Test driving the iconic pickup truck Ram 1500

Written by Marco Carvajal

2022 RAM 1500 Rebel G/T Crew Cab 4×4 The RAM is one of America’s iconic trucks, for many pickup truck lovers the Ram is a symbol of success, power, masculinity, and American culture. For those who don’t know Ram trucks this might sound like an exaggeration, but for those who adore RAM it couldn’t make sense to think that somebody doesn’t love this brand. The new 2022 RAM 1500 is a spectacular truck that is difficult not to love, just take the RAM for a ride into difficult off-road to understand why everybody loves this powerful big horn truck and keeps drivers coming back to RAM dealers again and again.

The name RAM is inspired by Ram animals, a type of huge male bighorn sheep. Rams are typically 5 to 6 feet tall and can grow to weigh around 300 lbs.  When you drive a RAM you can feel the power, luxury, durability, and technology.

Ram 1500 Rebel I am test-driving the 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Crew Cab 4×4 which is one of the middle trim models in the lineup of the 1500 RAM, as its name says, the Rebel is different than other RAM models with a great style, and its own personality. The base price of this 4×4 Rebel truck starts around $55K, but my tester has several options and features for a total price of around $77K.

The RAM 1500 has a very bold look, it is durable, functional, and stylish, and features like the Class-Exclusive available RamBox Cargo Management System and available multifunction tailgate plus eye-catching accents.

Ram’s Logo The appealing RAM’s logo is inspired by the ancient symbol of the horoscope sign Aries, which is also my horoscope sign, is very appealing and represents well the power of their trucks. It means power, authority, force, fearlessness, and virility, typical attributes of Aries. The logo of this horned animal was originally used by Dodge trucks, but as trucks under Dodge became their own brand, then the logo was adopted by the new RAM brand.  RAM’s logo seems to be part of the marketing success of this brand, becoming part of the symbol of power and cult of RAM trucks. 14 years of RAM  The story of the fabulous RAM started around 2009, when the Italian automaker FIAT acquired the Chrysler group, becoming then the large automotive group Fiat Chrysler, and the Italian-American merger that produced European and American Cars, The FCA, created RAM to produce pickup and future heavy-duty trucks, initially transferring Dodge trucks under this new brand. Today about 14 years after the creation of this new truck brand, American truck consumers are very engaged with RAM, sales have increased, and the RAM continues taking its own road to success, not just in North America, as RAM vehicles are also being sold in South America and the middle east. Highlights of the 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel

• MPG Fuel Economy ( 20 City / 25 Hwy )
• 26-Gallon Fuel Tank
• 3.6L V6 24V VVT eTorque Engine with Stop/Start
• 8-Speed Automatic 850RE Transmission
• 3.92 Rear Axle Ratio Standard
• 305 Horsepower
• 269 Torque.
• 730-Amp Maintenance-Free Battery
• heated 5 seats
• 4-Way Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
• 8-Way Power Driver Seat
• Uconnect 3 with 5-Inch Touch Screen Display
• 6 Speakers
• Headlamps with Turn-Off Time Delay
• a rear seat fold-down center console
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
• SiriusXM
• The 2022 Ram 1500 has a maximum payload capacity of 2,300 pounds.
• The Ram 1500 is considered a half-ton truck, delivering power and performance for both towing and hauling.

The 2022 Ram 1500 includes a corrugated mesh grille and stylish chrome accents, advanced technology, and an interior crafted for exceptional content and comfort. Trims and Pricing Pricing from $37K up to $84K is what you can expect from the powerful and adored 1500 Ram.  It is not a cheap vehicle, but its pricing reflects all the power, luxury, durability, and technology you get for your money.

The Ram is offered in a few different trims and each trims also is available with different options like 4×2 or 4×4 and with a few Cab and bed options, 5’7 or 6’4′ box and more options.

• RAM 1500 Tradesman
• RAM 1500 Tradesman HFE
• RAM 1500 Big Horn
• RAM 1500 Laramie
• RAM 1500 Rebel, the one I am test-driving.
• RAM 1500 Limited Longhorn
• RAM 1500 Limited
• RAM 1500 TRX

The 2022 Ram 1500 Tradesman is the base trim model with the lowest pricing available, and it starts at $37,410 MSRP, then continues going up in price and features through all the different trim levels to the Ram 1500 TRX, top-of-the-line model, only available in 4×4, with pricing around MSRP $84,555. The 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab that I am test driving has a base price MSRP of $55,775 for the 4×4 version or $51,975 for the 4×2 version, but features and options included in my car can increase the price significantly as RAM lets you customize your pickup truck according to the features you want and your budget. Engine and Performance 3.6 Liter V6 24V VVT Engine Standard The 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew comes standard with a 3.6 Liter V6 24V VVT eTorque Engine with automatic Stop/Start. This V6 engine delivers variable valve timing and two-step variable valve lift for excellent power and efficiency. The 3.6 Liter V6 engine delivers a strong 305 Horsepower and 269 Torque. Fuel Efficiency The 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T Crew Cab 4×4 has an estimated fuel consumption of 20 Miles per Gallon in the City and 25 per MPG on the Highway. There are more engine options available for an additional cost, starting with an upgrade to the 5.7 Liters V8 HEMI MDS VVT Engine for $2,795 or a 3.0 Liters V6 Turbo Diesel Engine Gen 3 for an additional $4,995.

The powerful 2022 Ram 1500 is considered a half-ton truck as it delivers power and performance for both towing and hauling.

Transmission The 8-Speed Automatic 850RE Transmission is standard on the 1500 RAM Rebel. The 8-Speed Automatic 8HP75 Transmission is also available at no extra charge. The TorqueFile 8 eight-speed automatic transmission operates in eight gears for quality control and excellent performance. Interior Style and Technology According to the Ram automaker, the 2022 RAM 1500 is the most luxurious truck in its class with great features like the optional Data on Display that let you display information like MPH, incoming calls, and turn-by-turn Navigation in an easy-to-see digital view on the RAM’s windshield. There are more advanced features like the optional Digital Rearview Mirror featuring an LCD monitor that when switched on, provides a real-time video stream from a rear-facing camera.

The interior of the RAM looks fancy and luxury without losing it’s cowboy personality.

The modern Display Uconnect Touchscreen includes a 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot, SiriusXM Radio with 360L Technology, and Android Auto Compatibility. This newly available advanced Uconnect 5C system boasts features a 12-inch touchscreen with new customizable features.  The RAM infotainment includes updated user interfaces, tow-specific navigation, and various connected service updates. Standard on the Ram 1500 Rebel you can find a set of premium leather-trimmed front and rear bucket seats, with the driver and front passenger seats sporting distinctive silver and black REBEL embroidery. Power running boards offer effortless entry and exit, automatically deploying when entering and exiting the RAM. One of my favorite features of the interior of the RAM is the dual-pane Panoramic Sunroof. You can enjoy the sun and light everywhere inside the cabin. This available 10-square-foot panoramic sunroof lets you enjoy the fresh air with an open sky when riding your pickup truck. Ram passengers can enjoy available Class-Exclusive features like a rear seat fold-down center console, reclining rear seats with eight degrees of slide recline and rear seat ventilation, and under-seat storage. Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with 19 Speakers An available premium 900-watt Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with exceptional power boasts 19 speakers, the most speakers in its class for amazing surround high-quality audio distributed all over the interior of this iconic truck. Stellantis the Automaker Group behind the brand RAM The RAM brand is owned by the former FCA Group, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. In 2021, PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) merged to create a new car company, Stellantis, bringing together 14 domestic and international vehicle brands.   The new Stellantis group now owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia, and Maserati that were previously owned by FCA, and also Citroën, DS, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall from the previous car group PSA. Together Stellantis and PSA formed the new Stellantis group with several American, Italian, French, and Spanish car brands.

The very American RAM pickup truck now has cousins and brothers all over Europe, and perhaps some new components of RAM might come from its European relatives.