2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Dodge Ram overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Ram, and includes Dodge Ram safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

This year ushers in an all-new Dodge Ram, and the Mega Cab model has been dropped from the redesigned lineup. Venturing where no other full-size pickups roam, the 2009 Ram utilizes a coil-spring rear suspension instead of leaf springs, and boasts a Hemi V8 that pumps out 390 horses as well as 407 lb-ft of torque. Yee. Haw.

In place of the late Ram 1500 Mega Cab (that behemoth of a truck carries on as a Ram Heavy Duty), the lineup now includes a Crew Cab model with four full-size doors, making it comparable to models like the Ford F-150 SuperCrew. Dodge has also focused on design, wrapping the exterior in a freshened version of the Ram’s signature big-rig styling and upgrading the interior with higher-quality materials and a more attractive appearance.

And then there are the new features. Lots of them. Among the highlights are the RamBox, a cargo bed with deep storage wells built into the sides of the bed; Sirius satellite TV service for rear-seat passengers; a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats; heated and cooled front seats; a surround sound audio system; and much more.

There’s a tremendous amount of choice when selecting a pickup truck that’s right for you, and the brand and model are just the beginning. For those interested in the redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, they’ll need to decide between Regular, Quad and Crew Cab configurations, a long or short bed, rear- or four-wheel drive, a host of optional features, and the truck’s various trim levels.

Starting things off is the ST, the entry-level but not entirely basic model that’s equipped with standard goods like a V6 engine mated to an automatic transmission, a CD player, air conditioning, and a tilt steering wheel. Signs of the ST’s most-affordable Ram status include vinyl upholstery and flooring, manual crank windows, and 17-inch steel wheels.

Buyers in search of a few extra amenities might want to check out the Ram 1500 SLT, which is delivered with a standard V8, cloth seats, carpeting, alloy wheels, and common convenience features such as power windows and door locks. The exterior mirrors are also powered, though drivers in foul-weather areas might be more interested in the fact that they’re also heated. Go with the Ram SLT and you’ll also be treated to cruise control, keyless entry, and an overhead console with a compass and handy trip computer. The SLT model also delivers visual upgrades, replacing dark gray exterior trim with chrome bits.

If you like the idea of getting a little more than is offered with the ST, but SLT doesn’t quite fit the bill, Dodge offers you the Ram TRX. Like the SLT, the TRX packs a V8 engine, cloth upholstery and keyless entry, but it sticks closer to old-school work-truck roots with the ST’s vinyl flooring, manual windows, and steel wheels. The big difference is in appearance, where you’ll notice that the Ram TRX has been decorated with accent colors on the wheel flares, a unique painted grille, and a headlight design shared with upper-level Ram models.

Next up is the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport. As its name suggests, this iteration of full-size truckness is tricked out with parts that give it a bit of attitude, including the much-loved Hemi V8 engine, 20-inch chrome alloy wheels, body-color exterior trim, and bucket seats with more aggressive bolstering. Sound good? Well, you might not want to stop there, especially when you learn about the Ram R/T. Using that heralded Hemi, in this case connected to 4:10 gears, the rear-drive, Regular Cab R/T smokes the asphalt with a 6.1-second sprint to 60 mph. A truck that hauls, even when there’s no load in the bed. The thought literally makes us a bit giddy.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Ram 1500 Laramie, a relatively upscale model that’s fitted with a dual-zone climate control system, steering wheel audio controls, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and more chrome trim.

Of course, not every buyer is satisfied with mere standard features. Fear not, for the 2009 Ram can be fitted with most anything the pickup truck owner could want. Depending on trim, Ram shoppers can opt for power-adjustable pedals, heated and cooled front seats, a heated rear seat and steering wheel, a rear entertainment system with satellite TV service, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system, and the RamBox, a storage provision that appears gimmicky at first but is really a very useful tool for keeping a good bit of cargo dry and under lock and key.

The debut of the redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram represents significant change for this full-size pickup, but the engines have been carried over from last year’s model. Among them is the 3.7-liter V6 that pumps out 210 horses and 235 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is no longer offered, meaning a four-speed automatic is now standard. According to the EPA, drivers can expect to see 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway from this powertrain, which is only available on two-wheel-drive Rams.

Covering the middle of the engine lineup is Dodge’s 4.7-liter V8, a flex-fuel mill that was updated for 2008 and delivers 310 horsepower along with 330 lb-ft of torque, all of which is managed by a five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-drive models are expected to travel 14 mpg around town and 19 mpg on the freeway, while four-bys guzzle petrol at the rate of 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

Interestingly, the 390-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 performs as well or better than the 4.7-liter engine in terms of fuel economy. Despite 407 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque, the Hemi is rated at 14-mpg city/20-mpg highway in rear-drive trim, and 13-mpg city/18-mpg highway with power going to all four corners.

Big-time grunt and 20-mpg capability is impressive, but unfortunately, the 2009 Ram’s truck capabilities are not. Payload maxes out at 1,850 pounds and towing capacity is limited to 9,100 pounds. Neither figure fares well compared to the competition.

Dodge has made slow but steady gains in reliability with its full-size Ram 1500 pickup. Just a couple of years ago, Consumer Reports gave the truck a very poor rating. For 2009, the magazine now predicts average reliability from the Ram, and J.D. Power and Associates has bumped its rating up to above average.

The 2009 Dodge Ram also deserves credit for its safety scores, at least in part. Crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have resulted in top marks for frontal-impact protection. However, the IIHS has also tested the truck’s side-impact protection – with standard side-curtain airbags – and the result is a disappointing Marginal rating.

Aiding in the safety effort are features such as antilock disc brakes and brake assist, traction and electronic stability control systems (with integrated trailer sway control), and a tire pressure monitor.

Though they’re hardly as inhospitable as they once were, today’s pickup trucks still lack the smooth comfort of a car. Dodge takes aim at that assertion with the 2009 Ram, the first full-size, body-on-frame rig to ditch rear leaf springs to make room for less capable coils, with the result being an improved ride. Add to that a long list of innovative and passenger-friendly features, and you have a truck that almost blends the line between comfortable cruiser and workhorse. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Ram’s a must-see. But if you want greater hauling and pulling power, with a ride that’s not quite as coddling as the Ram’s, we suggest starting your search at a Ford or Chevy dealer.

By Thom Blackett