2017 Ram 1500: What's Changed
Most significant changes: The 2017 Ram 1500 Rebel adds several standard features, including Uconnect with the 8.4-inch screen, remote start, a backup camera and rear park assist.
Price change: Varies widely depending on model. The base Tradesman regular-cab two-wheel drive is up $150; the SLT Quad Cab four-wheel drive is $410 less; the Laramie crew-cab short-bed two-wheel drive is up $285; the Longhorn crew-cab long-bed four-wheel drive increases $430; the Rebel two-wheel drive is $1,725 more and the four-wheel-drive version is $1,895 more. The destination charge increases $125 to $1,320.
On sale: Now
Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2016 (slightly less expensive)
The Ram 1500, Fiat Chrysler Automobile's half-ton full-size pickup, receives no blockbuster changes for 2017, though several models add standard equipment.
The Rebel gains the most features, including the Uconnect multimedia system with an 8.4-inch screen, automatic temperature control, limited-slip differential, security alarm, remote start, a premium gauge cluster with a 7-inch center display, a backup camera and rear parking sensors. The price rises accordingly: the two-wheel- drive Rebel increases $1,725 to $46,315 and the four-wheel-drive version is $1,895 more expensive at $48,415 (all prices include destination).
Other models get a handful of new standard features: The Sport adds remote start and an alarm; the Laramie Longhorn adds LED bed lighting, keyless entry with push-button start and rain-sensing wipers; and the Bighorn gets automatic temperature control.
The Ram 1500 lineup encompasses a broad range of choices. It includes regular, Quad Cab (extended cab) and four-door crew-cab body styles. The regular cab is available with a 6.4- or 8-foot bed, the Quad Cab with the 6.4-foot bed and the crew cab with a 5.7- or 6.4-foot bed. Engine choices include a base 3.6-liter gas V-6, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Ram differs from other half-ton pickups with its coil-spring rear suspension (instead of traditional leaf springs) and available four-corner air 2suspension, and it offers several clever and unique features such as the RamBox locking exterior storage and aluminum wheels with color inserts.
In sales, the Ram 1500 runs in a solid third place behind the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It also trailed those trucks in overall performance in our 2016 Texas Truck Showdown and . Even so, with 11 trim levels, the 2017 Ram 1500 offers something that ought to interest just about anyone looking for a capable full-size pickup, from the plain, workhorse Tradesman to the opulent Longhorn and Laramie. Most notably, it's the only half-ton pickup with a diesel engine option.
Cars.com photo by Evan Sears
