Hands-down the attitude king
Even in Frigidaire White (as my buddy Michel called it), the RAM is all about “move it or lose it”. Admittedly, were it draped in Inferno Red, Brilliant Black or Deep Water Blue, it would take badass-ness to the next level. A huge grille, lots of chrome and big wheels make the Ram as attractive on the inside as it is on the outside. The Ford is in 2nd while the GMs and the Toyota linger far behind...
|
| The 5.7L V8 pumps out 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
My Sport version included the 20” wheels and dual exhaust tips which aided and abetted with the
HEMI's soundtrack. Although the tester was monochrome, a two-tone option is available and elevates the 1500 to
F-150 King Ranch prestige in my books, previously the only upscale-looking pickup on the market (
Mark LT or Blackwood do NOT count!).
HEMI a must!
Everyone knows what a HEMI is. Everyone. The 5.7L V8 pumps out 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 5-speed autobox, this heavyweight moves. I know you shouldn't street-light race with one of these, but the mix of sheer grunt, growl and guts is overwhelmingly intoxicating. Obviously, this thing has an incredible thirst for fuel even when driven carefully. I averaged 20 L/100 km. A normal person might pull off 17 or 18 L/100 km. Honestly, if you can maintain 15 L/100 km, consider yourself a miracle worker and start your own Church!
All that power is not for nothing. This beast can tow close to 10,000 lbs when properly equipped and can carry 1,430 lbs in payload. During my week-long test, I moved my tool box, work bench, many spare parts including a transmission and many sets of wheels. Other than the Rambox bins munching away at bed volume, the 1500 never flinched even when I had approximately 600 lbs in the rear. Speaking of the bed...
I was going to complain about the lack of a bedliner and, well, I will. Hauling all that gear for my old V-Dub required quite an amount of dexterity. The nonexistent bedliner was replaced by layers of cardboard boxes which saved the day. As though through telepathy, the week following my test, Chrysler announced a factory spray-on bedliner option for only $450. I say do it if you care anything about your truck!
 |
| Chrysler announced a factory spray-on bedliner option for only $450. I say do it if you care anything about your truck! (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
