- Refined interior in the Ram 1500 Classic
- Impressive powertrain performance and handling
- Comfortable ride in the Ram 1500 Classic
- Interior cabin space
- Infotainment system
- Unique air suspension in the Ram 1500 Classic
Consumer Reports loves the Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck, but its sibling, the Classic model, fell short of the editors’ expectations. In fact, they gave it a score of only 39 out of 100 points, which makes it the worst in its class. Despite the low rating, Consumer Reports had some nice things to say about it. What are the six things they liked the most about it?
Refined interior in the Ram 1500 Classic
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You get leather-covered seating and a padded dash with accented stitching with the Laramie trim. According to Consumer Reports, the seats are comfortable, and you sit high enough for an optimal driving position. You can adjust the seats as you want them, making driving long distances bearable.
The rear seats are roomy as well, allowing three adults to sit back there comfortably. They will also have plenty of elbow room, so you don’t have to worry about them cramming together on a long trip.
Impressive powertrain performance and handling
The 2022 Ram 1500 Classic proves that brand new isn’t always better, at least when you’re shopping for a hard-working pickup truck, and you don’t want to spend tons of money. Here's how to option one for the best value: https://t.co/UPAVJ9vrn9 @RamTrucks #trucks pic.twitter.com/5apFpwQtsi
— Autotrader (@AutoTrader_com) August 11, 2021
The base model comes with the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which produces 305 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power, you can upgrade to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that can generate 395 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission is paired with both of them, which allows the pickup to tow up to 10,000 lbs with the V8. However, the V6 engine has better fuel economy topping out at 25 mpg on the highway, provided you choose the rear-wheel-drive version.
Handling in the Classic model is surprisingly pretty good, better than some of its rivals. Since it’s still a full-size pickup truck, you expect some body lean when making turns, but not with the Ram Classic. It handles them well with clumsiness, but it stayed secure on their test track.
Comfortable ride in the Ram 1500 Classic
One of the Consumer Reports’ favorite parts of the Ram Classic is how it rides. While it’s a pickup, it doesn’t act like one as far as hugging the road is concerned. Like many of its competitors, you don’t get the bouncing, making driving or riding in it rather fun.
Ram strategically engineered it to offer a better ride by installing lighter materials, so it isn’t as cumbersome as some of its rivals.
Interior cabin space
The cabin is roomy and whisper-quiet when driving down the road. Ram keeps it simple for affordability’s sake, but there’s enough to make it worthwhile. One of the best features of the cabin is its plentiful storage options.
Many are found in the center console, some designed specifically for your smartphones. You’ll also get another big bin near the center of the truck that can hold many small items and could double as a workspace. You also get two glove compartments and some floor bins for more space.
Infotainment system
What’s old is new when it comes to the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic. Though its basic design dates to the 2009 model year, the less-costly sibling to the Ram 1500 is among the first vehicles with the automaker’s latest Uconnect 5 infotainment software. https://t.co/tnLZSF0Cq4 @RamTrucks pic.twitter.com/TZe0N7ihAg
— Autotrader (@AutoTrader_com) September 28, 2021
The 1500 Classic offers an excellent infotainment display with a five-inch touchscreen (8.4 on higher trims). This system is one of Consumer Reports’ favorites because it’s easy to use, and you can find what you need without digging into several menus. Chrysler’s Uconnect app uses traditional controls and on-screen ones to keep things simple.
Unique air suspension in the Ram 1500 Classic
Typically, the pickup sports coil springs as standard equipment, which does a fine job. However, you can upgrade to an air suspension, an available feature for the Ram Classic. It performs pretty well by keeping the ride smooth on just about any surface, including railroad crossings. The smooth ride is seen even with the more prominent 20-inch wheels.
In the end, though, the benefits the truck has doesn’t make up for all the problems listed against it. Maybe with some improvements, Consumer Reports could change their minds about the Classic model.
Keyword: 6 Things Consumer Reports Loves About the Reviled Ram 1500 Classic