressed.
2019 Ram 1500 eTorque First Drive Evaluation
Discover out extra concerning the V6 and V8 engines geared up with the eTorque gentle hybrid system.
2019 Ram 1500 First Drive
Our most complete first drive of the Ram 1500, together with a number of movies and in-depth details about its design and engineering.
How a lot is the 2022 Ram 1500 worth and what options can be found?
The 2022 Ram 1500 would not supply as many construct mixtures as its Ford and GM opponents – particularly it would not supply an everyday cab and there are fewer accessible powertrains. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless an abundance of alternative and customization alternatives. You will discover a reasonably complete itemizing of obtainable options and pricing for every trim degree right here on Autoblog.
There are two cab kinds: the prolonged Quad Cab with smaller, front-hinged rear doorways and the Crew Cab with monumental, front-hinged rear doorways. The Quad Cab is simply accessible with a 6-foot-4 mattress, whereas the Crew Cab gives a alternative of normal 5-foot-7 or elective 6-foot-4. Notice that not each trim degree is offered with the Quad Cab, which we point out within the pricing under. All costs listed under embody the reasonably extreme $1,795 vacation spot cost that’s necessary, but overlooked of marketed pricing.
Tradesman: $36,195
(A fundamental work truck accessible in Quad and Crew cabs)
Large Horn / Lone Star: $40,995
(The quantity-selling trim degree with an enormous variety of choices. It is known as Lone Star in Texas and a few surrounding states. Out there in Quad and Crew cabs, and gives BackCountry, Sport Look and Night time Version variants).
Laramie: $45,140
(The primary luxury-oriented trim and the one one accessible in each Quad and Crew cabs. Gives G/T, Laramie Southwest, Night time Version and Sport Look package deal variants).
Insurgent: $49,935
(The primary of two off-road oriented fashions simply recognized by its handlebar mustache grille. It is 4×4 solely and accessible in Quad and Crew cabs. Gives G/T and Night time Version variants).
Longhorn: $56,490
(The primary of two extra-luxury fashions. It would not have fairly as a lot commonplace gear than Restricted and has ranch-themed design parts. Crew Cab solely. Gives a Longhorn Southfork variant pictured above left).
Restricted: $61,505
(The ritziest trim degree with essentially the most commonplace gear and essentially the most intricate grille. Crew Cab solely. Gives the Crimson package deal and tenth Anniversary version, which is the one model accessible with the good-looking Indigo/Sea Salt inside coloration combo).
TRX: $75,175
(Insane off-roader truck powered by the Hellcat V8. Crew Cab and 4×4 solely. It gives the Ignition variant pictured above proper).
Lastly, word that Ram nonetheless sells the 1500 Basic, which is the previous-generation model. That’s not thought-about right here.
What are the Ram 1500 security scores and driver help options?
Entrance-, front-side and side-curtain airbags are commonplace together with a rearview digicam. Ahead collision warning is now commonplace on all trims however the Tradesman and Large Horn/Lone Star, which might add it as a part of the Degree 1 Tools Group. Computerized emergency braking is included with the adaptive cruise management system that is elective on all however these two backside trims. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning and trailer reverse management are elective on all trim ranges. A lot of this gear is commonplace on all however essentially the most fundamental Ford F-150.
The federal government provides the 2022 Ram 1500 Crew Cab a five-star total ranking with four-star frontal and 5 star facet scores. The Quad Cab will get four-star total and frontal scores, and the five-star facet ranking. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security gave the 1500 Quad Cab and Crew Cabs the absolute best scores for crash worthiness and its accessible ahead collision avoidance system. Higher trim ranges with LED headlights earn a High Security Decide+ award.
