2011 Ram 1500 Laramie Road Test Review

Ram continues forward with its classic big-rig styling and tough-as-nails persona. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

were handed to me in July I realized that it was a 2010 "Dodge" Ram 1500 (at least that's the model year written on the keyfob) from the dealership they use for delivery. And now I've been deliberating so long that the 2012s are almost upon us (or already out depending on when you read this). I suppose the 2011 model didn't change all that much from 2010 and I can certainly talk about the changes for 2012, so that's how I'm going to approach this review.

First off, the updates from 2010 to 2011: the number one change is that halfway through the 2011 model year Chrysler group's full-size pickup truck went from being a Dodge Ram to just a Ram as the new standalone Ram brand came into being. Additional changes are trim and option related only, starting with Chrysler group's media centre now available on the Sport trim level, the addition of new Outdoorsman and Big Horn Hemi trim lines, the active on-demand four-wheel drive transfer case being standard on Big Horn, Outdoorsman and

Four-door Quad Cab body style is family and crew friendly. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Laramie 4×4 models, plus available power-folding mirrors, new optional large 7×11-inch towing mirrors, a factory spray-on bed liner, and a new optional Garmin navigation system that incidentally works brilliantly.

The Ram 1500 continues forward into 2011 in three body configurations, Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab, as well as with three engine choices, a 3.7-litre V6, a 4.7-litre V8 and the top-line 5.7-litre HEMI V8. The SOHC, 12-valve V6 is a bit old-tech with a mere 215-horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque on tap, whereas the 4.7-litre V8 is still a somewhat antiquated SOHC, 16-valve unit but its 310-horsepower, 330 lb-ft rating is nevertheless respectable. The HEMI is just plain sweet, with 390-horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque it's one of the class leaders, made even more advanced by Chrysler group's exclusive multi-displacement system (MDS), which shuts down four of the engine's eight cylinders under lighter engine loads.

MDS is the key reason why the 5.7 HEMI gets better

Gotta love that big bold highway truck grille! (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

mileage than the smaller 4.7-litre V8, at 15.4 L/100km compared to 15.6 respectively in the city and 10.2 compared to 10.8 on the highway. In 4x4 trim the gap is even wider, at 16.2 city and 10.8 highway for the 5.7 and 16.7 and 11.4 for the 4.7. The V6, by the way, gets an estimated 14.8 and 10.0 L/100km respectively.

Where the base V6 gets a rather archaic 4-speed automatic, both V8 engines use Chryco's proven 5-speed automatic with manual mode, a good dependable smooth-shifting transmission, but that's also where the most important 2012 update comes in. No, the V6 still soldiers on with the 4-speed, but 2012 Ram 1500 V8 models boast a new 6-speed automatic for what should be better performance and fuel economy, although Ram isn't reporting any changes in mileage figures so they're either being conservative in their estimates or the extra cog is all about performance.

The

Wide mirrors add a rearward visibility advantage. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Ram 1500 is the only full-size pickup truck that uses coil springs in the rear, with the rest utilizing traditional leaf springs. It was a bit of a shocker when first announced, because most truckers will swear up and down that leaf springs can manage heavier payloads and greater towing capacity, and while I would have previously agreed theoretically, I recently drove the leading competitors loaded up with 5,000-lb tanks of water in tow (on a program put on by another manufacturer, incidentally) and believe it or not the Ram felt most stable under load. When empty, the way most trucks are driven day to day, the coil rear spring setup makes for a comfortable ride with good handling.

The Ram 1500 on loan came in 4x4 guise, and being in Laramie trim it sported the new on-demand automatic four-wheel drive system that can be used on dry pavement with

Spray-in box-liner looks good now and should keep your box looking good when it comes time to resell too. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

four-wheel drive engaged. My truck also sported the new spray-in bed-liner which is a smart choice in my opinion, especially when it comes time to resell as scratches are kept to a minimum and compared to an aftermarket plastic liner there's nowhere to trap water that could otherwise result in corrosion. The box sides were optioned out with a set of RamBox lockable stowage bins that I immediately filled with firewood and a tarp, although I've heard of friends even filling them with ice and beverages (there are drains at the bottom). Either way, they're a handy upgrade that might be ideal for your needs. I would like to see Ram adopt something similar to the pop-out side steps and integrated rear step system offered on the new F-150, but that may take another generation or two to adapt. For now, Ram has its exclusive RamBox system that will be a dealmaker for those who need it. And by the way, for 2012 RamBox is available on 6-foot-4 beds too.

My tester featured the new larger towing mirrors as well, which stick out quite a ways from each side,

Handy RamBox storage could be a dealmaker for some. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

but really make a difference in rearward visibility and look pretty good doing it, with chrome housings and integrated turn signals.

As mentioned, my test truck was in Laramie trim, which has long been the top-line package in the Ram lineup, although for 2012 there's an even more luxuriously appointed Laramie Longhorn above that. The 2011 Ram 1500 Laramie gets all of the items already mentioned plus niceties such as heated leather seats with memory, woodgrain and bright metallic accents, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, remote start, MyGIG entertainment, surround sound audio with a subwoofer, UConnect hands-free phone connectivity, rear park assist, and more (a standard rearview camera gets added for 2012), plus that's added to a base Ram 1500 Quad Cab that already comes stock with power windows, locks and mirrors, plus tilt steering, automatic headlamps and all the expected safety equipment. On the way to becoming a

Ram Laramie's soft-touch plastics, wood and metal-like accents and plush leather will appeal to North American luxury traditionalists. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Laramie, as it goes from base ST trim through SXT, SLT, Bighorn, Outdoorsman and Sport (although the last three have their own unique equipment too), a lot of other features get added to the Ram 1500's list, such as 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, remote keyless entry, heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Sirius satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the list goes on and on. In other words, the truck I was testing felt more like a big, tall luxury car than any kind of work-ready pickup truck.

But as I mentioned earlier, work is hardly a problem. With a payload rating of between 616 and 766 kilos (1,360 and 1,690 lbs) in 5.7-litre V8 trim (it's a bit more capable with the V6 and smaller V8) and tow rating between 2,267 and 4,127 kilograms (5,000 and 9,100 lbs), depending on configuration and trim, the Ram 1500 with the 5.7 HEMI should leave few dissatisfied.

Those that use their

Rear seating area is roomy and seats flip up to reveal under-seat storage too. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

truck off-road will appreciate the aforementioned on-demand 4x4 system that comes standard with the Big Horn, Sport and Laramie models. Other models use a part-time, shift-on-the-fly manual system that's good for slippery or loose surfaces but not dry pavement. Those who expect to get into dirtier conditions can add the available TRX Off-Road package that reduces wheel size back down to 17 inches (better for off-roading) with all-terrain tires, adds an anti-slip differential, 3.92 axle ratio, extra-heavy-duty front and rear shocks, front suspension and transfer case skid plate shields, tow hooks, and TRX fender flares. Alternatively, Ram 1500 buyers can opt for an R/T Package that adds a cool looking sport performance hood, R/T badging, available 22-inch forged and polished aluminum wheels with performance rubber, a performance-specified torque converter, and a 4.10 axle.

When push comes to shove the Ram 1500 is an impressive truck no matter what model year you're buying into or what trim level suits your purpose. The Laramie model I tested was nicely finished with plenty of soft-touch interior surfaces and a classic olde world parlour club charm that should appeal to traditionalist truckers. Its work ethic should bode well with this crowd too.©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)]]>