If you’re searching for a pickup truck with plenty of grunt, look no further than the 2024 Ram 1500. This full-size truck comes with an array of powerful engines to cater to the needs and preferences of different drivers. Whether you need to tow a camper on an outdoor trip, haul a heavy load of construction materials, or tackle challenging off-road trails, you’ll surely find something in the lineup that can get the job done. Let’s take a look at the engine options of the 2024 Ram 1500 and their specifications and capabilities.
Feel the Power
For 2024, there are three Ram 1500 engine options available. The standard engine is the tried-and-tested 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which comes with the eTorque mild-hybrid system. This engine uses wide-range variable valve timing, two-step variable valve lift, and other advanced technologies to strike the right balance between power and fuel efficiency. While it can generate an impressive 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, it also manages to deliver a competitive fuel economy rating of 20/25 mpg (city/highway). This makes it an ideal choice if you plan to use your truck for your daily commute.
If you need to tow extremely heavy loads, you’ll be better off getting the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. This power plant comes standard with eTorque, but it’s also available in a gasoline-only version. Rated at 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, you can upgrade it to produce an additional 130 lb-ft of torque to enhance the towing capability. However, the V-8 isn’t as thrifty as the base engine, returning 17/23 mpg with eTorque and 15/22 mpg without the hybrid system. Still, these are decent ratings for a half-ton pickup with a large V-8 engine.
The most powerful Ram 1500 engine is also the most powerful factory-installed engine in the full-size truck segment. The fire-breathing 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 lies under the hood of the high-performance, off-road-focused Ram 1500 TRX. It puts out a class-leading 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, which enables the pickup to rocket from zero to 60 mph in an incredible 4.5 seconds. Whether you enjoy going for a spin on the track or conquering rough terrain, the TRX is sure to thrill you. As expected, this monstrous engine is extremely thirsty, achieving only 10/14 mpg.
No matter which engine you choose, the 2024 Ram 1500 is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available as an option. The TRX is the only trim that comes standard with all-wheel drive.
A Huge Payload
The Ram 1500’s payload ratings are among the best in the segment, making the truck a great option if you frequently need to carry a lot of cargo. To unleash the maximum hauling potential of this Ram, opt for a model that comes with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. This will give you a payload capacity of 2,300 pounds, which should be enough for transporting building materials, landscaping supplies, a couple of dirt bikes, or a few farm animals. The TRX isn’t designed for hauling, but it can still carry up to 1,310 pounds.
Tow a Camper, Trailer, and More
If you want to get the maximum towing capacity out of the Ram 1500, you have to step up to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. When equipped with this engine, the Ram can pull up to 12,750 pounds, making it the second-best full-size truck for towing after the Ford F-150. With this kind of capacity at your disposal, you can tow a wide variety of heavy objects, including construction equipment, a horse trailer, a sailboat, another vehicle, a fifth-wheel trailer, or even a small mobile home.
If you decide to get the V-6 engine, the tow rating drops to 7,730 pounds. Although it’s considerably lower than that of the 5.7-liter V-8, this capacity allows you to pull plenty of items, such as several ATVs or Jet Skis, a big deck boat, or a small toy hauler. The TRX is also surprisingly capable when it comes to towing, delivering an impressive capacity of 8,810 pounds.
Note that the towing capacity of this Ram truck may vary depending on your choice of cab configuration. For example, models with the Crew Cab body style have a lower tow rating compared to those with the Extended Cab.
Choose Your Ideal 2024 Ram 1500
In addition to multiple engine options, the 2024 Ram 1500 offers a wide range of trim levels to suit your specific needs and preferences. Its eight-trim lineup consists of the base Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and the top-spec TRX.
The Tradesman has a starting MSRP of $39,420, making it the most affordable model. Higher trims offer a more upscale interior and additional features, and they become more expensive as you climb the trim ladder. If you’re going for the TRX, be prepared to spend $96,585 or more, which isn’t unreasonable for a high-performance truck. Some Ram 1500 models come with attractive financial incentives that can help you save a substantial amount of money. Make sure you ask your local dealer if they offer any promotions for new vehicles.
With the exception of the TRX, every Ram 1500 trim comes standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. If you want to upgrade to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, you have to pay about $3,000 more. However, the extra cost is worth it if you intend to do heavy-duty towing with your new truck.
Test-Drive the 2024 Ram 1500 at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) Lewisville
The best way to determine whether the 2024 Ram 1500 can meet your expectations is to take it for a test drive. If you reside in or near Lewisville, Texas, you can drop by Huffines CJDR Lewisville to get first-hand experience with this awesome truck. With one of the largest selections of new Ram trucks in North Central Texas, our dealership can provide you with a 1500 model that matches your budget and lifestyle. Even if you have a particular trim level, engine, or package in mind, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.