My vehicle had the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 MDS VTT Engine with a very smooth 5-Speed Automatic 545RFE Transmission. The HEMI is the real jewel of this setup as its output is 390 horsepower and 407 lbs feet of torque. It’s not the most power, nor the most torque available, although it’s more than competitive in the numbers game. No other engine sounds like the HEMI and the rumble is rather addictive.
The 5.7 liter HEMI has a “Multi-Displacement System” (MDS) which seamlessly deactivates half of the engine's cylinders in fuel saver mode when less power is needed. The loss of 4 cylinders was imperceptible when cruising down the highway. I averaged a combined 15 mpg driving the 5.7 liter HEMI. Considering the size and my lead-footed driving technique, this was more than acceptable. From what I understand, the other engines are fairly close in economy numbers.
There is a more efficient Flex Fuel capable 4.7-liter SOHC V8 which is designed to run on conventional unleaded gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) or any blend of the two, it produces 310 horsepower and 330 lbs feet of torque (those numbers fluctuate slightly when using E85). On base model 1500s you can opt for a 210 horsepower (which makes 235 lbs feet of torque) 3.7 liter V6.
What makes the HEMI engine compelling is how the feel of the vehicle is intensified by its mere existence. The sound of the HEMI is intoxicating and the throttle response is excellent. With the rear suspension’s competence in putting power to the ground (and keeping it there) it makes for a truck that’s actually able to squirt out of corners without sending you into oblivion. It helped make an emergency maneuver almost fun for me.
I felt safe in the Dodge Ram.
Some of the safety features available on the Ram are: advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental side airbags, rear airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), including “Hill Start Assist” (this system applies the brakes briefly to prevent roll-back on hills) and “Trailer Sway Control” (helps mitigate the possibility of fishtailing). In addition, the Ram comes with large Anti-Lock 4-wheel disc brakes.