Half-ton trucks are the beasts of the highway. They can haul, tow, climb, and carry just about anything.
But which truck holds the crown above all others and reigns supreme in 2023?
Keep on reading to learn more about a half-ton truck like no other.
Let’s ride!
Who Makes the Most Powerful Half-Ton Truck?
And that half-ton truck that reigns supreme in 2023 is the Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram pickup trucks – yes, Dodge and Ram were once one – began their journey in 1981. The company worked diligently on crafting trucks that could carry and tow almost anything.
In 2009, when the two brands split from each other, consumers were a bit worried that the quality would diminish and the brands would never be the same.
The consumers were correct – the brands weren’t the same – some might say they became better. And that was the goal of their parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group. Splitting up Dodge and Ram made it easier for each to focus on specific traits of individual brands.
And the Ram 1500, with its many high-quality, powerful attributes, highlights how a brand shift can create the most powerful half-ton truck in 2023.
About the Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is not short on quality or personality. It has several exterior and interior options, plus high-quality safety and security features. You’ll certainly get a powerful truck for towing your most prized possessions and all the bells and whistles you desire.
Trim Options
You can’t go wrong no matter what trim options you choose from the king of trucks. Many possibilities for customization are available, including your choice of four engines. You can also put together a package focusing on cargo management with several selections for customizing the tailgate.
The interior can be crafted with leather and a variety of colors. And while all Ram 1500s are made from advanced high-strength steel, the choices to customize the exterior seem almost endless.
Full customization is also available for your safety and security needs. You can add a variety of cameras for both truck and trailer, park assist, drive assist, and brake assist.
Select trims also offer the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine. And the Limited Elite Edition trim might be one of the most luxurious offerings on the market today. It provides high-quality interior additions while still maintaining the power that defines Ram.
You could start with the entry-level Tradesman trim, giving you basic technology and hints of indulgence throughout the cab. Or go all out with the top-of-the-line TRX trim. Regardless, you’ll have one of the best trucks on the market today.
If you’re looking for some advice on which trim, Motrotrend recommends the TRX for its powerful capabilities and lavish interior. “Ram TRX is hard not to recommend. Alongside the F-150 Raptor R, the TRX will likely be the last supercharged V-8 megatruck of its kind, a thirsty, hulking dinosaur with an extinction meteor on its way. Enjoy the TRX before these trucks don’t exist anymore.”
Specs
This half-ton truck comes with your choice of four engines. Combine that with its 305 horsepower and base curb weight of 4,897 pounds, and you can transport almost anything to any tailgating party.
And speaking of tailgates, the cargo bed clocks in at 67.4 inches in length by 66.4 inches in width from floor to floor. Front and rear tire sizes are the same at P275/65SR18. It seats six comfortably with advanced reclining seats in the front and back. Full of power and luxury, the 2023 Ram 1500 has everything you need for your journey, no matter where you’re going.
Safety and Security Features
And that journey begins with safety and security. The Ram 1500 is one of the most secure vehicles today. Equipped with cutting-edge safety and security features, you can feel safe behind the wheel no matter where your Ram takes you. Ram’s electronic stability control corrects over or under steering while its electronic roll mitigation reduces wheel lift.
Ram also has 360-degree camera views, including a trailer surround camera, rear cross path, trailer detection sensors, plus blind spot monitoring. You’ll also find active braking systems with forward collision warning and park assist to help guide you into those tight spots when parking. Adaptive cruise control and six airbags are yet other well-thought-out safety features.
For ultimate strength and the final layer of protectiveness against the unexpected is the Ram 1500’s body. Constructed from advanced high-strength steel, you’re surrounded by superior and powerful craftsmanship.
Towing Capacity
That craftsmanship also comes with some serious towing capacity—12,750 pounds of towing capacity if you choose the 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine with eTorque. Don’t need that much? No worries, you can choose from two V6 engines with towing capacities of up to 9,600 pounds.
Best Overall Features
The 2023 Ram 1500 has many features that make it an excellent pick for anyone looking to buy a truck. Its roomy and quiet interior makes it perfect for long trips. And it has plenty of tech features to keep you connected with the world.
In addition, its Electrified V6 and V8 engines offer some impressive fuel economy and towing power. Safety and security are taken care of as well. With its Head Up display, you can have peace of mind knowing your eyes are where they need to be – on the road.
And if you’re looking for additional customizability, the 2023 Ram 1500 won’t disappoint. The truck offers optional RamBox integrated locking bed storage bins, plus numerous options for tailgate and cargo configurations.
What Are the Benefits of a Ram 1500?
Ram states it perfectly, “Championing new technology to get the job done, the 2023 Ram 1500 continues to define what a pickup truck can be.”
As noted previously, many wonderful features make the RAM 1500 a step above the rest. Its luxury design, aligned with enhanced safety features and powerful towing capacity, offers some of the best characteristics of the many pickup trucks on the market today. The 2023 Ram 1500 offers a winning combination of strength and style. Why go with anything else?
What Problems Does Ram 1500 Have?
The 2023 Ram 1500 is one of the most popular pickup trucks on the market – and with good reason. It looks great, delivers a smooth ride, has a well-appointed interior, and offers plenty of features. However, it’s not without its issues.
Chief among them is fuel economy. You need to get the diesel version if you want any respectable numbers. When it comes to hauling and payload, the Ram 1500 can carry its share of the weight. But it does struggle when competing with similar trucks on the market.
And while lower trims are affordable, piling on options can quickly drive up the price. However, it’s still a solid vehicle for those who don’t require strong performance from their pickups, especially considering all it offers.
Which Ram 1500 Engine is Best?
Deciding which Ram 1500 engine is the best depends on what you need your pickup truck to do. If you’re looking for greater towing capacity, the best engine is the 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine with eTorque.
On the other hand, the 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine with eTorque is a truck that can haul a few items around while you enjoy the lap of luxury inside.
If you’re looking for the best fuel economy, your engine of choice might be the 3.0L Ecodiesel V6 engine.
The highest quality, most powerful engine capable of achieving 0-60 MPH in 4.5 seconds is the TRX. This is the only way to get the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 engine.
Having a choice to fit your lifestyle is one of the great things about the 2023 Ram 1500 pickup truck.
Is It Worth Buying a Ram 1500?
The 2023 Ram 1500 is a fantastic truck with many luxury and safety features. But it’s also a more expensive option when compared to other trucks on the market. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide if the extra cost is worthwhile. What are your needs? What do you value most in a pickup truck? You get to place the crown.
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