Ram: The Luxury Locomotive of American Trucks

Ram changed the pickup truck game forever by asking a simple question: "Why can't a workhorse ride like a luxury sedan?" Since spinning off from Dodge in 2009, Ram has become the benchmark for interior quality, ride comfort, and towing dominance thanks to the legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel. It’s the truck for those who refuse to compromise.

Ram Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

Ram 1500

The truck that redefined the segment. The Ram 1500 delivers a class-exclusive smooth ride with its multi-link coil suspension, legendary HEMI V8 power, and a benchmark-setting, luxurious interior. It’s the full-size pickup that's both a rugged workhorse and a refined daily driver.

Production 2011-Present

Ram 1500 TRX

The apex predator of the truck world. The TRX is a super-truck engineered to dominate any terrain, powered by a 702-hp supercharged HEMI V8. With its extreme off-road suspension and ferocious performance, it is the most powerful factory-built pickup in history.

Production 2021-2024

Ram 1500 Classic

Proven toughness with unbeatable value. The Ram 1500 Classic continues the award-winning legacy of the previous generation, offering a no-nonsense, reliable work truck with available V8 power. It's the smart, budget-friendly choice for getting the job done.

Production 2019-Present

Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty

The benchmark for heavy-duty capability. Engineered for the most demanding jobs, the Ram Heavy Duty offers monumental towing and payload ratings, powered by the legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. It's the ultimate tool for serious, uncompromising work.

Production 2011-Present

Ram Chassis Cab

The ultimate foundation for American business. The Ram Chassis Cab (3500/4500/5500) provides a rugged, upfitter-friendly platform for building the exact work truck your business needs. It combines legendary powertrain options with exceptional durability.

Production 2011-Present

Ram ProMaster

The smart, capable, and efficient full-size van for modern business. The ProMaster stands out with its front-wheel-drive layout, offering a low, flat load floor for easy access. It's a versatile and customizable workhorse for any trade or delivery service.

Production 2014-Present

Ram ProMaster City

The agile and efficient compact van built for the urban grind. The ProMaster City offered impressive cargo capacity and payload in a city-friendly size, making it the perfect partner for small businesses, florists, and service professionals navigating tight streets.

Production 2015-2022

Dodge Ram

The legendary truck that built the brand. Before Ram became its own entity, the Dodge Ram, especially the 1994 'big-rig' model, revolutionized truck design with its bold, aggressive styling. It set the stage for the powerful and iconic trucks of today.

Production 1981-2010

Dodge Dakota

The original 'just-right' mid-size pickup. The Dakota was the only truck in its class to offer an available V8 engine, providing a unique blend of compact maneuverability and full-size power. It remains a beloved and sought-after used truck.

Production 1987-2011

Ram Power Wagon

The most capable production off-road truck, period. Based on the Ram 2500, the Power Wagon is a factory-built beast with locking differentials, a disconnecting sway bar, and a 12,000-lb winch. It's engineered to conquer the most extreme terrain.

Production 2005-Present

Author

HugeGarage Editor

Published

Updated

13 Min Read

There was a time when pickup trucks were strictly agricultural tools. They rattled, they bounced, and the "luxury" option meant you got a cassette player and cloth seats instead of vinyl. Ram changed all of that. By declaring independence from Dodge in 2009, Ram set out on a mission to prove that you could have the towing capacity of a tugboat and the cabin refinement of a German limousine in the same package.

The Great Divorce: Don't Call It a Dodge

Let’s clear the air immediately: It’s just "Ram."

For decades, "Ram" was merely a model name under the Dodge umbrella. But during the massive restructuring of the late 2000s, executives made a bold strategic move. They realized that truck buyers had different needs than muscle car buyers. So, they split the brands. Dodge kept the cars (Charger, Challenger), and Ram took the trucks. Critics thought it was marketing fluff. They were wrong. This focus allowed Ram to pour 100% of its resources into building the best pickup on the planet, without worrying about selling minivans.

The Secret Weapon: Suspension & Ride Quality

If you drive a Ford F-150 or a Chevy Silverado and then hop into a Ram 1500, the difference is jarring. You don't feel the road imperfections in the Ram. Why?

While the competition stuck to ancient leaf-spring rear suspensions (think: horse and buggy tech) for their light-duty trucks, Ram switched to a multi-link coil spring rear suspension. This was heresy in the truck world. Competitors claimed it would ruin towing capacity. Instead, it revolutionized ride quality, providing handling and comfort that is simply unmatched in the segment. Throw in the available Active-Level™ Four-Corner Air Suspension, and you have a truck that literally lowers itself on the highway to slice through the wind like a bullet.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine Evolution

Ram’s powertrain strategy is a mix of legendary status and futuristic risk-taking.

The Cummins Legend

In the heavy-duty world (2500/3500), one word ends all arguments: Cummins. Since 1989, the partnership between Ram and Cummins has been the gold standard for towing. The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel is an inline-6 industrial monster. Because it has fewer moving parts and a longer stroke than the V8 diesels from Ford and GM, it produces a distinct, low-frequency torque that can pull stumps out of the earth or tow 37,000 lbs up a 6% grade without breaking a sweat. It is the engine that built the brand's reputation for longevity.

Farewell Hemi, Hello Hurricane

For 2025 and beyond, Ram made a decision that shook the traditionalist core: they killed the V8 in the Ram 1500. The legendary 5.7L Hemi is gone. In its place is the 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo Inline-6.

Before you grab your pitchforks, look at the numbers. The Hurricane creates more horsepower and significantly more torque than the V8 it replaces, all while delivering better fuel economy. It’s smoother, quieter, and faster. It’s the same engine configuration (Inline-6) that powers BMW’s best driving machines, but beefed up for truck duty. This is Ram choosing superior engineering over nostalgia.

Inside the Cabin: The "Rammunition"

This is where Ram embarrassed the competition. Around 2018, Ram decided that a truck interior should look like a luxury hotel lobby. They introduced massive 12-inch (and now 14.5-inch) vertical touchscreens, genuine open-pore wood, filigree leather stitching, and Harman Kardon audio systems that rival home theaters.

The Ram 1500 Limited and Tungsten trims are not just "nice for a truck." They are nice, period. They forced Ford and GM to scramble and upgrade their own interiors just to stay relevant. If you spend 8 hours a day in your vehicle, Ram understands that the seat needs to be more comfortable than your recliner at home.

The Performance Era: TRX and RHO

We have to mention the dinosaur in the room. The Ram 1500 TRX was a moment of insanity that we will cherish forever—a 702 HP supercharged desert runner designed solely to hunt the Ford Raptor. While the V8 TRX has bowed out, its spirit lives on in the Ram 1500 RHO ("Rhino"), which uses the High-Output Hurricane engine to deliver similar Baja-bashing capability with better agility.

Electrification: The Ramcharger Returns

Ram is approaching EVs differently. They know truck owners have "range anxiety" when towing. Enter the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. It’s an electric truck, but it carries a V6 gas engine strictly as a generator. The gas engine never drives the wheels; it just charges the battery. This gives you unlimited range (as long as you have gas) with the instant torque of an electric motor. It is arguably the smartest solution for the transition to electric trucking.

Why Ram Matters to You

You choose a Ram because you value your spine. The ride quality is that good. You choose Ram because you want technology that works—the Uconnect infotainment system is consistently rated as the most user-friendly in the industry. And if you tow heavy, you choose Ram because the Cummins badge on the fender is a symbol of industrial-grade reliability.

Ram is the truck for the driver who wants it all: the capability to build a house, and the comfort to drive to the opera afterwards (if that's your thing).

The Hugegarage Verdict

Ram is currently the most well-rounded truck manufacturer in America. They don't sell the most trucks (Ford holds that crown), but they arguably build the best ones to live with on a daily basis. If you prioritize interior luxury, ride comfort, and innovative powertrain solutions like the Hurricane and Ramcharger, the Ram dealership is your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are they called "Ram" trucks instead of "Dodge Ram"?

This is one of the most common questions we get. In 2009/2010, the parent company (then Chrysler Group) decided to split the brands. Dodge focused on performance cars (Charger, Challenger), while Ram became a standalone brand dedicated exclusively to trucks and commercial vehicles.

Think of it as a divorce where both parties thrived. Dropping the "Dodge" allowed Ram to build its own distinct identity focused on luxury interiors, towing technology, and the "Guts. Glory. Ram." ethos without being tied to a car lineup.

Is the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine reliable?

The 6.7L Cummins® I6 Turbo Diesel is legendary for a reason. Unlike the V8 diesels found in Ford and Chevy heavy-duty trucks, the Cummins uses an inline-six configuration. This design has fewer moving parts and inherently better balance, which often translates to extreme longevity.

It is the gold standard for "hotshot" truckers and anyone hauling heavy horses or campers across the country. When properly maintained, these engines are known to clock hundreds of thousands of miles without needing a major overhaul.

What is the difference between the Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic?

Ram does something unique: they sell two generations of trucks at the same time.

  • Ram 1500 (New Body Style): This is the modern, high-tech truck with the larger cabs, luxurious interiors, and latest tech like the 12-inch touchscreen.
  • Ram 1500 Classic: This is the previous generation platform (DS) kept in production as a budget-friendly alternative. It lacks the newest bells and whistles but offers a proven, rugged truck experience for a lower MSRP, making it popular for fleets and work trucks.
Did Ram stop making the Hemi V8 engine?

Yes, there has been a major shift under the hood. For the updated Ram 1500 lineup (starting roughly with the 2025 model year refresh), the legendary 5.7L Hemi V8 has been phased out.

It has been replaced by the 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo Inline-6 engine. While V8 purists might miss the rumble, the Hurricane actually delivers more horsepower and torque than the Hemi it replaces, offering better towing performance and improved fuel efficiency.

What is the Ram Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension?

This is a class-exclusive feature that sets Ram apart from Ford and Chevy. Instead of traditional steel coil springs or leaf springs, the truck rides on air bags.

This system offers multiple benefits:

  • Ride Quality: It glides over bumps like a luxury sedan.
  • Aerodynamics: At highway speeds, the truck lowers itself ("Aero Mode") to save fuel.
  • Leveling: When you hook up a heavy trailer, the system automatically pumps up the rear so the truck doesn't sag (squat), keeping your headlights level and steering stable.
How much can the Ram 3500 tow?

When equipped with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel and the correct axle ratio, the Ram 3500 is a monster. It boasts towing capacities that can exceed 37,000 lbs.

This makes it capable of hauling massive fifth-wheel RVs, livestock trailers, or heavy construction equipment. However, keep in mind that towing capacity varies wildly based on cab configuration, drive (4x2 vs 4x4), and engine choice, so always check the door jamb sticker of the specific truck.

What is the Ram TRX?

The Ram 1500 TRX (often pronounced "T-Rex") is the apex predator of the truck world. It was designed specifically to hunt the Ford Raptor.

Powered by a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 (the "Hellcat" engine) producing over 700 horsepower, it is an off-road Baja racer that can accelerate like a sports car. With its widened body, 35-inch tires, and specialized Bilstein® Black Hawk® e2 shocks, it is widely considered the most insane production pickup truck ever built.

What is the Ram eTorque system?

eTorque is a mild-hybrid system found on many Ram 1500 engines (both the V6 and V8). It replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit.

It doesn't drive the truck on electric power alone; rather, it smooths out the stop/start function at red lights and adds a burst of torque (up to 130 lb-ft) when accelerating from a dead stop. This helps move the heavy truck off the line seamlessly before the gas engine takes over fully, improving city fuel economy.

Why are Ram truck interiors considered the best in class?

Ram decided to stop treating truck interiors like cheap plastic work zones. Particularly in the Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims, Ram introduced genuine open-pore wood, filigree leather stitching, extensive metal accents, and massive 12-inch (or larger) vertical touchscreens long before competitors caught up.

Reviewers consistently rate Ram interiors as "luxury-grade," comparable to premium SUVs, making them the preferred choice for buyers who use their truck as a daily family vehicle.

Is the Ram ProMaster good for "Van Life" conversions?

The Ram ProMaster is a favorite in the Van Life community for one specific reason: it is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).

Because there is no driveshaft running to the rear wheels, the cargo floor is significantly lower to the ground than the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter. This provides more vertical standing room inside without needing a super-high roof and makes loading cargo (or climbing into your mobile home) much easier. Plus, its boxy shape is easier to insulate and build out.