2020 Ram 1500 Review
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2020 Ram 1500 Review
byRyan ZumMallen
Reviews Editor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Strong diesel V6 tow ratings now rival those of the V8
- Unique suspension delivers unequaled ride smoothness and control
- Cabin is roomy, quiet and laden with useful storage and tech features
- Off-road-focused Rebel delivers real capability and a unique look
Cons
- Common driver assist features are limited to higher trims
What's new
- The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel returns with more power and torque
- New exterior styling packages, such as the Night Edition and Black Edition
- New HFE trim promises slightly improved fuel economy
- Minor changes to optional feature availability
- Part of the fifth Ram 1500 generation introduced in 2019
Ram redesigned its 1500 truck last year, and it continues to be our top-rated truck. All Ram 1500 trims come with excellent driving dynamics, generously appointed interiors, and a unique rear suspension for the class. With it, the Ram glides past competitors with a ride quality more commonly associated with cars. Truck duties are not a problem either — the Ram 1500 offers comparable maximum ratings for both towing and payload capacity.
Engine choices include familiar picks such as a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8. But there are some new tricks here. Last year, Ram introduced a mild hybrid system that improves fuel efficiency and the smoothness of the engine stop-start system. It's standard equipment on the V6 and optional on the V8.
New this year is a diesel-powered turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 known as the EcoDiesel. Ram had equipped the previous-generation truck with this engine but had to pull it from the market because of emissions certification problems. The new version is more powerful and more fuel-efficient (it's rated at 24-26 mpg combined, compared to the gasoline V6's 21-23 mpg). It also allows for a stout maximum tow rating of 12,560 pounds.
The cabin is another clear win for the Ram. Highlights include comfortable seats, high-quality materials and an easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system. Move through the options list and the Ram 1500 really begins to shine. Higher trims offer even greater levels of luxury. And the truck has unmatched storage solutions from a large, configurable center console to spacious in-floor bins and locking compartments built into the side of its bed.
Buying a full-truck often comes down to brand loyalty, and rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150 are desirable models in their own right. But even if you're not normally a Ram fan, you owe it to yourself to check out this capable and feature-packed truck.
Notably, we picked the 2020 Ram 1500 as Edmunds' Top Rated Truck of 2020. See all of the Top Rated Vehicles on our Best Cars page.
What's it like to live with the Ram?
Edmunds purchased a Ram 1500 and drove it for two years and nearly 50,000 miles. To learn more about our experiences, visit the long-term page for our 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy. Edmunds considers this our top-rated full-size truck, and although some customers reported quality concerns, ours was largely trouble-free. There are no significant differences between the gasoline-powered 2020 Ram 1500 and our long-term Ram. They are the same generation, so most of our observations still apply.
Which 1500 does Edmunds recommend?
No matter the trim, the Ram 1500 is a great blank slate to begin building your dream truck. To make the most of its many amenities at a reasonable price, choose the Laramie for its massive leap in standard equipment. An 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, and access to features that aren't available on the Tradesman and the Big Horn put it over the top.
2020 Ram 1500 models
Ram offers a truck for everything from down-and-dirty hauling to cushy cruising in style. The Ram 1500 comes in seven trims: the base Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn (also called the Lone Star in Texas), the off-road Rebel, followed by the Laramie, Long Horn and Limited. All come with the coil-spring rear suspension and offer the mild hybrid eTorque system, neither of which is matched in the half-ton pickup class.
