2014 Ram makes good first impression
Selecting which Ram pickup to buy can be a difficult choice. There are 10 trim levels, three engines — including a new 3.0 litre diesel about to hit the market — three cab configurations and short- and long-box styles. Then, depending on what you have already selected, you may have a choice in suspension and transmissions, and all this is just for the 1500 series pickup. Move up to the 2500 and 3500 series and the choices just keep getting bigger, as do the trucks. Fortunately, Ram has configured these trucks with the most popular features to help you make your selection. I chose to drive a Ram 1500 series crewcab Laramie model and it certainly makes an impression.
First impressions are meaningful and the Ram makes a great first impression. The styling is fresh, powerful and bold while still retaining that distinctive Ram look that has made it popular for years. Ram trucks have about 30 per cent of the Canadian Truck market and the great looks of the 2014 Ram is sure to increase that percentage, but truck buyers are looking for more than just exterior styling. The Ram 1500 delivers on the interior too, with a more refined, luxurious look, feel and finish to the interior.
Our test vehicle was a crewcab Laramie model outfitted with several options, but the new gauge display catches your attention first. A round tachometer and speedometer include a bright, easy to read at a glance information display that shows everything from audio selection to trailer brakes settings. Four smaller round gauges show temperature, oil pressure, charging and fuel levels with an attractive 3D look.
The centre dash contains the Ram 8.4 inch UConnect display, the largest colour dash display in the business. This touchscreen can be quickly changed to show audio, climate, navigation, vehicle settings, phone or auxiliary media information. The icons are large and intuitive to use so even first time operators won’t feel frustrated learning the system. Our truck came with navigation, which is a $525 option … definitely worth it if you are travelling unfamiliar territory. Other interior options included a sunroof for $1,295 and the leather bucket seats and console.
The console is huge and can double as a filing cabinet for your business receipts or hold a laptop computer. The bucket seats are heated and replace the leather-trimmed 40/20/40 bench seat which is standard equipment.
Front and rear park sensors as well as the backup camera that displays on the UConnect screen are great for squeezing the larger truck body into tight city parking spots, but also help when hooking up a trailer.
Under the hood, this truck was equipped with the 395 horsepower Hemi V8 engine.
Performance is spirited, to say the least, aided by the optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Push the start button and then use the rotary knob on the dash select Drive, Reverse, Park or Neutral. In Drive range, the transmission can be controlled manually with gear + or — on the steering wheel. If you select a manual downshift, the transmission may go from Drive directly to fourth or even third gear, depending on vehicle load and speed. Then each tap of the button selects one gear higher or lower.
Eight speeds, silky smooth operation and great performance make this feature worth choosing.
The 4x4 transfer case controls are found below the rotary shift knob. A push of a button selects Hi or Low range, 2wd and Auto mode. Equipped with the towing package, the truck has a 4,681 kg tow rating and the integrated trailer brakes on the dash make towing much easier.
The Ram suspension has been redesigned for 2014 and the rear now features a five-link coil spring as standard equipment. Our truck had the $1,500 optional four-corner air suspension. The smooth passenger car-like ride makes this option high on my list.
Looking at the truck, the rear end sits slightly higher than the front, but press the Tow/Haul button and the air suspension lowers the rear about one inch to make the truck level for towing.