Overall Grade: B+
Exterior Grade: A
Interior Grade: B
Ride Comfort: A-
"Cool" Factor: B+
MPG: City: 12.5 - 14.5, Hwy: 16.5 - 18.5 (all winter driving)
Thoughts: Where to start with this one? The Engine? The exterior styling? The interior improvements? All huge upgrades from what I've been hearing compared to older Dodge Rams. After driving one for a few weeks, all I can say is minus the MPGs, I absolutely love this truck.
Engine: The beast I've had the privilege of driving has Mopar's 5.7L Hemi with the MDS system. This thing comes stock with 390 HP and 407 ft/lb of torque. You can practically rip a house from its foundation with that kind of power! What amazes me the most is how refined this engine feels. Although massive and powerful, it runs quite quiet and smooth. There is the occasional "hemi knock," but it has not been something that has been an issue or even annoying by any means. Plus, if you are shooting for MPGs (which don't buy a truck if that's your concern), you can drive this rig gently and let the MDS do its work. Many have claimed they get low 20s for MPGs when cruising with the truck. But if you feel like pounding some pavement, put the medal to the medal and this Ram will have no issues painting you to the back of your seat.
Exterior styling: I know this is 100% opinion, but I think its the best looking, most aggressive looking truck on the market. A rig like this should look like it wants to rips something guts out, and I believe Dodge did an excellent job at remodel this 4th gen Ram. A few of the features that came with this truck: factory dual exhaust, 20" wheels, running boards, fog lights, 4-door quad cab, and the chrome package. I will note that I have heard of a few owners now switching out their chrome bumpers and even grills for the sports look (matches body color) because the chrome has rust issues. Time will tell for me I guess...
Interior: I love the interior in this truck. I don't have anything too special such as NAV or built-in center console as I just have cloth seats with the bench in the front. I do have the power options and SAT radio however. But as a functional interior, it does everything I want and more. Its very easy to use the radio, (although I which the clock would be bigger when I'm listening to SAT radio), there are hidden cubbies everywhere in this truck so storage is no problem, the seats are comfortable, the mirrors allow for easy navigating with this truck, and the "driver's information center" is also easy to navigate and read. This truck even comes with an 110V AC outlet! To be honest, the only things I miss from my old car are auto climate control and the HUD. (Auto climate is an option in other models). I will say my biggest complaint is that there are some rattles in my doors, but nothing to major. I plan on installing some sound dampening material anyway so I hope that takes care of that...
Ride: I'll keep this one short, but this truck rides extremely smooth. Dodge got ride of the traditional rear leaf springs for coil springs and I absolutely love the difference. You'll have no issues taking this beast for a long cruise if need be.
Well good luck, hope this helped. If you can get by the MPGs, I think you'll really like this truck as well. Just know, you won't feel the road kill your run over on the way to your goof aunt's.
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