HighlightsA larger crew cab model and available cylinder deactivation top the list of 2006 changes to Dodge's large pickup. This report covers the half-ton Ram 1500 models. It offers a 2-dr regular cab and two 4-dr crew cabs--the Quad Cab and the new Mega Cab. The Mega's cab is 20 inches longer than the Quad Cab's. Regular cab and Quad Cab offer 6.3-ft- and 8-ft-long cargo beds; Mega Cab uses the 6.3-ft bed. Regular cabs seat up to three passengers, the others up to six.
Ram is available with three engines: a 210-hp V6, a 230-hp V8, and Chrysler's 335-hp Hemi V8. In all models except Mega Cab, the Hemi now has Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which saves fuel by deactivating four cylinders while cruising. The V6 and 230-hp V8 are available with manual or automatic transmission, the Hemi V8 with automatic only. The automatics have a tow/haul mode.
Rams are available with rear-wheel drive or with 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Optional with the SLT and Laramie trim levels is all-wheel drive. The 4WD and AWD systems include low-range gearing. Four-wheel disc brakes with rear ABS are standard; 4-wheel ABS is available. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, 20s are available. Curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows are optional. Also available: power-adjustable pedals, wireless cell phone link, DVD entertainment, and navigation system. Quad Cabs are available with power running boards.
Ram also offers high-performance SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab models. These have the Dodge Viper's 500-hp V10 engine, rear-wheel drive, sport suspension, 22-inch wheels, unique trim, and sport seats.
News
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.
Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
Acceleration
For regular cab and Quad Cab models, V6 labors under heavy load, when passing, or climbing hills. The 4.7 V8 has adequate power, but the 5.7 Hemi is the best choice for heavy hauling or towing. Mega Cabs more than 1100 lb heavier than comparable Quad Cabs, move quickly from a stop but lack reserve punch for merging or passing. Hemi's Multi-Displacement System undetectable in use, doesn't affect power output. Test 4WD 5.7 Quad Cab did 9.5 sec 0-60 mph. SRT10 has abundant power. Ram's maximum towing capacity is 3750 lb with V6, 7650 with 4.7 V8, 9100 with 5.7.
Value
Ram's "big-rig" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort, and solidity are what make it a Recommended choice. There are body styles and equipment to meet most every need, plus the praiseworthy availability of curtain side airbags and AWD. Ram's SRT10 version is the hot rod pickup performance leader.
Ride
No large pickup rides smoothly, but Ram is competitive in class. Optional 20-inch wheels add some harshness over bumps, which produce less jiggle than most pickups thanks to Ram's '06 frame and suspension revisions. SRT10's 22-inch wheels make ride uncomfortably busy, with abrupt vertical motions on even slightly rippled surfaces.
Economy
With 4.7 V8, test 4WD automatic-transmission Quad Cabs averaged 12.6 mpg, test 2WD 5-speed manual-transmission regular cab 14.1. No opportunity yet to measure fuel economy of Mega Cab or Hemi with Multi-Displacement System. Expect overworked V6 to average around 15 mpg. Test SRT10 regular cab averaged a dismal 9.2 mpg; SRT10 Quad Cab managed 11.3 mpg with more highway use. Dodge recommends 91 octane for the V10, 89 octane for the 5.7 V8, regular-grade fuel for the others.
Noise
Modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck. But V6 raucous when worked hard, which it often needs to be. The 5.7 V8 roars loudly under acceleration and is noticed even at cruise. The 4.7 is quieter under most conditions. Wind and tire noise barely audible above rumbling V10 in SRT10.
Handling
Comfort Front
Spacious even for big adults, though the lankiest may want more seat travel in regular cabs. Center floor hump eats into passenger foot room. Seat too flat for ideal support. SRT10's bucket-type seats add side bolstering to keep occupants from sliding around in fast turns. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from steering wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4x4s have extremely high step-in. High nose hides view of nearby objects, hampering sense of control in tight spaces.
Comfort Rear
Quad Cab has good head room and comfortably reclined backrest, but can cramp legs with front seats more than halfway back, and narrow door openings hamper entry/exit. No such problems in Mega Cab, which offers vast leg room, large doorways, and a reclining split seatback. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits center rider's foot space.
Controls
Revised dashboard puts most audio, climate controls close at hand. Screen on navigation radio larger, more useful for '06. Cabin materials quality competitive with domestic rivals. SRT10 has gauges and styling touches that add to performance feel. Test models rattle-free.
Cargo
Generous storage behind regular cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray is handy. Quad Cab rear seat cushion folds to expose storage bins or clever available fold-out steel load floor. Mega Cab similar, but seat can slide forward to increase already good space behind it. Lots of driver accessible storage bins.