Up Close: 2009 Dodge Ram
The current Ram is one of the more aggressively styled pickups on the market, and the redesigned 2009 model looks even tougher, thanks to its new grille. The dual tailpipes poking out from beneath the rear bumper are an unusual styling element for the truck segment, but Dodge manages to pull it off.
The redesigned cockpit is a big improvement over its predecessor’s, with a luxurious simulated leather dashboard on higher-end trim levels and a clear gauge layout. Material quality is similar to the Chevrolet Silverado, one of the leaders in the segment.
Crew cab models have a spacious rear seat that can comfortably seat adults. Like the Silverado’s crew cab, the rear seats flip up in one motion to make loading cargo back there easy. There are storage bins underneath the seat cushion.
The RamBox storage system is one of the Ram’s new features, and it eats up some of the cargo bed’s space. Nevertheless, the bed is still wide enough to carry sheets of drywall, according to Bob Hegbloom, senior manager for Ram product marketing.
