Item: 2012 RAM 1500
Rating: 8.08
Author: Nathan Dyer

Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

8.1

Overall Rating

The 2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab is suitable for seating 6 people, quite easily, with lots of space. It vaunts premium quality materials and engaging ride quality. Starting at the price of $30,740; it will go up against the likes of its American compatriots, the Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab.

9.9/10
Features

9.0/10
Engine and Performance

8.0/10
Fuel Economy

9.0/10
Interior

9.0/10
Exterior

7.0/10
Safety

Features

9.9/10

The 2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab is available in a total of 8 trims and a plethora of configurations. However, some of these trims are limited and amongst the primary and long-standing trims, you can access the ST, Express, SLT, Sport, and Laramie. Priced at $30,740 for the base variant and $43,515 for its top-tier trim, the truck is available both with a 2WD and 4WD option. You can choose from either of two engine options.

Trim	ST	Express	SLT	Sport	Laramie
MSRP (2WD)	$30,740	$30,740	$33,220	$37,485	$40,370
MSRP (4WD)	$33,960	$33,960	$36,440	$40,705	$43,515
Key Features	17” steel wheels	20” aluminum wheels	Adds/upgrades to the features of ST	Adds/upgrades to the features of SLT	Adds/upgrades to the features of the Sport
	Automatic headlights	Fog lamps	17” alloy wheels	22” chrome wheels	Six-way power-adjustable passenger’s heated seat
	Tilt steering wheel	Body-color grille surround with black inserts	Chrome exterior trim	Unique bucket seats	Dual-zone automatic climate control
	Locking tailgate	Halogen headlamps	Power sliding rear window	Floor mounted shift lever	Premium 10-speaker Surround Sound audio system
	Air conditioning	HD Vinyl bench seats with manual adjusters	Heated outside rearview mirrors	Body-colored grille	External chrome trim (additional)
	Six-speaker sound system		8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support		Driver memory functions

These are not all, there are more trims available. The Outdoorsman package will add all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, limited-slip rear differential, and other cool features. You can also opt for the Lone Star if you live in Texas since it is only available in Texas. The Big Horn is available everywhere except Texas.They consist of the SLT’s features with a few added extras. Besides that, there are ample optional packages that you can add to your truck. The level of customization is unreal.

Which trim should you buy?

You should go with the SLT trim. It is in a sweet spot compared to the other, about the fact that it does not cost too much and neither does it compromise too much on the features. It gets equipped with the more powerful V8 engine unit and is adorned with several first-grade features as standard.

Engine and Performance

9.0/10

Even though there is a 3.7L V6 available, it is only for the base trim in the Regular and Quad Cab options, the 2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab has a 4.7L V8 at heart. The engine pumps out 310 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. This unit is mated to the newly introduced six-speed automatic transmission and can be had either as a 2WD or a 4WD. Available as an option on the SLT, but as standard on the Sport and Laramie; you will find a massive 5.7L V8 capable of churning out 390 horses and 407 lb-ft of torque. Here also, a six-speed automatic is used.

The 4.7L is an upgrade from the V6, but it still fails to deliver power close to the level of the 5.7L. Torque output is great, which results in 1500 having a maximum towing capacity of 10,150 lbs. Even though the competitors offer more, the 2012 RAM 1500 still will fulfill most people’s needs.

The 5.7L V8 can do a sprint from 0-60 MPH in around 7.1 seconds. It can go past the quarter-mile in around 15.5 seconds. Not a very quick result, but more than enough for a pickup truck.

Models	2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab	2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew	2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab	2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
MSRP	$30,740	$30,980	$30,320	$30,320
Engine	4.7L V8	3.7L V6	4.8L V8	4.8L V8
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Transmission	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	4-speed automatic	4-speed automatic
Power	310 hp @ 5,650 RPM	302 hp @ 6,500 RPM	302 hp @ 5,600 RPM	302 hp @ 5,600 RPM
Torque	330 lb-ft @ 3,950 RPM	278 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM	305 lb-ft @ 4,600 RPM	305 lb-ft @ 4,600 RPM
0-60 MPH (seconds)	7.1	7.1	8.0	7.6
Quarter-Mile (seconds)	15.5	15.1	N/A	N/A
Top Speed (MPH)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

The 2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew is the only truck in the segment that makes use of a V6 engine, yet it manages to produce similar power of 302hp, however, its torque output of 278lb.-ft is the lowest in the segment but does not cause a bearing on its performance. Both the GM siblings, the GMC and Chevrolet are adequately powerful, however, are slower than their competitors taking 8 and 7.6 seconds, respectively, to reach the 60mph mark. Each truck is channeled as an RWD variant, but all of them also offer an option to upgrade to the 4WD setup for more robust performance.

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

Fuel economy differs according to the configuration you have chosen. The 4.7L V8 in its 2WD guise will deliver 14/20/16 MPG for city/highway/combined driving. The 4WD trim level also offers the same figures, but the highway figures drop down to 19 MPG. With the larger 5.7L V8, you also get the same economy of 14/20/16 MPG for city/highway/combined driving for 2WD. For 4WD, you are greeted with 13/19/15 MPG.

With a gas tank of 26 gallons, you can expect to go for 364/520/416 miles without needing a refuel. If you choose the 5.7L V8, the range equates to 338/494/390 miles. As expected, the fuel economy is pretty taxing on your wallet.

Models	2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab	2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew	2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab	2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
MPG (City)	14	17	14	14
MPG (Highway)	20	23	19	19
MPG (Combined)	16	19	16	16
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)	26.0	26.0	26.0	26.0
Range (City/Highway/Combined; miles)	364/520/416	442/598/494	364/494/416	364/494/416

The F-150 is the winner when it comes to fuel economy averaging 19 MPG. All the trucks have similar size of gas tanks that can hold 26-gallons, and yet, the Ford easily offers the best range. Both, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 have the lowest efficiency on the highway averaging 19 MPG, Yet they offer similar combined efficiency and have a range of 416 miles as the RAM.

Interior

9.0/10

The RAM 1500 sports an upscale interior that will attract you right from the moment you step inside. The design has been made to impress. Quality materials are abundant. The Laramie trim has the best high-quality materials inside, with wood trim and leather upholstery. The boxy design of the truck is given a modern edge with curved edges. The interior is pretty beautiful, even though the base trims only come with vinyl and cloth trims.

The front seats are pretty comfortable and from the SLT trim onwards, the driver gets an 8-way power-adjustable seat with lumbar support. The Laramie also includes heated front seats and a six-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat. The lower trims come with a 40/20/40 bench seating configuration. The seats offer good support and are quite comfy. The rear row can also seat three people and is very spacious and roomy.

Where the RAM shines are the storage options. Other than a large center console storage bin, they also offer an optional feature called the “RamBox”. These RamBoxes can be found over the rear fenders inside the bed and they can also be locked for storing essential items. The rear seats can also move up and allow for storage underneath them. As for the bed, you get a bed length of 67.4 inches, a width of 51” (between wheel housings), 20” height. A total of 50.3 cubic feet of cargo storage is available. The max payload is 1717 lbs.

Models	2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab	2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew	2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab	2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
Seating Capacity	6	6	6	6
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)	41.0/66.0/41.0	41.0/65.9/41.4	41.2/65.2/41.3	41.2/65.2/41.3
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)	39.9/65.7/40.3	40.3/65.5/43.5	40.5/65.1/38.7	40.5/65.1/38.7
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)	50.3	55.4	53.2	53.2

Each truck in the segment has ample space to seat six passengers comfortably. While the front seats are equally commodious, the 2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew has maximum space for rear-seat passengers. Additionally, it also sports the highest cargo capacity of 55.4 cu.-ft. The RAM comes with the smallest cargo capacity, but it also comes with neat features such as the RamBoxes.

Some of the standout interior features include the following:

Dual-zone automatic climate control
8-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat
6-way power-adjustable heated passenger’s seat
Driver seat memory
Leather upholstery

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The base trim comes with a UConnect 130 system with AM/FM stereo. There is nothing fancy about it at all. However, as you move up, you are greeted with the UConnect 730N, which includes a 6.5” screen. The screen is decent, but it is not very responsive and also not the most intuitive to use.

Talking about features, you are greeted with CD/DVD/MP3 player, USB ports, a 40 GB hard drive w/ 20 GB available. You also get navigation in-built and SiriusXM traffic and SiriusXM travel link. SIRIUS satellite radio is also available. The base trim features a measly 6-speaker sound system, but the Laramie features a 9-speaker sound system w/ subwoofer. Bluetooth is optional. To top it all off, there are also UConnect voice commands.

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

6.5” UConnect 730N
SiriusXM Traffic
SiriusXM travel link
SIRIUS satellite radio
9-speaker sound system
Bluetooth
Navigation

Exterior

9.0/10

From the very first moment you lay your eyes on it, the American truck strikes a confident pose. It has a very aggressive stance. Being a RAM truck, it looks pretty stylish and ready to take on any job you throw at it. The front fascia features rectangular halogen headlights with curved edges towards the top. The grille rises above them and completes the aggressive look.

The ST and Express have body-colored grille, but the higher trims all feature a chrome-finished grille. In fact, the higher you go, the more chrome you get on the exterior. The ST and SLT ride on 17” wheels, but the Sport rides on 22” wheels. The Express also features 20” wheels. The hood is long and muscular and hides the glorious V8 underneath. The bumper is also chromed out on the higher trims.

From the side, it looks like any regular pickup truck with running boards. The higher trims also feature chrome power heated outside mirrors. The rear also tries to be very grandeur, with a chrome rear bumper and dual exhausts. The taillights are also surrounded by chrome. Overall, 1500 will surely impress you once you lay your eyes on it.

Models	2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab	2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew	2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab	2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
Curb Weight (lbs)	5,083	5,128	5,099	5,099
Length (inches)	229.0	231.9	230.2	230.2
Width (inches)	79.4	79.2	80.0	80.0
Height (inches)	75.7	75.0	73.8	73.8
Ground Clearance (inches)	9.0	8.3	9.0	9.0
Wheelbase (inches)	140.5	144.4	143.5	143.5

The RAM has the shortest wheelbase of 140.5 inches, but it is the tallest at 75.7 inches. The dimensions are more or less the same, but the RAM gives all of its competitors a run for their money if you look at the aesthetics. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 have similar clearances from the ground as the RAM of 9 inches and are also the widest measuring 80 inches. On the other hand, the 2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew is the heaviest weighing 5,128 lbs.

Some of the standout exterior features include the following:

20” aluminum wheels
Quad-beam halogen headlamps
Chrome power heated outside mirrors
Power sliding rear window
Running Boards

Safety

7.0/10

The 2012 RAM 1500 scored a 3-star safety rating overall in the NHTSA tests. It got an overall front star rating of 4; while the overall side star rating is 3. The overall side pole star rating was 1 star, which is pretty horrible.

The IIHS tests were a little kinder, although only four categories were tested. It scored “Good” in three and got “Marginal” in roof strength. Judging by these ratings, we can conclude that the American truck is perhaps not the most secure and safe ride you can have. However, it is not completely shambolic.

It comes with only the very basic safety features including:

Electronic stability control
Anti-lock braking system
Tire pressure monitoring
Hill-start assist
Trailer sway control
Full-length side curtain airbags
Multistage airbags

Final Verdict

RAM did an excellent job with 2012 1500 and it certainly is worth considering. The performance is good, the interior spacing is good and lots of quirks such as RamBoxes certainly help elevate the utility. With the suspension setup offering a smooth and comfortable ride, the 2012 RAM 1500 Crew Cab scores a point in almost every department. Also, extremely customizable, it has a bit for everybody. Perhaps not the safest and not the most fuel-efficient, the F-150 is an option worth considering.

Important 2012 RAM 1500 Links:

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Trims

ST$30,740 onwards

SLT$33,220 onwards

Outdoorsman$33,220 onwards

Big Horn$33,220 onwards

Express$33,960 onwards

Tradesman$33,960 onwards

Sport$37,485 onwards

Laramie$40,370 onwards

Laramie Longhorn Limited Edition$43,275 onwards

Laramie Limited$43,275 onwards

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length

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Ratings

Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide

8.1

Features

Engine and Performance

Fuel Economy

Interior

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Exterior

Safety

Final Verdict

Important 2012 RAM 1500 Links:

Similar Cars

Top User Reviews

Massive lawn mower

good looking pickup with amazing power

Less safe full size pickup with a plush interior

A dead steering

Beware when buying old vehicles

Latest 1500 Stories/Updates