2020 Ram 1500 Review

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.