2022 Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 caused a massive stir when the new generation was launched in 2019. For the first time in a long time, there was a change on the sales charts. Ford's F-150 finished in first place as it usually does, but second place went to the Ram, with the Chevrolet Silverado coming in third. What a strange time to be alive. The world went back to normal in 2020, with Ram once again finishing in third place. By the end of 2021, it was back up to second again, proving that Ram, once known as just a truck under the Dodge moniker, could produce a class leader. Whatever the sales figures say, we reckon the 1500 is still the best. This comes down to a number of factors, from coil-spring rear suspension to a class-leading Uconnect infotainment suite. But at the heart of it all is a selection of great engines including a 260-horsepower V6 EcoDiesel option, a gasoline V6 with mild hybrid assistance, and, of course, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 395 hp on tap. The result is the Golf GTI of full-size trucks. It's all things to all men, as it's comfortable, luxurious, efficient, easy to live with, and good off-road. All that being said, the new generation Ford F-150 has arrived and that spells trouble for everyone else, even the excellent 1500.

Two cab styles are available: the Quad Cab and Crew Cab. The competition offers a bit more choice here as the new F-150 comes in three body styles. The Quad is an extended cab variant standard on lower-end models, while the Crew Cab is the only option higher up in the range. Quad Cabs come standard with a 6.4-foot bed, while the Crew Cab is available with a 6.4 or smaller 5.7-foot bed. Low-end models get 18-inch steel wheels, while higher trims get 20-inch alloys. There aren't many design features that are standard across the range, except for the basic sheet metal. Halogen lights are standard on entry-level models and high-end models get LEDs. Some specific high-end models use a blacked-out grille for a more aggressive appearance, but for the most part, a grille with chrome inserts is standard.

The overall length, wheelbase, and height vary depending on the body style. Quad Cab models ride on a 140.5-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 228.9 inches. The Crew Cab allows you to choose between a 144.6-inch or 153.5-inch wheelbase depending on the length of the box you want. Overall length is 228.9 inches with the Quad Cab and long box, 232.9 inches with the Crew Cab and shorter bed, or 241.8 inches with a longer bed. Crew Cab models come standard with the 5.7-foot bed, with the 6.4-foot bed being optional. Quad Cab models are only available with the latter. The Ram's height depends on the model and its suspension setup, with the lowest model being 77.4 inches in height, going up to 80.1 inches. The width of 82.1 inches is just about the only static figure across the range.

As for off-roading, the Ram has up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance without the skid plate. In the best-case scenario, you're looking at a 23.3-degree approach angle and a 27.3-degree departure angle.

The 1500 is a hefty beast, with the lightest model coming in at 4,768 pounds, up to 5,568 lbs at its heaviest.

There's a wide variety of colors to choose from, but as is almost always the case, selections are limited to the trim. The full color palette consists of Delmonico Red Pearl, Flame Red, Patriot Blue Pearl, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl, Bright White, and Ivory White Tri-Coat. Oddly, the low-end models offer the most available colors, costing between $100 to $200, although Ivory White Tri-Coat on upper trims is a pricier $500. The only colors that won't add anything to the bill are Bright White and Flame Red. Spitfire Orange, Olive Green, Hydro Blue Pearl, and Maximum Steel Metallic are no longer available. The Rebel gets access to Delmonico Red this year and both it and Limited Longhorn trims add the option of going two-tone with a selection of colors that can be combined. On the Limited Longhorn, there is only one two-tone choice, with Walnut Brown Metallic covering the lower half of the body and Ivory White Tri-Coat the top half. The Rebel has its own two-tone color options, with the lower body finished in Clack Crystal Pearl and the top half in either Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, Flame Red, or Bright White. The top-spec Limited is only available in a selection of more restrained monotone exterior colors. A new color joins the palette - Harvest Sunrise - and is available on the Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, and Longhorn trims.

The Ram 1500 truck is available with four engine options, none of them aimed at outright performance. Then again, even the diesel can reach 60 mph in under eight seconds based on independent testing.

The base engine is the well-known 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6, though a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is standard higher up in the range. The V8 can also be ordered with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (standard on the V6). The newest member of the engine lineup is the EcoDiesel V6, which is rare in this segment. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Equipped with the mild-hybrid 5.7-liter V8 engine, the 1500 has a maximum tow rating of 12,750 lbs. Next in line is the new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, providing enough grunt to tow 12,560 lbs. The base V6 Crew Cab with the long box has the lowest tow rating of the bunch at just 6,290. While that figure may seem low in relation to the others, it's still useful. There are two four-wheel-drive systems available. The cheapest is the part-time system with a low-range transfer case. The full-time 4WD is unfortunately only available on the TRX.

There are four engine options available, with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 being standard on most models. Unlike most Stellantis products which use only the V6, the 1500 uses the eTorque system as well, which uses a 9 kW/90 lb-ft belt-starter generator to help the standard 305 horsepower/269 lb-ft V6 along. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (395 hp/410 lb-ft) already offers plenty of power, but it too can be equipped with a 130 lb-ft electric motor for spirited launches. The newest member of the engine family is the 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel that produces 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While we're big fans of the 5.7-liter's noise and character, the default engine has to be the diesel. Yes, it doesn't deliver the same intoxicating soundtrack, but this oil burner is so smooth and refined that you hardly hear it at all. The smooth eight-speed automatic also helps to get the most out of the narrow powerband. The final nail in the coffin for the V8 is fuel consumption. In the best-case scenario with the diesel, you're looking at 26 mpg on the combined cycle. The 5.7-liter without electric assistance can only manage 19 mpg. We'd happily sacrifice the V8 grumble for that sort of efficiency in a truck.

Manufacturers of pickup trucks have traditionally used a leaf-spring setup at the rear. There are two reasons for this: they're cheap and durable. The Ram 1500 is not the first pickup to use an independent suspension up front and a coil-sprung live axle at the rear, but it is the first to use it and still retain class-competitive towing and hauling figures. Doing away with the leaf springs does wonders. It completely removes that rear bounciness present in 90% of pickup trucks. The Ram 1500 also shrinks around you, hiding its weight extremely well. It's the least intimidating pickup to drive, as it rolls less through the corners and responds very well to steering input at high speeds.

The Ram can also be ordered with a full air suspension, replacing the progressive-rate coil springs. This improves the ride quality even more, straight into SUV territory. We can't imagine anyone preferring an old-school leaf-spring setup. This setup literally predates the vehicle itself and was used on the ox-wagons that built Deadwood.

The main problem is the image. Pickup buyers are a traditional crowd and tend to frown upon newfangled technology, even though coil suspension is nothing new. Just think of the poor Honda Ridgeline and its unibody construction. The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding. It's too soon to make a call on whether Ram's coil-spring suspension will be as durable as a set of bent steel beams. We certainly hope so because it means pickups can finally move away from this horribly outdated rear suspension construction.

As alluded to earlier, the 3.0-liter diesel is the most frugal engine option. According to the EPA, the RWD diesel in the HFE trim returns economy specs of 23/33/26 mpg city/highway/combined. However, with the non-HFE diesel, gas mileage hardly suffers with figures of 22/32/26 mpg. The 3.6-liter V6 has best economy figures of 20/26/23 mpg for the RWD HFE variant, dropping to 19/24/21 mpg with 4WD. The 5.7 V8 in RWD guise can manage up to 18/23/20 mpg and 18/22/19 in 4WD.

The standard tank size is either 23 or 26 gallons, but a 33-gallon tank is available as an option. In a diesel RWD, this means more than 850 miles on a single tank. We love it not just for its efficiency, but anything that cuts down visits to the gas station is a win in our book. There are a few HFE models in the line-up as well. These models are built with efficiency in mind and are only available in Crew Cab configuration with rear-wheel drive. While we appreciate the effort, building a truck aimed specifically at efficiency is like pitching up to a sword fight with a pool noodle. It just doesn't make any sense.

There's a lot to like, but the first thing that strikes you is just how well thought out the interior is. Replacing the old-fashioned shifter with an easily reachable rotary dial might seem like a small, insignificant thing until you notice how much space it opens up between the two front seats. There's a bunch of these small, seemingly insignificant touches that add up to create an interior that's a cut above the rest.

Base models are still quite utilitarian but easy to understand. On high-end models, you get genuine wood trim, heated and ventilated seats, and a 12-inch portrait-style touchscreen interface with a dual-screen mode. Ram looked at the current minimalism trend and incorporated it into a truck. Why not? It works a charm. The 1500 always fell by the wayside when it came to quality. On the new model, Ram increased the quality levels to match the ride comfort. There's an abundance of space, even in the smaller Quad Cab.

The seating layout depends on the trim level. Base models get a three-seater bench, while Quad and Crew Cabs add an additional three-seat bench in the back. In high-end models, the front center bench is replaced with a center console. Headroom is 40.9 inches up front, 39.2 inches in the rear of the Quad Cab, and 39.8 inches in the rear of the Crew Cab. The legroom is 40.9 inches in the front and a relatively impressive 35.6 inches in the rear of the Quad Cab. While fully grown adults will struggle back there, kids should do just fine. The Crew Cab offers 45.2 inches of rear legroom, which is mighty impressive for a pickup. To put that in perspective, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class - the epitome of luxury sedan motoring - offers less rear legroom.

The rear seats in the Crew Cab also allow for adjustment, making them even more comfortable on longer journeys. Even a family of five six-footers should be able to get comfortable in the Ram.

The base Tradesman lives up to its name by offering standard heaty-duty vinyl seats in Diesel Gray and the option of black cloth at no extra charge, although you have to add the Tradesman Level 1 Equipment group, adding $1,555 to the price. Moving up to the Tradesman HFE gets you black cloth upholstery. The Big Horn/Lone Star trim comes standard with the six-seater layout, with the interior color scheme consisting of Black/Diesel Gray. It's possible to upgrade to the five-seat configuration with front bucket seats, but it requires adding an optional package, as well as $595 for the actual seat trim.

The Laramie trim is available in Mountain Brown/Light Frost Beige or just plain Black leather. It is still available in six-seat configuration, and there's an $1,295 charge for the five-seat configuration. The Rebel is only available in five-seat configuration, with either a black interior with cloth/vinyl upholstery. It's possible to add leather bucket seats at $1,545 in black or a stunning black and red, but it requires either the Rebel Level 1 or 2 Equipment groups, retailing at $2,000 and $3,000, respectively. The new Longhorn SouthFork replaces last year's Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary trim and its interior is Mountain Brown; it also has bucket seats and suede door bolsters with laser filigree detailing and leather inserts.

The Limited Longhorn comes standard with a Black/New Saddle leather interior and lots of real wood trim. The top-spec Limited trim is offered only with premium leather in black. The wood trim is replaced with carbon-fiber-effect accents. The new Limited 10th Anniversary Edition gets Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather seats, door inserts, console, and instrument panel, a suede headliner, A-pillar trim, and sunvisors, a metal pedal kit, and a jeweled shifter knob.

The Ram 1500 is available in two bed sizes which both accommodate far more luggage than the trunk of a normal car. The shorter 5.7-foot bed is 67.4 inches long, has a depth of 21.4 inches, is 66.4 inches wide at its widest, and is 51 inches wide between the wheelhouses. That results in a cargo capacity of 53.9 cubic feet. The 6.4-foot bed is 76.3 inches long and has a 21.5-inch depth but the rest of the measurements are the same as above. That means 61.5 cubes of cargo capacity. There are numerous options available for the bed, including the multi-function tailgate ($995 from Laramie and up), tonneau covers, and spray-in bedliner. The truck has a maximum payload capacity of 2,320 lbs.

Interior storage is generous in both five- and six-seater configurations. In five-seater configuration, the Ram is equipped with a massive configurable storage bin underneath the armrest. Crew Cab models also come with under-seat storage under the second row for small items.

The Ram 1500 is meant to cater to a large audience, ranging from customers who want a utilitarian workhorse to families in search of a high-end luxury 4x4. This is reflected in the standard features, though it has to be said that Ram gives you a lot more kit at the bottom end than most of its direct competitors. Base models get manual air conditioning, auto headlights, a rearview camera, remote keyless entry, push-button ignition, and manually adjustable seats. From Laramie specification and above, eight-way power adjustment for the front seats is included. These front seats are heated as well as ventilated and come with a basic memory function for the driver. Other niceties include a heated steering wheel and auto-dimming interior and driver's-side rearview mirrors. Since the Rebel is meant for off-roading, this trim adds an electronically locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and LED reflector headlights. The Limited Longhorn adds higher-quality wood and leather and bi-function LED headlights, while the Limited adds blind-spot monitoring, a standard air suspension, power running boards, and the ultimate infotainment system.

There are three different infotainment systems across the various trim levels. The base model gets the Uconnect 3 system with a five-inch touchscreen display with basic Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, SiriusXM Guardian, and a six-speaker sound system. The Uconnect 4 system has been dropped this year in favor of the latest Uconnect 5 system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen from Big Horn trim and up. This unit comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as SiriusXM Radio, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10-speaker sound system. The Limited is equipped with a magnificent 12-inch touchscreen Uconnect 5 interface mounted vertically within the center console. It's responsive, easy to use, and allows for split-screen operation. Normally, we don't care for systems where everything, including the climate control, is integrated into the touchscreen interface, but the split-screen does a wonderful job. You can have media or navigation up top and the climate control below. No furiously sliding through the screens to turn the climate control down a few degrees. As standard, it's mated to a 10-speaker sound system, but a 19-speaker premium sound system is also available. This interface sets the Ram apart from its competitors. It would not look out of place in a Maserati. In fact, the Levante's dull interior would benefit a lot from this 12-inch system.

The Ram 1500 received 81 out of a possible 100 marks overall in the 2022 J.D. Power Ownership Survey, with 86/100 for quality and reliability. GMC's 2022 Sierra achieved 85 and 84, respectively. The new Ram had a lot of teething problems in the beginning, with over 20 recalls for the 2019 model, dropping to eight for the 2020 model. These were for problems with the airbags and seat belts, detaching mirror glass, floor mats that interfere with the pedals, faulty windshield wipers, and a backup camera display that stays on. It continued to improve and for the 2021 model, this was down to four recalls - for a master cylinder pushrod that may disconnect and disabling the service brakes, this time a blank backup camera display, and an incorrect spare tire fitted. The 2022 model has been free of recalls at the time of writing.

Hopefully, most of the truck's issues have been resolved. While there were numerous problems, we feel duty-bound to point out that none are related to the coil-spring rear suspension. It seems like it's up to the task after all.

The 1500 is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Just like the level of luxury depends on the trim, so does the safety. The 2022 Quad Cab received an overall four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Ram 1500 safety review for the family-oriented Crew Cab was a better, full five stars. The IIHS gave the 2021 Ram 1500 Crew Cab a Top Safety Pick rating, but this is only applicable to models with the optional front crash-prevention driver-assistance features and LED headlights. The Quad Cab did not receive the same prestigious rating, but it registered Good scores across all the major crashworthiness tests. The standard headlights were rated as Marginal, however.

According to the IIHS, the Ram is the safest large pickup, even though it dropped down from its 2019 Top Safety Pick + rating. This has nothing to do with the truck, but rather the IIHS's tests becoming stricter.

All new Ram 1500 models get six airbags, ABS, EBS, traction and stability control, and a rearview camera. Most of the driver-assistance features are only available as optional extras, which is disappointing considering Ford adds pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking as standard on all F-150 models. Forward-collision mitigation is standard fitment on the Laramie trim and above. The Limited model comes as standard with blind-spot monitoring including trailer coverage.

Ram has upgraded the optional safety packages, however. The new tech includes a full-color head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, trailer tire-pressure monitoring, and a system that will reverse a trailer on your behalf.

We think the Ram's stellar sales performance so far is already proof enough that it's a superb pickup truck. Pickup truck buyers are arguably the most loyal customers out there, so luring them out of a Ford or a GM product is a stellar achievement.

There's an argument to be made about reliability, however. Ram doesn't have the best reputation in this regard, but we'll keep on revisiting this topic every year. To go from over 20 recalls to just four in two years is already a step in the right direction.

Some might want a back-to-basics truck, but why? The Ram is physical proof that you can have your cake and eat it too. With its new suspension setup and overall approach to quality and luxury, the Ram proves that there's no need for a pickup to be a bouncy castle on wheels. You can have an SUV-like ride and handling and a decent tow rating.

The most affordable Ram 1500 pickup is the Tradesman which begins at $33,975, a base price that excludes taxes, licensing, registration, and a destination charge in the US of $1,795. This model is followed by the Tradesman HFE at $35,605, the Big Horn/Lone Star at $38,700, and the more luxurious Laramie with an MSRP of $46,500. The flashy Rebel carries a starting price of $47,850. Finally, things get considerably more luxurious with the Limited Longhorn at $53,930 and the range-topping Limited at $58,960.

The pricing reflected above is for the trims in their cheapest format. However, upgrading from 4x2 to 4x2, choosing a different engine, or going for the pricier Crew Cab are all ways to inflate the price. For example, upgrading to 4x4 on the base Tradesman will add $3,500 to the price and choosing the diesel engine on this model requires another $4,995. On the Big Horn, upgrading from the Quad Cab to the Crew Cab with the smaller box will increase the price of the Ram 1500 by $2,700. As you can see, the Ram 1500 will cost substantially more at higher trim levels and with the pricier engine options.

The seven trims in the 2022 Ram 1500 lineup are Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited. Additionally for 2022, two limited editions are available - the new Limited 10th Anniversary Edition and the Longhorn SouthFork that replaces last year's Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary. The most common engine is a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 but a 5.7-liter V8 is standard on the Limited trim. All engines are available on all the trims, as well as a choice of 2WD or 4WD - with the notable exception of the HFE models, which have the V6 only and are 2WD only.

Tradesman is the base trim and it comes with automatic halogen headlights, 18-inch painted steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, remote keyless entry, a choice of vinyl or cloth upholstery, cruise control, and a Uconnect 3 infotainment system with a five-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system.

The HFE Tradesman comes only with 4x2 and in either a Quad Cab or Crew Cab configuration with the long box. It has limited paint and interior colors, less equipment to reduce its weight, 20-inch chromed alloy wheels, and low-rolling-resistance tires.

The next two trims - Big Horn and Lone Star - are essentially the same, with the difference being that the latter is sold in Texas only. These trims additionally gain chromed front and rear bumpers and exterior accents, 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and access to a lot more options.

The off-road-focused BackCountry special edition is new for 2022 and based on the Big Horn / Long Star trim with the 5.7-liter V8 engine only. It is differentiated by its black 18-inch alloy wheels, locking rear differential, tri-fold tonneau cover, skid plates, heavy-duty dampers, body-color grille surround with black mesh center, black exterior accents, black tubular side steps, and a Mopar deployable bed step.

Laramie trim is up next and gets LEDs for its headlights, tail lights, fog lights, glove-box lighting, dome light, and footwell lighting, as well as chromed power-folding rear-view mirrors with auto dimming for the driver's, a power sliding rear window, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, leather upholstery, and heated, ventilated and eight-way electrically adjustable front seats.

Rebel trim focuses on off-road ability and is fitted as standard with black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels, skid plates for the engine, transmission, and suspension, a sport performance hood, all-terrain tires, and a locking rear differential.

The Limited Longhorn trims adds bi-function LED headlights, 20-inch polished alloy wheels, load-box lighting, rain-sensing wipers, side steps, a spray-in bed liner, heated second-row seats, an overhead console, dual-zone climate control, a steering wheel trimmed in wood and leather, HD Radio, SiriusXM Radio, and a ten-speaker audio system.

The new Longhorn SouthFork trim replaces last year's Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary and comes as standard with a deployable bed step, a multi-function tailgate, Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain tires, and a spray-in bed liner. It also gets all the contents of the Bed Utility Group (such as LED box lighting, cargo tie-down hooks, and a cargo divider). Inside, it gets a metal pedal kit, Mountain Brown interior trim, high-bolster bucket seats, and suede door bolsters with laser filigree detailing and leather inserts.

The flagship Limited trims gets almost everything thrown in, including the 5.7-liter V8 engine, air suspension, an auto-dimming exterior passenger mirror, power running boards, navigation, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-path detection.

The Limited 10th Anniversary Edition is based on the Limited trim but comes only in the Blue Shade exterior color. It includes a cold-air intake, a cold-end exhaust, and 22-inch polished alloy wheels. Inside, it is uniquely finished with Sea Salt quilted leather seats, console, door inserts, and instrument panel, as well as suede for the A-pillars, visors, and headliner. It also gets a jeweled shifter knob, aluminum Litho instrument bezels, a "10th Anniversary" digital display cluster splash screen, and a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium Harman Kardon audio system.

There are numerous accessories available across the line-up. The most obvious being the engine and drivetrain selection. From there you can add an electronically locking rear axle ($545), gear ratios better suited to off-roading and towing ($95), a 33-gallon fuel tank ($445), and the four-corner air suspension for $1,805 on selected models.

There are also numerous packages available across the range, with the safety and comfort packages being the most notable. A Level 1 Safety Group package can be added to the lower-end models for $595. It includes full-speed forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, pedestrian emergency braking, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Laramie can be upgraded via various style packages, including the Southwest Edition ($2,795), Night Edition ($3,495), and Sport Appearance Package for $2,595. These website prices are misleading, however. Each package requires equipment upgrades that add to the price. The top-spec Limited also has a number of packages, with the most expensive of these being the Night Package for $3,995. These packages are a nice mix and match of additional features that add even more safety, comfort, and style to an already well-kitted truck.

A notable package for 2022 is the G/T Package for $2,995, exclusively available on the Laramie and Rebel trims with the short bed. It brings a sport performance hood, G/T decals, a black grille, a cold-air intake, a cold-end exhaust, high-bolster bucket seats, aluminum shift paddles, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, performance screens, a performance floor shifter, a metal pedal kit, and all-weather floor mats.

It's difficult to pin just one model down. Off-road enthusiasts, for example, will enjoy the Rebel. Buyers in search of a workhorse will be more than happy with a Tradesman. If we had the money, we'd go the whole nine yards and get the Limited. It comes standard with air suspension and a V8 engine, but we'd pay an additional $3,200 for the frugal V6 diesel engine. We'd also add the Limited Level 1 Group ($2,995), which comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, park assist, pedestrian emergency braking, a surround-view camera system, ventilated rear seats, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. In a Patriot Blue hue, the grand total comes to $62,945 with the shorter box and 4x2. It's expensive but about as good as pickup trucks get.

The Ram 1500 had such a good run as the best pickup truck available in the USA, but now the newest Ford F-150 has arrived to rain all over its parade. Like Ram, Ford knew it had to pull a rabbit out of a hat to stay relevant, and it has. The F-150 still rides on an old-school leaf-spring setup at the rear, but the newest model is the most comfortable by far. Ford also made massive improvements in terms of quality, and now offers a 12-inch display on high-end models. If anything, the interior looks even better than the Ram's. There's a gorgeous digital instrument cluster, a shifter that folds flat to create a workspace, and separate controls for the basic media functions and climate control. The Ram's dual-screen setup is great, but we'd take a physical button for the latter functions every day of the week.

By comparison, what really sets the new F-150 apart is the six available engine options. There's a large V8, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, 3.5-liter V6 Ecoboost in two outputs, a smaller 3.3-liter naturally-aspirated V6, a 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel, and an all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid offering 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. It's already cleaned up with top-notch safety scores - five stars for the 2022 model at the NHTSA and a 2021 Top Safety Pick at the IIHS. The all-new F-150 tips the scale back in Ford's favor, and it will likely retain its number one spot for years to come.

These two are fundamentally the same truck, using the same underpinnings and similar interior layouts. The main difference is the powertrain options. The 2500 comes standard with a 6.4-liter V8, with a 6.7-liter Cummins inline six-cylinder turbodiesel being optional. The tow ratings of the 2500 are more impressive, but it is a much thirstier pickup. If you go for the optional diesel engine, the consumption isn't that bad. And it can tow 19,990 lbs compared to the 1500's maximum 12,750 lbs tow rating. The pricing structure of these two models are remarkably similar, but it's worth keeping in mind that they serve different purposes. The 2500 is a hard worker adorned with some comforts, while the 1500 is a luxury truck that can do some work.

Thanks to the dimensions, the 2500 isn't as easy to live with daily. Unless you need the additional pulling power, we'd stay with the 1500.