2012 RAM 1500 Regular Cab

The RAM 1500 is offered with different types of V8 engines ranging from fuel-efficient engines to power-hungry engines which have oodles of grunt and strong pull off the line. Speaking of the interior, it offers a well laid out and spacious interior that could keep you comfortable throughout your journey. It competes with other worthy pick trucks like the Ford F-150 Regular Cab, GMC Sierra 1500HD Regular Cab, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD Regular Cab.

The 2020 RAM 3500 Regular Cab is offered in six different trims, namely ST, Express, SLT, Tradesman, Outdoorsman, and R/T. All these trims are available in three different engine options with RWD and 4WD options. However, the R/T trim comes only as Rear wheel drive. Express trim being the entry-level trim is priced at $22,570 and is equipped with features like variable intermittent windshield wipers, 6 speakers, a Black front bumper, and Halogen headlamps.

We Recommend:

We recommend the SLT trim which is the mid-trim in its trim range and costs around $26,695 which is only about $4000 more expensive than the base version and adds some modern and clever features to the features list. Some of the features you can get in this trim are Speed control, Chrome accent shift knob, and Front bumper sight shields.

The 2012 RAM 1500 Regular Cab has 3 engine options on offer starting from a 3.7 Liter V6 engine which has been tuned to offer decent fuel efficiency and cranks out 215 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. As you go up the trim level, you get a 4.7-liter V8 engine that puts out 315 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque in the mid-trim and a massive 5.7 Liter V8 engine that is capable enough to produce 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. 

Both these V8 engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, whereas the V6 engine is linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission. All the trims except the R/T trim come as Rear-wheel drive and All wheel drive options. In terms of performance, the official 0-60 time, quarter-mile, and top speed figures haven’t been released.

In comparison, the Ford F-150 with the 3.7 liter V6, is the fastest to 60 from 0 MPH and certainly has the highest top speed due to its colossal power output of 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly the RAM has the lowest torque figures when compared to its rivals. Opting for the V8 engine will definitely change the game because it has the best torque figures in the class.

The RAM 1500 Regular Cab’s powertrain definitely offers one of the most disappointing fuel efficiency figures. With RWD, the V6 engine in the base trim lends out a city MPG of 14. On the highway, it returns a mileage of 20 mpg. EPA rates its combined MPG at 16 MPG. With a tremendous 32 liter-gallon tank under the body, the RAM 1500 returns a spectacular range of 448 miles in the city and 640 miles on the highway. However, equipping the AWD drivetrain drops the mileage by a small margin.

Comparing the competition, the Ford F-150 is the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class, with its fuel economy numbers right above par with the other pickup trucks. However, it does take a hit when it comes to range, due to its small fuel tank of 26 gallons. It could only traverse a distance of 442 miles in the city and 598 miles while cruising on the highway which is less than the least fuel-efficient pickup truck in its class.

The interior of the RAM 1500 is well-appointed and curated with nicely finished materials. The interior of the base trim offers all the essential features. Although there are some bits of low-quality plastic panels on the doors and lower center console. It greets you with a minimalistic and simple interior with all the nitty-gritty on tap. As you go up the trim ladder, the interior features get more opulent and you also get a premium cloth trim for the seats. 

Moreover, the seats are 10-way power-adjustable for drivers. The interior in the top trim is offered in a dark slate gray color. Speaking of interior dimensions, the RAM 1500 offers a modest-sized cabin when compared to the other cars but it clearly surpasses all its rivals in terms of cargo capacity. It flaunts a cargo space of 74.7 cubic feet which is the highest in its competition.

In comparison, All three can easily accommodate 3 passengers with their fairly sized cabin. Both Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado have an almost similar amount of space. However, the Toyota Tundra annihilates its counterparts with a generous cabin size. In terms of cargo capacity, the RAM 1500 beats all the lineup of cars in its competition by a decent margin. Some standout and optional features are as follows:

• 10-way power driver seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Power lumbar support
• Illuminated visor vanity mirrors

How intuitive is the 2012 RAM 1500 Regular Cab’s infotainment system?

The base RAM 1500 is pretty much devoid of advanced infotainment features. Instead, it comes with the absolute basics like a small centrally placed screen, 6 speakers, AM/FM stereo, CD/MP3 player, Fixed long mast antenna, and Audio jack input for mobile devices To get something intuitive and useful, you have to move up to the higher trim level which will add a 6.5 -inch LCD touchscreen, Premium I speakers and 40GB hard drive w/28GB available. Some other standout features are listed below

• Uconnect hands-free communication w/voice command
• remote USB port
• SIRIUS satellite radio -inc 1-year radio service
• Audio jack input for mobile devices

The RAM 1500 has a distinctive and stylish exterior design that combines traditional dodge design language and modern details for a powerful presence on the roads. It looks brawny and bulky with an upright stance. The front fascia has a strong personality while chrome touch-ups make it look even more premium. The headlights work well in tandem with the front profile of the car with a huge signature grille upfront.

 Moving on to the exterior dimensions, the Ram 1500 is the lightest pickup truck in its class with a curb weight of 4518 lbs and it also sports the highest ground clearance of 9.6 inches and the longest wheelbase of 140.5 inches. Moreover, it measures a length of 231 inches. Furthermore, it has a height of 74.4 inches and a width of 79.4 inches. It is such a gigantic truck.

Though the difference in dimensions and overall proportions may seem similar, it is the Chevrolet Silverado that is the smallest car in the segment measuring a length of 205.6 inches. On the other hand, the Ford F-150 Regular Cab measures a length of 213.1 inches, while the Toyota Tundra manages to stay in second place in terms of wheel base measuring 126.8 inches. Some of the standout exterior features include

• Quad beam halogen headlamps
• Underhood lamp
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Tire carrier winch
• 22" x 9" polished forged aluminum wheels 

The RAM 1500 falls behind in the Safety front as it gets a mediocre rating in the crash and safety tests conducted by the topmost organizations. The NHTSA gives it a 3-star rating which further leaves its reputation at stake. Moreover, the IIHS has given a ‘Good’ rating overall but earns only a ‘marginal’ rating in the roof strength test. Apart from that, the RAM 1500 Regular cab gets a handful of safety features. Some of the standout safety features are:

• Tire pressure monitor w/display
• Electronic stability control
• Front-passenger occupant-classification system
• Dual note horn
• Front side curtain airbags

The RAM 1500 has a very long history in the pickup truck segment and has been a very successful product of the brand ever since its debut. However, the times have changed and other pickup trucks have started to outperform the RAM 1500 in many aspects but it still offers two stellar V8 engine options that really perform quite well. On the flip side, it lets down the reputation when it comes to safety and quality which is a major drawback. Apart from that, it is a decent pickup truck with all the essential features to fulfill your needs. You can definitely check this one out if you're in the market for an affordable and practical pickup truck.