The 2020 RAM 1500 is a full-size pickup Truck that was newly redesigned for the 2019 model year. There were changes everywhere with a new look, new features, and improvements that make the RAM 1500 more capable for your workday and more comfortable for passengers.
It also comes in a wide range of trims with numerous configurations so you can get a version of this truck that’s perfectly suited to your needs. There’s a lot to take in, so here are 10 things you need to know about the 2020 RAM 1500.
1. Eight trim levels suit a variety of needs.
Not everyone buys a Truck for the same reasons. Ram addresses this challenge by offering a range of eight trim levels that cater to a variety of needs. There’s the base Tradesman with limited features and a starting price of only $32,145 or the midrange Laramie at $40,540 with a more upscale interior.
Off-road enthusiasts will want to take a closer look at the RAM 1500 Rebel, which is geared toward driving in the dirt and starts at $44,490. If you want a little luxury in your truck, then try the Limited. It’s priced from $53,465 with a comfortable, well-equipped interior that includes audio upgrades and a huge, tablet-style infotainment screen.
2. Choose from four powertrains.
There’s a wide range of engine choices starting with a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Those who need more power have a choice of two 5.7-liter V8 engines, both with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. One is offered with eTorque, which is a mild-hybrid system that gives a slight boost to fuel economy without sacrificing on performance.
There’s also a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine that makes its debut for this model year. It has 260 horsepower with 480 lb-ft of torque. All that torque makes the diesel an ideal choice for those who often tow, especially if the loads are heavy. Which engine you choose all depends on your personal needs.
3. The diesel engine makes its first appearance on the Ram Rebel.
The diesel engine offered on the previous generation of the RAM 1500 was only available on select trims. Not on the list was the Rebel, but that changes with the new diesel engine introduced for the 2020 model year. Finally, those who want the off-road prowess of the Rebel can have it with the diesel engine.
This opens the extra torque of a diesel to off-road drivers, which helps make navigating challenging terrain a bit easier. The 2020 RAM 1500 Rebel comes with a range of features not found on every Ram 1500 including front and rear performance-tuned shock absorbers, multiple skid plates, hill-descent control, an electronic locking rear axle, and all-terrain tires.
4. There’s a choice of cab styles and bed lengths, too.
The 2020 RAM 1500 comes with either a quad cab or a crew cab. Both offer seating for up to six passengers, but interior dimensions are not the same. The difference isn’t up front, but in the rear seats. The crew cab offers more rear passenger room, so it’s a better choice if passenger comfort is a priority.
Along with two cabs, there are also two bed lengths. The quad cab is available only with a 6-foot-4-inch bed. The crew cab is available with a choice of the same long bed or a shorter 5-foot-7-inch bed. Whether your priority is cargo, people, or a combination of the tow, the RAM 1500 has a configuration that works.
5. It’s available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The final piece of the configuration puzzle is choosing either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. This depends on several factors. Anyone who won’t be heading off-road and plans instead to stick to highway driving and paved surfaces may not need four-wheel drive. That’s also the case for people whose definition of winter weather doesn’t include months of snow. It’s for these truck buyers that Ram offers rear-wheel drive.
It allows an additional level of customization, so you get only the features you need without paying for something like four-wheel drive if it’s not needed. In addition to saving money on the initial purchase, it can help save money on gas by reducing the truck’s overall weight and improving fuel economy.
6. The multifunction tailgate makes accessing the bed easy.
It’s not always easy to reach items placed in the bed of a truck. The Ram 1500 makes it easier with the introduction of the multifunction tailgate. This available feature does more than simply swing down like a traditional tailgate. It also has 60/40 split doors that swing left and right. You can open just the larger door or both, which allows for convenient forklift access.
The split doors also let you get closer to cargo rather than having to reach in awkwardly over the tailgate. Even getting into the bed is easier since you can step in right from the bumper. You can still flip the tailgate down like usual and it will support up to 2,000 pounds.
7. Infotainment is available with a 12.0-inch screen.
Base trims of the Ram 1500 come with a rather small 5.0-inch screen, but once you reach the middle of the lineup it becomes an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It features the Uconnect infotainment system, which is easy to learn and less distracting than what’s typically found in other vehicles.
There’s also a 12.0-inch screen that’s available on top trims. It dominates the dashboard and makes staying connected effortless. It offers a split-screen design so you can pick what’s on the top and bottom of your screen, ensuring features you use most often are easy to access.
8. It received high marks in crash tests.
The Ram's wide range of available safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection and trailer detection, front and rear parking sensors, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and a lane-departure warning. The Ram 1500 also received high marks in crash tests.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, which is a first for a full-size pickup truck. It earned this rating for a top score of Good in all crash tests and Superior for available front-crash-prevention technologies. This applies to all 2020 crew cab models and 2019 crew cab models manufactured after May 2019.
9. It can tow up to 12,750 pounds.
Those who plan on towing with their Ram 1500 will find it has the capability to get the job done. Towing varies depending on the configuration you choose, with the V6 gas engine offering up to 7,730 pounds of towing capability. The least-expensive version of the V8 ups that number considerably to 11,610 pounds.
The V6 EcoDiesel is next in line and takes the tow rating up to 12,560 pounds. It also has that high torque number to make managing large loads less stressful. Maximum towing with the Ram 1500 is offered by the V8 with eTorque. It can tow up to 12,750 pounds, making it the best choice for those who want the most towing capability possible.
10. The ride is surprisingly smooth for a truck.
Trucks aren’t known for having the most comfortable rides. They’re designed to get work done, so the focus is on cargo — and that sometimes means forgetting about passengers. Especially with an empty bed, the average truck delivers a bouncy and often unpleasant experience. The 2020 RAM 1500 puts a priority on passenger comfort by delivering a smooth, well-mannered drive that passengers will enjoy.
Active-level four-corner suspension, which is available across the lineup and standard on the Limited, provides a very un-truck-like ride in the best way possible. It not only smooths out rough road surfaces but keeps noise and vibration from intruding into the cabin. If you want a comfortable truck, the 2020 Ram 1500 should be on your list.
