From the driver's seat, the view is of a wide center stack with large knobs and buttons, precisely finished with consistent angles and cut lines throughout. The instrument panel cluster is located under a prominent dash brow to reduce glare and improve visibility of six white-faced gauges, the latter numbered on diesel-engine models. A substantial four-spoke steering wheel houses cruise control buttons and available stereo controls. Rectangular, slat-type air vents close flush.
Interior trim is markedly different among the trim levels. In ST trim, the dash is textured plastic with synthetic-look inserts on the SLT. The Laramie package makes extensive use of woodgrain trim inside, with less plastic, for a more distinctive appearance.
The seats are generously padded and we found them to be comfortable, especially the six-way driver's seat in the Laramie, which can be easily shifted around, which is good because any particular position becomes tiresome on long trips. The leather upholstery adds a rich appearance to the interior of Laramie models.
With the optional front bucket seats, a new center console extends from the dashboard. With the standard front bench seat, a very wide center console flips up to allow makeshift center seating; it may not be comfortable for the center rider but it works.
The rear seats are spacious. In the Mega Cab, we found a six-foot, three-inch passenger has no problem stretching out completely with the rear seats reclined. A tall rear-seat passenger spent an entire day with us, declining all invitations to move up front.
Everything about the Ram is full size. Even those of us used to operating domestic pickups and tow vehicles are aware of the Ram's imposing size and stance. Inside, it is a long reach to hand something across the console to a passenger, and there's no hope of leaning across to open the passenger door, or grab something from the opposite door pocket as could be done in the trucks of our forefathers. Interior door handles are large and heavily built, consistent with the large size of the Ram doors.
The cabin is loaded with nicely sized trays, slots and pockets. It seemed there was always a safe place to put something down, yet keep it within easy reach. The armrest opens in two parts and center console is big enough for a laptop, and is designed with fold-down dividers. The standard front bench seat offers additional storage under the seat.
The navigation screen, measuring 5.8 inches, is surrounded by buttons and knobs that are on the small side but located high for good viewing.
Power outlets are provided for the front seats. The dash power outlet is ignition switched, while the cigar lighter is always on, so we used it to charge a cell phone. A third outlet is available in the center console.
It takes a while to cool on hot days as the rear AC vents are just above floor level; adding heavier window tint may help in sunny climes.
Getting in a 4WD Mega Cab requires a big step up, but the rear doors swing open almost 90 degrees and there's a convenient grab handle on the door pillar, so access is easier for people or cargo. Behind the rear seats is even more storage, in the form of bins that are designed to accommodate tools or sports equipment.
We found the optional seven-speaker, 384-watt Infinity sound system to be remarkably good for a truck of any kind, and especially a pickup. Our suspicion is that this is at least partly due to superior sound deadening and wind noise control (Mega Cabs have laminated front door glass), providing a better acoustic environment. Next Page