The Dodge Ram 1500 pickup has remained a top-rated truck since its debut in 1994. It offers plenty of power and capability to handle tasks on the job site, yet it’s just as practical and comfortable for weekend adventures out of town. You can configure this truck with a simplified, functional interior or opt for a more luxurious cabin that allows the whole family to relax in style. There’s also a long list of engines to choose from, including V-8s with maximum towing capacity and smaller units that provide improved fuel economy.
Our Ram truck experts here at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) Lewisville have put together an overview of the latest edition of this popular truck. So read on to determine if the 2023 Ram 1500 might be the right truck for you.
Engine and Performance
The base engine in the Ram 1500 is a 3.6-liter six-cylinder unit capable of putting out 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It’s an excellent choice for cruising the Ram around town and powering up to highway speeds. However, if you plan on doing heavier towing, you’ll probably want to consider the V-8 or six-cylinder diesel options. The V-8 can put out 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel achieves 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.
The standout supercharged V-8 is available in the TRX trim only. It pumps out a remarkable 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This unit can shift the big Ram pickup from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
If gas mileage is a concern for you, the base V-6 engine manages a decent 20 mpg on city roads and 25 mpg on the highway. The diesel engine is another good option, getting you 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg at highway speeds.
Towing and Cargo Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for this pickup is 12,750 pounds. To access this, you’ll need to choose the 5.7-liter V-8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and the Max Towing package. The diesel engine gets close to the best towing capacity, with an upper limit of 12,560 pounds. The heaviest payload you can carry in the cargo bed is 2,300 pounds.
You have your choice of two cargo bed lengths in the Ram 1500. The long bed measures 6 feet 4 inches, while the more compact short bed is 5 feet 7 inches long. Your decision will depend to a considerable extent on whether you need an extra 9 inches for transporting your cargo. Another thing to remember is that Rams with the longer cargo bed generally have a higher payload capacity, allowing you to carry heavier items in your truck.
Cab Options
Like your cargo bed choices, you have two cab options: quad or crew. Both include four doors and a back seat, but the quad cab has less rear leg room. There’s enough room in the second row for adults to sit, but it can feel quite snug. By contrast, the crew cab offers significantly more rear-seat space, with 10 inches more legroom than the quad cab. Another thing to remember is that the quad cab is only available with the long bed, so you’ll need to select the crew cab if you’d rather have the short bed.
Infotainment and Driver Safety Tech
The base infotainment system in the 2023 Ram 1500 includes a 5-inch touch screen and a six-speaker stereo. Bluetooth connectivity is built-in, as well as two USB ports in the center console. Larger touch screens, measuring 8.4 inches or 12 inches, are available as optional upgrades. In addition, you can choose to upgrade your audio system to either a 10-speaker unit or a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon premium sound system. Other optional upgrades include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, and a 7-inch digital instrument display.
The Ram 1500 offers a host of driver-assistant technology ranging from lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist to front and rear parking sensors. You can also benefit from forward collision warning and forward automatic emergency braking. Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control can adjust your speed so that you maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. You can also add a head-up display to monitor your truck’s performance more easily while driving.
Available Trims for the 2023 Dodge Ram 1500
Eight trims are available with the 2023 Ram 1500: Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn (called the Lone Star in Texas), Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. However, it’s worth remembering that not all cargo bed and cab configurations are offered in all trims, so it’s best to figure out your desired setup first and then narrow down your trim options. Prices vary depending on the engine and cab configurations you choose.
Stepping up to the Big Horn or Lone Star trim gives you access to various options unavailable in the base Tradesmen. These include the larger 8.4-inch display, a Class IV trailer hitch, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Rebel is a good bet for off-roading with its electronic locking rear differential, larger axle ratio, and all-terrain tires. The Laramie adds upscale features with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker audio system. Stepping up the luxury even more, the Longhorn features leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and a navigation system.
Riders in the Limited trim benefit from four-corner air suspension, which can raise or lower the vehicle’s ride height. Some extra amenities include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and wireless device charging. Finally, the range-topping TRX is the only model available with a supercharged V-8 engine. You also get full-time four-wheel drive, upgraded engine cooling, and launch control with launch assist. Other unique features in this trim include a specialized lifted suspension, the RamBar light bar, and a bed-mounted spare tire holder.
Find Your New Dodge Ram at Huffines CJDR Lewisville
Are you ready to explore our extensive range of new 2023 Ram 1500s? You can check out what we have in our Lewisville, Texas, dealership in person or browse our online inventory. If you have questions about trims, engines, or cargo beds, our Ram truck experts will be happy to help. We can also arrange a test drive so that you can get a feel for the latest edition of the Ram truck and decide which configuration is best for you. Feel free to contact us today if you have any questions or want assistance starting the purchase process.