Is this the truck that will convert the Ford and GM faithful?
Special to The Daily Courier
The battle for Canadian pickup-truck dollars is never-ending, as if the very lives of the automakers involved depend on it. For Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the stakes are particularly high as it introduces the 2019 Ram.
Ram and Jeep are FCA’s top sellers in a brand lineup that’s otherwise comprised mostly of ignored or underperforming nameplates. Frankly, FCA’s life does depend on every new Ram model released.
The 2019 Ram 1500 — now on sale — has plenty going for it in terms of looks, features, comfort, performance and towing-and-hauling work ethic. In other words, everything that light-duty truck operators treasure most.
The most noticeable change is at the front where there’s a new grille, aluminum hood, and a more raked windshield that increases the Ram’s aerodynamics. Also assisting is an active front air dam that extends 6.5 centimetres beneath the body at speeds above 55 km/h.
The aluminum tailgate is lowered from inside the cabin, remotely using the key fob, or when you’re in close proximity to the tailgate lock.
There’s more to this truck than just a pretty face, however. The redesigned frame is 45 kilograms lighter and overall weight has been pared by more than 100 kilograms, depending on the model.
The maximum payload and towing capacities have increased to 1,050 and 5,600 kilograms, respectively (previously 855 and 4,830).
On the suspension front, the Frequency Response Damping shocks are claimed to improve both ride control and comfort. The optional air-suspension system can raise or lower ride height and also keep the truck level when loaded.
For 2019, extended-length Quad Cab and four-full-door Crew Cab bodies are the only offerings, but Ram will next year make available regular-cab versions for fleet customers.
Crew Cab buyers benefit from a cabin that has been lengthened by 10 centimetres, which benefits second-row passengers who, with the recline option, can adjust the seatback by up to eight degrees.
The cavernous centre console can be configured 12 ways for stowing a wide variety of gear. The three available touchscreen choices top out at 30 centimetres.
An active-noise-cancellation system — that counteracts outside sounds using the audio system — has been added for 2019.
Cargo capacities vary depending on body selection. Crew Cabs are available with short or long beds, while Quad Cabs come in a single long-bed length.
Engine choices are a mixture of carryover and new. Returning is the 3.6-litre V-6 and the 5.7-litre V-8 that produce 305 and 395 horsepower, respectively. The V-6’s torque temporarily increases by up to 90 pound-feet (to 359) with a belt-driven 48-volt “eTorque” motor/generator. This mild-hybrid system (one that cannot drive the vehicle on electricity alone) replaces the traditional alternator and uses a lithium-ion battery to add power under hard acceleration.
The same system adds up to 130 pound-feet more torque for the V-8, but it costs extra. Initially, the turbo-diesel option won’t be offered, but it’s expected to return for calendar 2019.
Both engines use eight-speed automatic transmissions that have been retuned for improved efficiency.
The Ram’s 4x4 hardware can be had with an off-road package that adds 2.5 centimetres of ride height, along with an electronic-locking differential, unique shocks, skid plates, hill-descent control and 32-inch-tall tires.
It’s standard with the Ram Rebel, one of seven trim levels that begin with the $44,100 Tradesman 4x2 Quad Cab, and top out with the $74,750 4x4 Limited Crew Cab.
Clearly, FCA is increasing the Ram 1500’s desirability amongst generally brand-loyal truck buyers. That will help secure its foothold among fans while perhaps even winning some Ford and GM converts in the process.