2018 Ram 1500 Big Horn Lone Star Reviews
The Automobile Connection Expert Review
Senior Editor
May 31, 2018
Likes
- Stylish body
- Comfortable interior
- Strong engine lineup
- Smooth ride
- Lots of trim levels
Dislikes
- Worrisome safety scores
- Diesel is pricey
- Air suspension can be rough at speed
- Look can become gaudy with options
Buying tip
features & specs
Big Horn 4x2 Crew Cab 5'7" Box
Big Horn 4x2 Crew Cab 6'four" Box
Large Horn 4x2 Quad Cab vi'four" Box
The swagger-heavy 2018 Ram 1500 is the coolest pickup effectually, fifty-fifty if competitors accept eclipsed it in some ways.
The 2018 Ram 1500 full-size pickup has a large-rig await that's been around for more than than 20 yr, just it doesn't have time to stop and accident out the candles—there's work to practise.
We've rated the entire lineup at 6.two out of 10 points. Rams evangelize a cosseting ride and have a trio of terrific engines to cull from, merely while their infotainment is up-to-date, they have a troubling prophylactic record. (Read more almost how we rate cars.)
The race to the top amid total-size pickups has prompted the Ram crew to introduce yet some other range-topping model: the 2018 Ram 1500 Express Tungsten, which features an interior lined with upgraded leather, synthetic suede, and real wood trim. Elsewhere, the lineup'due south available 8.iv-inch touchscreen infotainment system gains Apple tree CarPlay and Android Automobile capability, a rearview photographic camera is newly standard ahead of a federal mandate, and the Ram Sport model boasts a few styling tweaks.
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Ram 1500s are the lightest-duty models in the lineup; more rugged 2500 and 3500 variants are available for those who need to 2 or lug far more.
The Ram lineup starts with work-oriented Tradesman trims before working its way through the efficiency-minded HFE to the mainstream Express, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Sport models. Those who want a piffling luxe in their truck can beginning with the stylish Dark Edition and head up to the Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Limited, and Limited Tungsten. The Ram lineup'southward crazy uncle is the off-road-ready Ram Insubordinate, a beefy 4x4 ready for just nigh anything.
Rams are offered with one of iii engines, including a class-sectional (for now) 3.0-liter turbodiesel 5-6. A 3.half-dozen-liter V-6 is standard on most variants, while a v.7-liter Five-eight is bachelor as an actress-cost option on all but the Laramie Longhorn and the Express trims, where information technology'south standard.
All three engines are mated exclusively to a terrific 8-speed automated and virtually every trim can be paired to a choice of rear- or 1 of ii four-wheel-bulldoze systems. Lower-spec four-cycle-bulldoze Rams don't accept an automated setting suitable for use on any pavement surface, but Big Horn/Alone Star and above trims feature such a convenient mode.
The Ram stands apart from total-size truck rivals similar the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-Series by utilizing a scroll-spring rear break setup to provide a smoother ride and more than stable handling over bumpy roads. A tiptop-adjustable air suspension is available on all but the Ram HFE for an even plusher ride and a choice of improved ingress/egress or more than ground clearance at the touch of a button.
As is the norm for full-size pickups, Rams can exist optioned up in as well many configurations to count. Amid the highlights are a choice of nearly 20 different wheel designs and sizes, an available seven.0-inch screen in the musical instrument cluster, and several dissimilar sound systems that start with a basic AM/FM unit for work-oriented trucks and end with one of the most avant-garde infotainment setups on the market place today.
Where the Ram shows its historic period—this truck's basic bones date dorsum to the 2009 model year—is in its safety record. A rearview photographic camera is at present standard, every bit are plenty of airbags, but there's no automatic emergency braking and both federal and independent testers terminate well short of giving these trucks tiptop marks.
The 2018 Ram 1500 remains gloriously, unabashedly, an American pickup.
Sure, the 2018 Ram 1500 is about indistinguishable from a 2009 model, but this truck wears its wrinkles with style. We've given it a indicate above average for both its interior and exterior styling. (Read more than near how nosotros rate cars.)
Ram has done a nice job of differentiating the myriad trim configurations it offers, but nosotros're not totally sold on the belt buckle-style grille on higher-spec variants. The cantankerous-hair design carried over from when the Ram was a Dodge can still be found on mainstream variants, and we think information technology works best with the high grille, low headlight expect. Even the Ram's tailgate, which has a small integrated spoiler, stands out from the oversupply.
Basic Ram Tradesman models take unpainted bumpers and steel wheels; they fit in great at work sites and the like but aren't tony enough for suburban slogging. That'southward where the Limited models come in with their standard 20-inch alloy wheels and colour-matched bumpers and grilles. Big Horns (sold equally Lone Stars in Texas) sub in some chrome, while Laramies are bachelor with a swanky ii-tone look.
The Ram Rebel is the well-nigh unique of the bunch with its unpainted grille, matte blackness graphics, and bulky all-terrain rubber wrapped around dark-finish wheels.
Depending on the trim level, the Ram lineup can exist ordered in regular cab, extended cab (branded by Ram as Quad Cab), and crew cab variants. Quad and Coiffure Cab models have forepart-hinged rear doors; those in the Quad are small, just convenient for tight parking spots, while the Crew Cab is essentially a large SUV in the passenger compartment.
Inside, all Rams share the same bones symmetrical dashboard design. Like the Ram's exterior, the interior goes from work-truck rugged with rubber floors and low-sheen plastics all the manner to dressy chrome and, on the new Limited Tungsten, real forest trim.
Even beneath the swankiness, there's a pleasantly durable, workman quality to the Ram truck. For instance, every major control tin can be operated with piece of work gloves on. Endeavour doing that in a BMW 5-Series.
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A trio of terrific engines are mated to an even better eight-speed automatic transmission in the 2018 Ram 1500.
The 2018 Ram lineup may not have equally many engine choices as some rivals, just nosotros similar what'southward there—and the style it rides and handles. Nosotros've given it points above boilerplate for its engines and transmissions and information technology narrowly misses out on 1 for ride quality since rivals accept started to take hold of upward. Information technology's a 7 out of x on our calibration. (Read more near how we rate cars.)
The entry to the Ram lineup is a 3.6-liter V-half dozen engine rated at 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Information technology'southward standard on all but the highest-zoot trucks and it tin be paired to rear-bicycle drive or i of ii iv-wheel drive transfer cases, including both part- and full-time units. The base of operations V-6 is a quiet, refined performer that provides surprisingly strong oomph. It's such a practiced selection that we'd be hard-pressed to spend the actress coin for the 5.7-liter 5-8 unless nosotros planned to tow or spent a lot of time climbing grades.
That Five-8 is paired to a version of the aforementioned 8-speed automated. Information technology'due south luxury machine-refined when it needs to be, but a deep stab at the throttle unleashes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of thrust accompanied by a guttural snarl that's every bit American as gluten-free organic apple pie—hey, it'due south 2018, after all.
An Italian-designed 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 is also on offer. It'southward a sweet engine with 240 hp backed upwards by 420 lb-ft available at just 2,000 rpm. The slick-shifting 8-speed is hither, too. There's a hint of diesel clatter from the three.0-liter, which Ram brands EcoDiesel, but it is largely silent. You'll occasionally have to fill a diesel exhaust fluid tank that does its all-time to quell the engine'southward emissions, simply owners report longer intervals for frazzle fluid than for motor oil.
Rams stand apart from their rivals non just for their engines, but also for their suspensions. Sure, there's a boxed ladder-frame underneath, only the Ram's solid rear axle is held in past coils rather than the leafage springs typical to trucks. This provides a smooth, comfortable ride, with little of the rear-finish hop endemic to unladen trucks. A costly optional air suspension is available on every model merely the efficiency-oriented, only information technology delivers an fifty-fifty smoother ride around town and 5 dissimilar height settings. Only at highway speeds, when information technology hunkers downwardly to its lowest level, tin it experience a petty besides house.
The Ram'due south steering is accurate and calorie-free, if devoid of experience. Information technology's more nimble effectually town than its size would suggest, but fifty-fifty Sport trim levels aren't exactly canyon carvers. On the highway, the Ram really comes into its own. It tracks arrow straight and doesn't seem upset by crosswinds.
Ram 1500 towing and off-route
Properly equipped, the Ram lineup is rated to tow up to nearly ten,700 pounds—just that'south for a Tradesman regular cab with the long bed and the optional V-8, admittedly non the most popular model.
A curt bed crew cab with the V-8 still tops 10,000 pounds in nearly configurations, although the Ram's tow rating is highly dependent on the trim package and the bike-and-tire setup in add-on to the engine and drive wheels.
Away from the pavement, the Ram delivers a comfortable ride and decent capability. Ram Rebel models are the well-nigh off-road-ready of the bunch with their standard 33-inch all-terrain tires and optional slip plates, just they lack colina descent command and a locking rear differential.
Ram offers two different transfer cases. The base arrangement isn't suitable for use on dry out pavement, but the automatic setup included on higher-spec models (other than the Rebel) can be left in ready-it-and-forget-it way.
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A comfortable cabin and lots of storage options make the 2018 Ram 1500 a good place to whittle abroad an entire day.
A comfortable interior and some innovative storage options brand the 2018 Ram 1500 among the most versatile full-sized pickups around.
We've rated them a 7 out of 10 for their condolement and quality. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Absolutely, that score varies highly past model. Lower-spec models like the Tradesman and even upwardly to the Large Horn and Lone Star trim levels have interiors awash in difficult plastics with seat fabrics that experience more similar cheap couches than classy luxury. Merely the higher you climb—and the more you spend—the nicer your Ram'south interior. Softer trim panels commencement to brand an appearance at the Laramie trim level. The Laramie Longhorn and the new Limited Tungsten, in particular, provide the well-nigh decadent confines with fancy leather upholstery and glossy forest interior panels that wouldn't be out of place on a luxury auto.
A iii-piece front end bench seat with a massive fold-down heart armrest is standard, while private captain's chairs and a fixed panel are on the options list. Either way, the Ram's front end seat is comfortable and supportive, fifty-fifty over the long haul. Nosotros put nearly one,000 miles on a Ram HFE with the base vinyl-upholstered seat that doesn't even offering acme adjustment and plant it to be remarkably supportive.
Rear seat passengers in crew cabs will find similarly good comfort, but Quad Cabs tin be a niggling tight.
In addition to numerous small storage bins scattered about the cabin, Ram offers its pricey—but convenient—Ram Box lockable storage units integrated into the bed's track.
The Ram'south bed is bachelor in three lengths, depending on the cab size selected, and information technology tin be ordered blank or with a factory-applied spray-in bedlining.
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Safety is not a 2018 Ram 1500 virtue.
More than mass doesn't always equate to amend crash-test performance, as the 2018 Ram 1500 illustrates.
Its dated design and lack of advanced rubber features relegate it to just a 4 out of 10 on our calibration. (Read more nearly how we charge per unit cars.)
A newly standard rearview camera elevates it from last year'due south dismal 3 point score, but let's not give Ram too much credit—rearview cameras will be a federal requirement during calendar year 2018, so the truckmaker isn't getting too far alee of itself.
Six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control are standard on all Rams. Parking sensors are optional on near trim levels, although they're standard on higher-end models. Ram isn't bachelor with modernistic features similar blind-spot monitors, rear-cross traffic alerts, active lane control, or automatic emergency braking.
In both federal and contained crash-testing, the Ram again falls short. The IIHS gives it a "Good" rating for all but the challenging small overlap test, where information technology scored a disconcerting "Marginal." The NHTSA rates the truck at 4-stars overall—five for frontal crash, four for side-impact, and three for rollover.
A huge lineup with lots of available options ensures that there's non a stiff likelihood of finding two matching 2018 Ram 1500s on a dealer's lot.
Full-size pickups fabricated the spring from work implements to family cars a while agone, simply the 2018 Ram 1500 can be outfitted as luxuriously as a high-end German language sedan—at least for a price.
We've rated the Ram 1500 lineup at 7 out of 10 points here, tossing in extras for its swanky options, its loftier caste of customizability, and a terrific available infotainment system that now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It loses a point for its spartan base configuration—whorl-upwardly windows, vinyl floors, and a basic AM/FM radio are all you'll become in that location. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Not that there's anything wrong with a bones pickup. Ram's aptly named Tradesman lineup is aimed straight at fleet and work truck buyers. Plenty of options are on the roster, simply none are especially fancy—but then once again, price tags stay fairly low for the Tradesman lineup.
For nigh consumers, the first stride is the Ram Limited. Other than painted bumpers and blend wheels, it's still pretty basic, but Bluetooth and a v.0-inch audio system are on the options list.
If fuel efficiency is your matter, the monospec Ram HFE pairs the Quad Cab trunk with the Sport's bumpers, side steps, a bed cover, and the Express' low level of equipment with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. It's rated at up to 29 mpg thanks to this skunkworks-mode combination of lighter weight and wind-cheating features. The inside story hither is that the Ram folks tested every part in the wind tunnel and figured out a just-right combination of kit to eke out impressive fuel economy.
The Ram SLT is positioned as the volume model with its textile upholstery, carpeted interior, and optional eight.4-inch infotainment system that can be upgraded to built-in navigation by a dealer.
Buyers in Texas can opt for the Ram Lone Star, a nod to the land's unusually big share of the truck market place. The hush-hush's out, though: if you're in the other 49 states, the Ram Big Horn is the aforementioned thing, except with different badges. Lone Star/Large Horn ways 20-inch alloy wheels, the 8.four-inch infotainment screen, leather around the steering wheel, a power commuter'southward seat, and the option to switch out the front end demote seat for dual captain'due south chairs with a center console.
The Ram Sport and Night Edition trim levels take their own special styling touches merely bring little else to the table.
Next upwards is the Ram Rebel, the off-roader of the bunch. In improver to its fauna looks, beefed up Bilstein suspension, and all-terrain tires, it features heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a ability rider seat.
The Ram Laramie comes standard with leather upholstery and is available with 2-tone paint. It also includes ventilated front end seats, faux wood trim inside, and an 11-speaker sound system. Ram Laramie Longhorns become a footstep further with western-mode upgraded leather, front and rear parking sensors, keyless ignition, and standard navigation. The Ram Limited more often than not mirrors the Laramie Longhorn, except that information technology has a more urbane look with available black leather and shiny chrome wheels.
New this year is the range-topping Express Tungsten with an interior with hints of dark bluish, lots of actress badging, twenty-inch blend wheels, and real wood trim within.
Amidst the myriad options bachelor on almost every trim level are features like trailer towing kits, a moonroof, a CD thespian, and the keen Ram Box cargo storage system integrated into these trucks' bed sides.
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Led by the 29 mpg highway 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, this is 1 fuel-efficient lineup of full-size trucks.
The 2018 Ram 1500 can be remarkably miserly; it can also guzzle if y'all're not careful. Fortunately, Ram offers buyers several choices.
We've based our 5 out of x score on the v.7-liter V-8 with 4-wheel drive, which Ram says is the most popular configuration. (Read more nigh how we rate cars.)
The five.seven-liter is predictably thirstier than the base V-six—and it requires mid-grade fuel. Information technology'south rated at 15 mpg city, 21 highway, 17 combined with the optional four-bike drive; 1 mpg higher with rear-bulldoze.
The V-6 comes in at 16/23/19 mpg. Stick with rear-cycle bulldoze and y'all'll see 17/25/xx mpg, co-ordinate to the EPA's exam. Different the 5-8, the V-6 runs on regular unleaded.
Opt for the available three.0-liter turbodiesel V-half-dozen, and the Ram's EPA figures come in at 22/29/24 mpg with rear-bike bulldoze and 19/27/22 mpg with iv-bicycle drive.
The miser of the group is clearly the Ram EcoDiesel. Information technology was briefly banned from sale while the EPA and Ram parent FCA worked out some details regarding its emissions system, just information technology's back on the market for 2018. There are ii stories here—Ram HFE and all other Rams.
HFE stands for Loftier Fuel Efficiency, and information technology's applied to a monospec Ram that combines the automaker's most aerodynamic body configuration (Quad Cab, short bed) with some special tweaks like the Ram Sport'southward front bumper, xx-inch blend wheels, side steps, and a tonneau encompass. Those add together-ons aren't for looks; Ram says that they subjected the truck to extensive wind tunnel testing and found that that oddball combination of features (combined with a very low level of standard equipment to salve weight) results in up to 29 mpg on the highway. Nosotros've actually seen higher without trying to hypermile.
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