What you should know

Type: Four-door, rear- /four-wheel-drive pickup truck

Engines (h.p.): 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 (305); 5.7-liter OHV V-8 (395)

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Market position: The light-duty-pickup category is critical to the health and wellbeing of General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which collectively control about 92 percent of the class.

Points: New exterior styling looks as good or better than the rest of the pickup pack. First-rate interior improves space and cabin comforts. Base V-6 and optional V-8 engines benefit from torque-on-demand mild-hybrid systems. No turbo-diesel engine option, for now. Ram Rebel remains the toughest Ram truck, but it is still outranked by Ford’s F-150 Raptor.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); active cruise control (opt.); emergency braking (opt.); lane-departure warning (opt.)

MPG (city/hwy): 17/26 (V-6, est.)

Base price (incl. destination): $33,340

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 of 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 an inch 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 $33,340 Tradesman 4x2 Quad Cab and top out with the $59,000 4x4 Limited Crew Cab.

Clearly, FCA is increasing the Ram 1500’s desirability among 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.