It’s not often Consumer Reports recommends pickups due to poor reliability and safety scores. However, some models have a following that continues to purchase pickups like the Ram 1500 Classic, despite having one of the lowest ratings. Still, Ram doesn’t have the worst-rated truck on CR’s list. So, which truck is the lowest rated on Consumer Reports?
What’s wrong with the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic?
2022 Ram 1500 Classic | FCA US LLC.
With a score of 39 from Consumer Reports, the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic is a bit of a disappointment. Its road test was rated 74 out of 100, which falls in the middle of all the pickups scored by CR. Additionally, the handling of this pickup wasn’t actually too bad. It was responsive when cornering, and it took quite a bit to start leaning, where other trucks would do that easily.
Additionally, CR felt it was one of the best in the lineup when it comes to how well it rides. Driving on the rough pavement is hardly felt with the firm seats, as the ride motions were well controlled with the suspension. According to Consumer Reports, it did a great job, even with the 20-inch wheels.
Elsewhere, predicted reliability is rock bottom with a one out of five rating. The data used was from the 2019 model, which shows some major and minor engine issues. It also gave owners headaches with the fuel system, brakes, and power equipment. Other areas where the 1500 Classic received subpar ratings include its emergency handling and its fuel economy, with an output of only 15 combined mpg.
The worst-rated pickup is the 2022 Jeep Gladiator
2022 Jeep Gladiator lineup gets more expensive: https://t.co/tlLUivix39 pic.twitter.com/VAbJbrqPo1
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) October 23, 2021
The truck that came last, with a score of 38 overall, is the Jeep Gladiator. It had a road test score of 52 out of 100, but it wasn’t actually the lowest (with the Toyota Tacoma having the worst road test). However, handling for the Gladiator was clumsy, and the steering was pretty slow, according to Consumer Reports.
Turning took a lot of effort with this model, and the seats are flat with no firmness. There are also no power adjustments to the seats, making finding a comfortable position more difficult. Furthermore, there’s no place to rest the left foot while you’re driving.
The predicted reliability rating of the Jeep Gladiator is better than the Ram 1500 Classic, but not by much. With a two out of five, the Gladiator saw problems with its engine, paint job, and suspension. The most significant issues came from the transmission. Overall, it just didn’t live up to the hype of its release. However, fuel economy is better than the Classic 1500, with 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.
The highest-rated pickup on Consumer Reports is the Honda Ridgeline
2022 Honda Ridgeline starts at $38,115: https://t.co/d3aUk1oycm pic.twitter.com/8pdmjnLQVS
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) September 29, 2021
With the Jeep Gladiator and the Ram 1500 Classic being the worst of the bunch, which one is the best in the lineup? The 2022 Honda Ridgeline tops the list with an overall score of 82 out of 100. Consumer Reports was particularly impressed with how it drove, claiming it felt more like a car and less like a bouncy truck. The fuel economy ratings aren’t too bad either, with a rating of 22 mpg combined.
The predicted reliability rating is much higher than the 1500 Classic and the Gladiator. It got a four out of five score. With only a few issues over several model years, this pickup has resolved most of its past problems quickly.
According to Consumer Reports, it also has the best owner satisfaction rating of all three trucks. The Ridgeline impressed owners with its styling, driving experience, and comfort with a five out of five rating. It lacks a little in the value area, though in terms of resale value, but overall, 81% said they would buy this pickup again.
For comparison, the Ram 1500 Classic isn’t earning high marks with its 2022 model year, but the Jeep Gladiator is the least liked of the two, after scoring one point less than the Ram truck. Overall, neither pickup is performing very well on Consumer Reports, so hopefully, next year’s versions will offer much-needed improvements.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Hates the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic, but Not as Much as This Popular Pickup Truck