How does it haul? Due to the addition of the rear doors, the 4-door reduces box size from 1,981 mm (78 in) to 1,905 mm (75 in). Rather than just increasing overall size Dodge felt its half-ton customers would sooner like parking it in their garage. To make room for full sheets of plywood and other bulky items the tailgate can be lowered and an extension added on. Fortunately payload is not affected by the reduction in box size.
Does it go? The 215-hp 3.7-L V6 in the base Ram is adequate for normal driving conditions, yet most will opt for the 235-hp 4.7-L V8. It not only pulls like a big block, but sounds like a 60's musclecar. An optional 5.9-L V8 with 245-hp and 335 lb-ft of torque is probably the best choice if you plan on towing heavy weights, in this case up to 3,924 kg (8,650 lbs). The all-new 45RFE 4-speed automatic with overdrive is seamless in operation, connecting to either a fully automatic dash-mounted push-button or traditional floor-mounted shifter operated four-wheel drive system, both optional.
Does it handle well? It should come as no surprise that an independent front suspension and standard 17-inch wheels make a big difference when cornering, but that's not the entire story. The Ram's hydraformed frame allows for reduced welds, increasing strength while reducing weight. This added stiffness makes a major difference when straight roads get twisty. Also, the truck uses rack-and-pinion steering rather than a recirculating ball system, giving more direct response. For ultimate performance, the optional 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels enhance the driving experience while giving the Ram a hot custom look.