2018 Dodge Ram has 12 trims that start from Tradesman trim for $33,295 for 2WD to top-end Limited trim at $53,495 for 2WD. All trims levels come with all-wheel drive option for an extra $3,700. Ram comes with 3 engine options.
The most common engine used in the RAM is 5.7 Liter HEMI V8 producing 395 horsepower with 410 pound-feet of torque and it is standard on all but Laramie model comes with a 3.6 Litre Pentastar V6 which makes a healthy 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Finally, there is one more engine which is an option on every trim. A 3.0 Liter V6 diesel that makes 240 horses but a whopping 420 pound-feet of torque.
2018 Dodge Ram has 12 trims to suit everyone's needs and desires. Each trim level has a distinct charm that makes it stand out from the rivals on the streets. The base tradesman starts from $33,295 and goes all the way up to Limited trim costing $53,295. With 12 trim levels, you have 3 excellent engine options. A 3.6 Liter Pentastar V6 which makes a healthy 305 horsepower and 269 pound feet of torque then you have the 5.7 Liter HEMI V8 producing 395 horsepower with 410 pound feet of torque. Lastly, the new 3.0 Liter V6 diesel that makes 240 horses but a whopping 420 pound feet of torque.
| Trims |
Tradesman |
Express |
Lone Star |
| MSRP (2WD) |
$33,295 |
$35,395 |
$38,495 |
| MSRP (AWD) |
$36,995 |
$39,095 |
$42,095 |
| Features |
- The Tradesman is the workhorse of the lineup, with minimal luxury accoutrements and amenities. Just about all of its exterior parts that aren't metal are black, but it does come with a Class IV hitch receiver, a spray-in bedliner and cruise control.
|
- Express is a worker's truck, but it deletes the hitch and bedliner (they are offered as options) and adds body-colored exterior trim, carpeting and 20-inch wheels.
|
- Features Same As Big Horn
|
| Trims |
Lone Star Silver |
Harvest |
Big Horn |
| MSRP (2WD) |
$39,395 |
$40,510 |
$40,495 |
| MSRP (AWD) |
$42,995 |
$44,110 |
$44,095 |
| Features |
- Features same as Lone Star Plus Features of Express
|
- Harvest models are available in two unique colors and have additional ground clearance, all-terrain tires, black tubular side steps, skid plates and tow hooks, and a unique chrome grille as well as chrome bumpers and exterior trim.
|
- Adds features such as a 110-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system dubbed Uconnect Access. Upgraded cloth seating with a power-adjustable driver seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel round things out.
|
| Trims |
Sport |
Night |
Laramie |
| MSRP (2WD) |
$40,995 |
$41,390 |
$42,345 |
| MSRP (AWD) |
$44,595 |
$44,990 |
$45,845 |
| Features |
- Sport model bring a street-truck flair to the lineup with 20-inch wheels, bucket seats, projector headlights, LED interior lighting and adjustable pedals. While Sport models have body-colored exterior pieces, Night models are in black, with black wheels to match. Regular-cab, rear-wheel-drive Sport models are referred to as the R/T and come with 22-inch wheels, a sport hood, and a blacked-out grille with R/T badging.
|
|
- The Laramie is similar to the Big Horn but also has auto-dimming mirrors, wood trim, heated and ventilated leather front seats with driver-seat memory settings, and a 10-speaker audio system.
|
In addition to the vast trim levels, 2018 Dodge Ram has 6 special editions that are best made for people looking for individuality. You have 2019 Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition which marks the start of new generation of Ram trucks and also 144th Run for the Roses, Ram 1500 Sport with Hydro Blue exterior colour, luxurious interior and 22 inch all black alloy wheels, Southfork edition which features a walnut brown exterior with monotone and two-tone option and interiorly with Canyon brown and frost leather seat designs, Limited Tungsten Edition which is like taking a truck and making it the most luxurious and sophisticated Ram trim available ever and etc.
We Recommend
2018 Dodge Ram 1500 has a wide choice of trims. With a combined total of 18 trims including the special editions ones, you're definitely spoiled for choice. We would suggest Laramie Trim as it has hosts of features in interior and safety department with a lot optional package. Also, you should check out the 6 special editions on offer.
"When properly equipped, the half-ton Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,640 pounds and haul up to 1,880 pounds without feeling strained. Most rivals can tow and haul more than the Ram."-Cars.USnews
In the engine department, Dodge Ram has 3 choices, a 3.6L V6 pentastar engine with 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, a 5.7L HEMI V8 with 395 horsepower and 410-pound feet of torque and 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel which generates 240 horses and impressive 420-pound feet of torque.
| Models |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| MSRP |
$33,295 |
$34,495 |
$34,150 |
$36,195 |
| Engine |
3.6L V6 24V VVT |
3.6L V6 24V VVT |
3.3L Ti-VCT V6 |
4.3L
EcoTec3 V6
|
| Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
| Power |
305 hp |
305 hp |
290 hp |
285 hp |
| Torque |
269 lb-ft |
269 lb-ft |
265 lb-ft |
305 lb-ft |
In comparison, Ram 1500 comes 1st in every aspect be it the price point at $33,295, the 8-speed automatic transmission and the impressive 305 horsepower. The Silverado only has an edge in the torque department with 305-pound feet of torque as against 269-pound feet in the Ram 1500. Ford F-150 is second best in terms of power at 290 horses and price point of $34,150.
Acceleration
Dodge Ram is a huge pick-up truck. Understandably it won€™t have a supercar timing. It does 0-60MPH in 7.6 seconds and a quarter mile time of 15.6 seconds. Pretty decent for a truck with huge dimensions and heavyweight.
| Models |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| 0-60 MPH |
7.6 sec |
7.6 sec |
6.1 sec |
7.4 sec |
| Quarter mile |
15.6 sec |
15.6 sec |
14.7 sec |
15.1 sec |
| Engine |
3.6L |
3.6L |
3.3L |
4.3L |
| Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
8.8 |
8.8 |
8.0 |
8.8 |
In comparison, Ram places last with those times and Ford F-150 is super quick with a blistering time of 6.1 seconds for 0-60MPH and a quarter mile time of 14.7 seconds. Chevy Silverado does 0-60MPH in 7.4 seconds and a quarter mile in 15.1 seconds.
Handling and Steering
2018 Ram 1500 has 4 wheel coil spring suspension and 5 link coil spring rear suspension which makes the setup more advanced than its rivals. Its ride is carlike and if you still crave for smoothness Ram offers an optional air suspension package which is only available for the Limited trim. The body movement is minimal and overall control isn't an issue in daily driving but it is not as steady as Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado.
Braking
2018 Dodge Ram 1500 has 13.2 ventilated discs in the front and 13.8 inches ventilated discs in the back. The tires are all seasons. With a curb weight of 4945, it isn't a light vehicle. When decelerated from 60 mph, Ram 1500 manages a stopping distance of 123ft.
| Model |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| Brake Front(in) |
13.2 |
14.9 |
13.8 |
13.0 |
| Brake Rear(in) |
13.8 |
14.8 |
13.7 |
13.6 |
| Curb weight(lbs) |
4945 |
N/A |
4529 |
5036 |
| 60-0 MPH (ft.) |
123 |
N/A |
121 |
124 |
In comparison, Ford F-150 is the lightest among all the competition at 4529 pounds and has big brakes of 13.8 inches in front and 13.7 inches in the rear which gives it the best stopping distance of 121 feet from 60-0MPH. Chevy Silverado is the heaviest at 5036 pounds and has less meat in its brakes which stops the car from 60-0MPH in 124ft.
Payload Capacity
2018 Dodge Ram has 1,820 pounds of payload capacity for its cargo box.
| Model |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| capacity (lbs) |
1820 |
1930 |
1751 |
1840 |
In comparison, The 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 has 1,930 pounds of payload capacity, an increase of 110 pounds over the 2018 Dodge Ram. Chevy Silverado has a payload capacity 1,840 pounds which earns it a second place and Ford places last at 1,751 pounds.
Towing Capacity
With a rated towing capability of 10,200 pounds for a 2WD Dodge Ram, it shows the immense pulling power the vehicle holds.
| Model |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| Drive Train |
2WD |
2WD |
2WD |
2WD |
| Power Train |
3.6L |
3.6L |
3.3L |
4.3L |
| Weight (lbs) |
10,200 |
11540 |
11100 |
11900 |
In comparison, Dodge Ram has the least towing capacity in comparison to the competitors, the Ford and Chevy tow a massive 11,100 and 11,900 pounds respectively. The 2019 Ram has an advantage over the 2018 Ram by 1,340 pounds. But Silverado is the clear winner here.
Dodge Ram is big and ginormous in every aspect. This spectrum does not do justice to it but it still offers decent fuel economy. It does 17 MPG in city driving cycle, 25 MPG highway and 20MPG in a combined driving cycle. The fuel tank on the higher trims of RAM trims is 32 gallons giving a good 540-mile range with Hemi V8 engine. The other engines would do better but they have e 26-gallon fuel tank.
| Model |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| MPG (city) |
17 |
N/A |
20 |
18 |
| MPG (highway) |
25 |
N/A |
25 |
24 |
| MPG (combined) |
20 |
N/A |
22 |
20 |
F-150 gives 20 MPG and 18 MPG for Silverado for city driving cycle. But Ram does best on highway equalling F-150 at 25 MPG. It is surprising and should be noted that Ram has an eight-speed automatic transmission whereas F-150 has 6 speed automatic but both get the same MPG on the highway.
"Excellent ergonomics and front cabin airiness. The capable Uconnect infotainment system practically explains itself. The crew cab provides excellent rear seat space, more than enough for full-grown adults to settle in for long trips."-Edmunds
When you first look inside you're greeted by a very rich looking cabin. It can be had in a variety of different interior color combinations. From Laramie and up, you do get standard leather seating in either black or light frost beige on most models. Limited has a unique option of an indigo and frost combination and on the longhorn, you have special canyon brown and cattle tan interior choices
Door trim comprises of luxury materials. You have stitched leather from the power window console that extends across to the upper half of the door. In the middle part, you have wood and aluminium insert and leather. Only the front 2 windows are one touch up and down. The mats on the limited are all weather and carpeted floor mats with aluminium scuff plate.
The seats on top 4 trims are 10-way power adjusting with 2-way lumbar support and 2 person memory function. The leather seats are soft to touch. Perforation and unique stitching is quite appealing.
RAM was the first brand to make a luxury truck and with continuous updates from its launch, it still feels quite impressive. The upper dash is covered in stitched soft touch plastic and while lower portions are hard to touch everything fits together really well and feel solid.
Seating and Comfort
2018 Dodge Ram 1500 offers good interior comfort. The truck can take upto 6 passengers with no problem. The front and rear head, shoulder and legroom is good in crew cab model due to wide body, tall stance and long wheelbase.
| Model |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| Passenger capacity |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)
(In.)
|
41.0/66.0/41.0 |
40.9/66.0/40.9 |
40.8/66.7/43.9 |
42.8/66.03/45.27 |
| Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg)
(In.)
|
39.9/65.7/40.3 |
39.8/65.7/45.2 |
40.4/65.9/43.6 |
40.5/65.73/40.93 |
In comparison, RAM boasts 40.3 inches of legroom and 39.9 inches of headroom that does place it as one of the lowest in class behind chevy Silverado and f-150. Ram does make up for that space by allowing you to fold up the seat which gives access to covered storage area. Silverado has the best space in the front passenger compartment of the car. 2019 Ram 1500 still lags the front legroom but has the highest space at the with 45.2 inches of legroom.
Infotainment
Uconnect system for 2018 Dodge RAM 1500, the size remains the same at 8.4 inches. The graphics have been refreshed with a more modern look. There are 7 tabs on the screen namely Radio that controls FM/AM bands, Media which has Bluetooth controls for smartphones and other sources of media such as CD, USB and AUX, Apps tab which displays all the vehicle functions including apple carplay and android auto, Satellite navigation is very responsive and pinch to zoom is supported and finally you have Phone tab which displays synced contacts, reads messages and scroll through other phone features.
"The new 2018 Ram 1500 is the best-looking full-size truck in this class. Bold and brash with big-rig style, the Ram is more curvaceous than the hard-edged Ford and Chevy. It looks imposing and has presence, but its proportions are sporty and its detailing is sophisticated. Check out the subtle rear spoiler built into its tailgate. That’s pretty cool."-KelleyBlueBook
2018 Ram 1500 model has an upscale looking chrome grille with RAM Lettering. This design also comes on the Longhorn and Tungsten edition. The regular Laramie trim comes instead with a more traditional RAM grille, but it does have the extra chrome mesh to fill in the quadrants.
Tailgate is not easy lower like on most rivals on the limited you do get a standard spray in bed-liner and new for 2018 model, the LED lights in the cargo box now have their own button.
The headlights however they are all mostly the same. These are premium BI-functional Halogens with LED daytime running lights and turn signals. Top 4 trims have halogen fog lamps. Coming to the mirrors, they are body colored, heated, power folding and auto-dimming across all across the trim. All trims but Laramie do come with running boards with chrome accents.
On the rear, RAM 1500 has a distinct look which is good since most trucks tend to look the same when viewed from the back. The stand out feature of the back would be the giant RAM badging which comes on the limited only and tungsten would make it body colored the taillights also have a distinct and premium look to them as they are LED and have chrome around them. Dual chrome exhaust to pump out that burble the engine creates.
Dimensions and Weight
2018 Dodge Ram 1500 is pretty long at 229 inches. These trucks are larger than most 7-seater SUV which are currently available in the market. Ram 1500 has a width of 79.4 inches and a height of 76.9 inches with a ground clearance of 7.6 inches. These trucks are built tough and can go through any terrain due to their rugged design. Wheelbase is 140 inches which translate to a generous space in the cabin.
| Model |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| curb weight(lbs) |
4945 |
N/A |
4529 |
5036 |
| Length(in) |
229.0 |
232.9 |
243.7 |
239.5 |
| Width(in) |
79.4 |
82.1 |
79.9 |
80.0 |
| Height(in) |
76.9 |
77.5 |
75.6 |
74.17 |
| Ground clearance(in) |
7.6 |
6..7 |
8.7 |
8.73 |
| Wheelbase(in) |
140.0 |
144.6 |
145.0 |
143.50 |
In comparison, Ford F-150 is the longest among the competitors at 243.7 inches and a wheelbase of 145 inches makes it the cabin with most space for passengers. In height and width department, the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 is the best at 82.1 and 77.5 inches respectively. Chevrolet Silverado has the highest ground clearance at 8.73 inches which makes it the best option if you're looking forward to going off-road.
Bed Dimensions
2018 Ram 1500 has a bed length of 67.5 inches and a width of 66.4 inches. It is sufficient enough to carry most of your daily cargo from one place to another. Also, Ram has dedicated cargo box on the insides of the bed which help in storing tools and other items.
| Models |
Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
All New Ram 1500
(Crew Cab)
|
Ford F150 (Super Crew) |
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab) |
| Width (inch) |
66.4 |
66.4 |
52.8 |
55.0 |
| Length (inch) |
67.5 |
67.4 |
65.8 |
71.2 |
With a bed length of 71.2 inches, Silverado gives it the first place but it falls short in the width department. Ford F-150 has the smallest bed which has a length of 65.8 inches and a width of 52.8 inches.
NHTSA Ratings have not yet been published and would be updated in future.
IIHS Ratings are available for Ram 1500.
Crashworthiness
IIHS has rated 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 good in every aspect except for the roof strength which gets a marginal rating.
| Moderate overlap front |
Good |
| Side |
Good |
| Roof strength |
Marginal |
| Head restraints & seats |
Good |
Safety Features
2018 Dodge Ram comes with an array of safety features to keep you and your family safe in any unforeseen circumstances. Some features are: -
| Advanced Multistage Front Airbags |
| Electronic Stability Control |
| ParkView Rear Back Up Camera |
| Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System |
| Speed Control |
| Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System |
Chevrolet Silverado vs Ram 1500
Between Silverado and Ram, Ram is the best. It has got an excellent but optional air suspension, an 8-speed automatic transmission and a ride quality that makes you feel that you're gliding over the road. Also, Ram has been getting regular updates since 2009 whereas Silverado has mostly remained the same since launch.
Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500
Ford F-150 has been the best-selling pick-up truck in America for a very long time. In terms of that, Ford F150 is better than Dodge Ram 1500. With regular updates like tweaked EcoBoost engines, 10-speed automatic transmission, intuitive Sync 3 infotainment, an extensive list of safety options (Phew! there are a lot) and it keeps the list going on. Dodge Ram 1500 might have the edge with air suspension but in overall circumstances like towing, fuel economy etc gives the win to F-150.
2019 Dodge Ram 1500 vs 2018 Ram 1500
With a generation change coming next year for RAM, it is really worth the wait as most of the new stock of 2018 models will be heavily discounted. Major changes to the interior and exterior, tweaked engines, better cabin space and new factor gives it an upper edge over the 2018 model.
2018 Dodge Ram has been coming of age and it shows in the interior and lack of active features but still today it is the most luxurious truck you can buy. The ride quality is absolute gem with a handling to match. It is the cheapest among the truck category which acts as an advantage in its favour. The payload might be on the lower side but the cargo box feature is a neat idea. Towing is on the lower side which shifts the buyer's concentration to other suitable options. But with a great fuel economy and best infotainment makes it a really good buy.
