The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup that saw a complete redesign last year. For 2019, the available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 was conspicuously absent. The good news is that it’s back for 2020, in an enhanced version that provides more horses and more torque, which translates into more power for towing. In fact, the new EcoDiesel engine can tow up to 12,560 pounds, making it the class-leading diesel powerplant for towing. We think many buyers at dealerships like the South Haven Ram dealer will find this to be a compelling reason to choose the 2020 Ram 1500 over it’s the competition.
According to the South Haven Ram dealership, in addition to the new diesel powerplant, new features for 2020 include an updated Night Edition and Rebel Black Appearance Group, a Rebel Safety Group, which features several driver assistance features such as lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control and new wheel designs for the Longhorn trim level.
Car and Driver gave the 2020 Ram 1500 high marks, writing: “Easy to drive despite its size, the 2020 Ram 1500 is versatile and competitively capable. Redesigned for 2019, this half-ton pickup now wears sleek bodywork and can be equipped with an interior that rivals many luxury-brand SUVs for plushness, without compromising its ability to do real work. The smooth riding coil-spring suspension tops all rivals ...”
The 2020 Ram 1500 is offered in seven trim levels, listed as Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that uses a mild-hybrid electric-assist system. This engine develops 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The available 5.7-liter V8 makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, and features cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel generates 260 hp and 480 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard across the lineup.
Standard features on Crew Cab models include 18-inch steel wheels, active grille shutters, trailer-sway control, coil-spring suspension, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors and a rearview camera. The Tradesman trim includes vinyl floors and seats, a manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, push-button start, an electronic parking brake, cruise control and Uconnect with a 5.0-inch display.
Most models can be equipped with upmarket features that include a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated seats. The top-level trims get premium leather and wood accents. The Crew Cab provides plenty of room, with lots of interior storage space and an exclusive split-folding tailgate. Buyers can choose between a 5-foot 7-inch bed and a 6-foot four-inch bed, but Quad Cab models get the larger bed.
Buyers can take advantage of the optional 12-inch color touchscreen that’s more advanced than displays found in other full-size pickups. Drivers will appreciate the easy-to-read icons, user-friendly menus and intuitive menus.
Inside, the driver and passengers are treated to amenities that give the 2020 Ram 1500 the feel of a luxury vehicle. The interior is quiet, the seats are exceptionally comfortable, and there are storage areas tucked away inside.
There are several standard driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features include automatic high-beam headlights, rear cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.