
If you’re comparing full-size pickups in 2025, the Ram 1500 should be on your radar.
This Ram 1500 truck review covers everything you need to know before buying: engine options, towing capacity, fuel economy, trim levels, comfort, and tech. Whether you’re hauling tools, towing an RV, or upgrading from an older truck, this guide helps you find the best Ram 1500 for your lifestyle.
🔍 Ram 1500 Trim Level Comparison (2025 Models)
| Trim | Starting Price | Engine Options | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | ~$42,000 | 3.6L V6 with eTorque | Basic work truck, vinyl seats, steel wheels |
| Big Horn | ~$47,000 | V6 or Hurricane I6 | Chrome bumpers, larger touchscreen, upgraded wheels |
| Laramie | ~$55,000 | Hurricane I6 | Leather-trimmed seats, 12″ Uconnect screen |
| Rebel | ~$60,000 | Hurricane I6 | Off-road package, skid plates, tow hooks |
| Limited | ~$72,000 | Hurricane or High-Output I6 | Premium interior, adaptive cruise, surround view |
| Tungsten | ~$76,000+ | High-Output Hurricane I6 | Klipsch audio, full digital display, air suspension |
You can see full trim breakdowns, specs, and build options on the official Ram 1500 site.
🚗 Engines, Performance & Transmission Options
The 2025 Ram 1500 lineup drops the HEMI V8 and introduces two powerful Hurricane turbocharged inline-6 engines.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque – 305 hp / 271 lb-ft
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo Hurricane I6 – 420 hp / 469 lb-ft
- 3.0L High-Output Hurricane I6 – 540 hp / 521 lb-ft
All models use a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) comes standard, with four-wheel drive (4WD) available across all trims.
Optional air suspension helps improve ride comfort, towing levelness, and ground clearance off-road.
🛻 Towing Capacity and Payload Ratings
When properly configured, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,580 pounds and handle a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds.
Your actual towing and payload depend on drivetrain, engine, bed length, and axle ratio. To get the most accurate numbers for your trim and build, check the Ram Towing & Payload Guide.
⛽ Fuel Economy by Engine (2025 Estimates)
Here’s what you can expect from each Ram 1500 engine:
- 3.6L V6 with eTorque: ~20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 3.0L Hurricane I6: ~18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- 3.0L High-Output Hurricane: ~15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway
To verify updated EPA ratings by trim and drivetrain, visit the official fuel economy database for the Ram 1500.
🛋️ Interior Comfort, Storage, and Features
Even base models feel solid and insulated from road noise, but mid and upper trims really stand out. The Ram 1500 Laramie, Limited, and Tungsten offer heated and ventilated leather seats, real wood or aluminum accents, and an optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
Crew Cab models offer limo-like legroom, with available reclining rear seats and fold-flat rear floors for cargo. Under-seat bins and the optional RamBox Cargo System add even more usable storage.
📐 Bed Sizes and Measurements
Ram 1500 beds are spacious, and dimensions are competitive with Ford and Chevy:
- 5’7” Bed (67.4″) – Crew Cab only
- 6’4” Bed (76.3″) – Available on Quad and Crew Cab
Bed width between wheel wells: 51 inches
Total width: 66.4 inches
Bed depth: ~21.5 inches
Both beds support a 4×8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate down.
📱 Infotainment and Tech Overview
The Ram 1500 runs on Uconnect 5, one of the best infotainment systems available in any truck.
Standard features include:
- 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Voice controls and OTA updates
Optional tech upgrades:
- 12” or 14.5” touchscreen
- Digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- Klipsch 19-speaker premium audio system
- Digital rearview mirror
Trailer assist features and multi-camera views make towing safer and easier.
🛡️ Safety Features and Crash Ratings
Advanced safety tech is available but often bundled in higher trims.
Available systems include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- 360° surround-view camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Crash test data from the IIHS Ram 1500 safety page shows strong ratings, especially for crew cab models.
🛠️ Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ram provides solid warranty protection:
- 3-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty
- 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Roadside assistance and corrosion coverage included
For real-world reliability and owner satisfaction scores, check the J.D. Power Ram 1500 ratings.
📊 Ram 1500 vs Competitors: Quick Look
| Truck | Max Towing | Starting Price | Comfort & Ride Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 11,580 lbs | ~$42,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best-in-Class |
| Ford F-150 | 13,500 lbs | ~$41,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Smooth + Capable |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | 13,300 lbs | ~$40,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Refined, Slightly Firm |
While Ford and Chevy beat Ram slightly in max tow rating, the Ram 1500 wins big on ride comfort, interior materials, and cabin quietness.
What is the most fuel-efficient Ram 1500 configuration?
The 3.6L V6 with eTorque and 2WD offers the best fuel economy, at up to 25 mpg on the highway.
Can the Ram 1500 tow a fifth-wheel trailer?
No. The Ram 1500 isn’t designed for fifth-wheel towing. You’ll need a 2500 or 3500 model for that setup.
Does the Ram 1500 have a diesel engine in 2025?
No. Ram discontinued the EcoDiesel engine. All 2025 models use gasoline engines.
What is the best trim for luxury features?
The Tungsten trim includes premium leather, air suspension, full digital displays, and the Klipsch audio system.
🏁 Final Take: Is the 2025 Ram 1500 Worth It?
If you’re after a full-size pickup that’s equal parts powerful and premium, the 2025 Ram 1500 is worth serious consideration.
It offers multiple engine options, a smooth and quiet ride, towing strength for most use cases, and one of the best interiors you’ll find in any truck.
Whether you’re comparing trims or just want to build your own, start with the official Ram 1500 configurator.