Interiors have been given new styles and materials, new center console with shifter for some models, and new amenities and gadgets. Virtually every mechanical and air management system has been refined to limit noise and vibrations that become fatiguing over time.
Chrysler's image-building Hemi 5.7-liter V8 has been tuned up to 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque; it's the most powerful V8 in any regular or mid-size-cab pickup at time of introduction, and it didn't come at the expense of fuel economy. At the other end, a new rear suspension employs a design returning to full-size pickups after a decades-long absence and currently used on some sport-utilities like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevy Tahoe that see off-pavement use.
What Dodge didn't do is follow the last decade's trend of making half-ton pickups carry and tow more than the previous generation. There are plenty of Dodge (and other) heavy-duty pickups for pulling big trailers or hauling two tons of hay, and the decision to keep the light-duty Ram in the light-duty work realm pays dividends in comfort and is beneficial in terms of fuel economy. Next Page