Ram

This brand was spun off from the Dodge family in 2010 and is completely comprised of pickup trucks and commercial vans. Despite a dozen intervening years, the brand still has a problem of many people referring to its wares as ‘Dodge Ram’ trucks. But not you, right? Gearheads know the difference.

Rams are primarily assembled in North America, with the areas of Michigan and Mexico sharing duties. American facilities in Warren and Sterling Heights build Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic, respectively (we’ll explain the differences below), while Saltillo also takes care of Ram 1500 Classic trucks plus more brutish pickups like the Ram 2500 and heavier. Saltillo also assembles the ProMaster work van. Meanwhile, the smaller ProMaster City van is built in Turkey and exported to North America.

Pickup Trucks – Light Duty

Seeking to cover the maximum demographic possible, Ram is the only Detroit Three brand to currently have two completely different light-duty (née: half-ton) trucks on sale. The Ram 1500 Classic is essentially the same vehicle which was introduced waayyy back in 2009, now offered with options of 3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8 engine and four-wheel drive serving as the beyond-dominant drivetrain choice in this country. This model offers three cab styles: old-school 2-door Regular Cab, slightly bigger Quad Cab, and Crew Cab with four full doors.

Serving customers bent on wrapping themselves in more tech or luxury is the Ram 1500 itself – without a Classic suffix. Trims range from a work-focused Tradesman up through off-road Rebel and topping out at snazzy Limited. Engine choices remain a 3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8 but electrification options are on the table. An array of towing features are popular with weekend warriors, while items like a jumbo 12-inch infotainment screen and adaptive cruise control with stop & go function appeal to techies. Atop this heap is the Ram 1500 TRX, an off-road monster stuffed with a 6.2L supercharged V8 making 702 horsepower and bearing a six-figure price tag.

Pickup Trucks – Heavy Duty

Serving shoppers who need to haul heavy loads – or just want to look like they do – are the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. These trucks share powertrain options, including a 6.4L HEMI V8 and a 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel. The latter is available in high-output form in 3500-grade trucks where it pumps our four-figure levels of torque. Cab choices include a Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and gargantuan Mega Cab which offers limo-like space in the back seat. Power Wagon models have extra off-road gear, including a winch and special suspension.

Bumping up to the 3500 pickup brings the option of dual rear wheels, a configuration which makes the vehicle much wider and gives it a much stronger backbone with which to tow trailers or haul payload. Or, y’know, just buy it for the looks and park amongst the big boys at Flying J.

Vans

Two vans are part of the Ram family, though not for long. The Promaster City, based on the Fiat Doblo and assembled overseas, is being phased out in 2023 though copies may linger on dealer lots for part of that calendar year. This van is right sized for its namesake, with many delivery companies in urban areas choosing them for their ability to fit down narrow streets or into slim condo delivery areas. Meanwhile, the Promaster is larger and has historically been offered in a variety of styles ranging from a 118-inch wheelbase van with a low roof to a 159-inch w/b brute with a high roof for packages or people. This model year sees some styling changes, so the van now looks less like a faceless Dr. Who monster.