Side-curtain airbags are a $390 option on Regular Cabs, $490 on Quad Cabs. The Ram was recently awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest possible rating in its off-set frontal crash test.
Nice big mirrors make it easier to see what's behind. A big fold-down center armrest/console comes with adjustable dividers and a power outlet. White-faced instruments with turquoise numbers look sporty and trendy, but don't offer the legibility of traditional white-on-black designs, particularly at dusk. At night, the instruments are nicely illuminated in green.
The design of the audio system could be improved for ease of use. Sometimes you have to search for the right button to press. Setting a button for a station, for example, requires pressing a separate "set" button, rather than just holding the station button down. Sliding bass and treble controls are harder to adjust than knobs when bouncing around in a pickup truck. Optional steering wheel audio controls ($75) solve this with brilliantly designed buttons behind the steering wheel that are easy to use. Likewise, cruise controls ($390, including tilt steering) on the steering wheel are easy to operate.
Otherwise, the center dash is a paradigm of convenience. Large heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) buttons can be operated while wearing gloves. A textured fabric is used for trim around the audio and HVAC controls, somewhat similar to what's found in Volkswagens, gives the center dash a nice look and feel. Just below the HVAC controls is a slot lined with a rubber mat that's perfect for a wallet or other small items. A big panel below that folds down with adjustable cup holders. Overhead is a console with an effective pair of map lights, a trip computer, a compartment for sunglasses, and a compass, which every self-respecting truck should have.
Regular Cab models come fitted with a tray behind the seats big enough to hold a large bucket. Dodge even supplies the bucket, a tray designed to carry tools and such. Big hooks behind the seats are handy for hanging dry cleaning or plastic shopping bags so your groceries don't roll all over the place. There's even a hook just to the right of the center dash that's useful for hanging onto a couple of grocery bags; the Brits call these curry hooks.
The Quad Cab is quite nice. About 80 percent of all Ram buyers will opt for the Quad Cab. It's easy to see why. The rear seat is roomy, with enough rake to the seatback to make it comfortable for two adults. Its size also makes the rear bench seat suitable for child safety seats. All three rear seating positions can accommodate child safety seats and are fitted with tether anchors.
With one hand you can flip the Quad Cab's rear seat down. An optional metal frame then folds into place to create a rigid platform designed to support 500 pounds; it should be great for carrying dogs or cargo not suitable for the bed. The rear doors open 85 degrees, making it easy to get in or load gear, and the rear windows roll all the way down. Overall, the Quad Cab is a friendly, practical design for hauling people and gear.
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