Used 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab

#1 in Best Pickup Trucks for 2020

Against the best-selling Ford F-150 and GM Silverado/Sierra twins, the 2020 Ram 1500 pickup can more than hold its own. Stylistically, the Ram shines and is far more modern both inside and out than the Toyota Tundra or Nissan Titan. All-new last year, the 2020 Ram 1500 carries on with more features and trim options, as well as a new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine offering best-in-class 480 lb-ft of torque.

Unique to the Ram is its optional 12-inch Uconnect touch screen and an available air suspension that provides a less truck-like driving experience. V6 and V8 engines for the Ram can be outfitted with FCA’s eTorque mild-hybrid system that improves acceleration and fuel economy.

For 2020, the Ram 1500 pickup offers a choice of four engine variants. First up is a 5.7-liter V8 rated at 395 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can opt for this same engine but with Ram’s eTorque mild-hybrid option. The system replaces the alternator with a type of motor/generator that can both store energy and add power for accelerating and passing.

The mild-hybrid setup also controls the engine’s start/stop technology for improved fuel economy. The eTorque comes standard on the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which also happens to be the standard engine on the entry-level 1500 models. Last up is an all-new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel that pumps out 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.

In driving the Ram 1500 with the eTorque system, we found the transition from electric motor to gasoline engine imperceptible, and the 8-speed automatic was both smooth and responsive. The auto/start stop takes some getting used to, but it can be defeated. Thanks to the new 2-valve Frequency Response Damping shocks, the Ram 1500’s driving characteristics remain unmatched, with a smooth ride, responsive steering and a surprisingly agile attitude in the turns.

An interior second to none makes the Ram 1500 feel like an expensive luxury car, bolstered by a quiet cabin, exceedingly comfortable seats and storage areas littered throughout the cab.

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Each of the Ram’s six trim levels has its own unique themed interior. For example, Laramie Longhorn: high-zoot Western. The off-road Rebel: bold colors and precise angles. Whatever the trim, controls have been reorganized and are easier to use. An optional 12-inch screen is the centerpiece. It’s big, vibrant, surrounded by plenty of redundant controls, and is easy to reconfigure. The Crew Cab is four inches longer, which means the rear seats can recline and there’s more legroom. The new cab layout also features a flat rear floor, providing welcome foot room to the middle-rear passenger.

Whether it was to separate Ram from Dodge or to make the truck look fresh and modern, the long-familiar cross-hair grille is no more. In its place is a narrower grille flanked by slim headlights on most models. The exception, the Ram Rebel, has a grille that resembles a handlebar mustache. The Ram uses a 6-lug axle, so if you have an old set of 5-lug wheels from your previous Ram, they’ll be of no use. There’s a choice of three types of headlights: halogen, LED and LED with adaptive front-lighting. In back, the tailgate is damped and has lift assist, and the RamBox bed storage contains a 115-volt outlet.

ETORQUE SYSTEM
The ingeniously simple eTorque hybrid powertrain increases fuel economy by a few extra mpg without any need for bulky battery packs or overly complex electrical systems. Engineers designed the system to operate seamlessly without affecting the towing or performance owners have come to expect.

12-INCH TOUCH SCREEN
Roughly a $1,400 upgrade, the Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system features a massive 12-inch color touch screen that makes everything else in the segment look downright primitive. Large, clear icons, intuitive touch controls, pinch-and-swipe technology and simple menus make this one of the best infotainment setups bar none.

Unlike Ford and Chevy, the Ram doesn’t offer a Regular Cab, so the model range begins with the 4-door Quad Cab Tradesman. Standard equipment includes an eTorque V6 and an 8-speed automatic with dial-type gear selector. It comes with a 23-gallon gas tank, active grille shutters, coil-spring suspension, trailer-sway control and a rearview camera. Heated, power-adjustable side mirrors are standard, as are 18-inch steel wheels.

Inside, the Tradesman comes with air conditioning, vinyl floors and seats, push-button start, cruise control, electronic parking brake, and manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The base version of Uconnect is controlled through a 5.0-inch screen.

Top-level V8-powered Crew Cabs are available with a 33-gallon fuel tank, active-level 4-corner air suspension; oversize, power-folding trailer-tow side mirrors; and a dual-pane moonroof. Deployable side steps, damped tailgate with a power release, 22-inch wheels and dual exhaust tips finish off the exterior.

Top-line interior displays are more elaborate: The driver gets a 7.0-inch TFT (thin-film transistor) display, and the top-level Uconnect and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto operate through a brilliant 12-inch screen. Leather seating, memory, heated seats and a variety of wood, leather and metal interior accents are offered. A surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control and hill-descent control are available.

The 2020 Ram 1500 comes standard with a 305-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that employs the eTorque mild-hybrid electric-assist system. Optional is a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 with variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation.

The eTorque system is optional on this engine but doesn’t permanently change the horsepower or torque rating. The mild-hybrid system uses a 48-volt battery pack and a motor generator to add torque when specific driving situations call for it, while improving the truck’s fuel economy. The system is designed to speed up the restart part of the truck’s start/stop system, and will add up to 90 lb-ft of torque to the V6 and 130 to the V8 in brief bursts.

Newly available is a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter diesel V6 pumping out a respectable 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.

All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Ram 1500 comes in both 2- and 4-wheel-drive (2WD, 4WD) configurations.

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (2WD), 19/24 mpg (4WD)

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
260 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
480 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg (2WD), 21/29 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
395 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
410 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (2WD), 15/21 mpg (4WD), 17/23 mpg (eTorque, 2WD), 17/22 mpg (eTorque, 4WD)