2015 Ram 1500 review
Ram 1500 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- High-quality interior, supple suspension
- Good performance and EPA-estimated fuel economy across the engine range
Cons
- Lower-level trims do not come with Bluetooth®
- HFE fuel-saving model only offered in one configuration
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 19 highway, 15 combined
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Ready to take on any job
The RAM 1500 has always impressed with its smooth driving characteristics, owing in no small part to the fitting of coil springs, rather than more traditional leaf springs, under the rear cargo area. The cargo bed comes in a variety of sizes, with the longest being 8 feet when fitted with the regular-cab option. Like the cargo area, there's a choice of cabs, with a single-bench regular cab, an extended cab with a second bench for a total of six passenger seats, and a crew cab that seats six but increases legroom for those in back. Rear- and four-wheel drive options are available across the range, and there's a choice of three engines: a gasoline V6, a diesel V6, or the range-topping 5.7-liter V8.
All drive well, but if you're towing you'll appreciate the greater torque of the diesel V6 or V8. If not, the base 3.6-liter V6 delivers good all-round performance. All are automatics. The V6 gasoline engine is exclusively paired with an eight-speed automatic and the rest of the range uses either a six- or an eight-speed. Trim levels have changed slightly for 2015, with the Tradesman still the entry point. The Express adds some body color to the bumper and grille, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels, carpeted floors, and mats. The HFE is a fuel-saving choice offered in one configuration. The SLT, the next trim up, brings a touchscreen and Bluetooth® connectivity into the equipment mix. The Sport above that gets the V8 engine, and RAM has added an R/T model within the Sport range in regular cab form. The Laramie tops the impressive trim lineup. With so much choice, there should be a model for everyone, and, crucially, none of them feel like they're lacking, which is why the RAM 1500 remains a favorite.
All Ram 1500 years
What is new for the 2015 Ram 1500?
- The 1500 is available in a variety of new trims, including the HFE Express, HFE Tradesman, Rebel, and SSV.
- The R/T trim has been discontinued for 2015.
- 1500 trims have been upgraded with Adjustable Suspension, Turbo Diesel Engine, and Bed Liner as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Sunshade and SiriusXM Trial Available features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Sport trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The Laramie Longhorn trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
- The Laramie trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The Outdoorsman trim now comes with Tow Hitch as standard equipment.
- The Laramie Limited trim now comes with Rear Defroster, A/C Seat(s), Heated Steering Wheel, Parking Sensors, Tow Hitch, Satellite Radio Ready, Bluetooth Technology, Navigation System, and Running Boards as standard equipment.
2015 Ram 1500 trims
Tradesman: Base model equipped with vinyl seating with a 40/20/40 split-folding front seat, tilting steering wheel, automatic headlights, air conditioning, a three-inch infotainment screen, and more.
Express: Adds 20-inch alloy wheels.
HFE: Adds active grille technology and automatic start/stop.
SLT: Adds cloth seating, Bluetooth audio streaming, chrome exterior accents, heated side mirrors, and more.
Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas): Adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls, a five-inch infotainment system, fog lamps, power driver-side seats, and more.
Outdoorsman: Adds a front center console, an 8.4-inch infotainment system, a power-sliding rear window, two-tone exterior paint, and more.
Sport: Adds to the Outdoorsman a 5.7L V8 engine, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, full-body colored exterior trim, 22-inch alloys, and more.
Laramie: Adds to the Outdoorsman leather-trimmed front bench seat, heated/ventilated front seats, a 10-speaker sound system, navigation, and more.
Laramie Longhorn: Adds premium leather seating, a 5.7L V8 engine, premium instrument cluster, LED turning signals, and more.
Laramie Limited: Adds Natura Plus leather front bucket seats, heated rear seats, interior wood accents, stainless steel side steps, and more.
5 reasons to buy the 2015 Ram 1500
1. Power for every task
When you have a heavy payload or a loaded trailer to pull, you need a truck with a selection of engine options and the power to get the job done. All base-model 2016 RAM 1500s are powered by a 305-hp 3.6L V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A pair of optional engines give you a choice between V8 power or turbodiesel torque. The 2015 RAM 1500 has an available 395 5.7L V8 engine paired with a six or eight-speed transmission, giving you that legendary HEMI® power.
2. Towing capacity
If you're looking for a truck like the 2015 RAM 1500, you're probably looking for something with impressive towing capacity. Regardless of the engine choice, the 2015 RAM 1500 won't disappoint. A rear-wheel drive 2015 RAM 1500 regular cab with the 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed transmission can tow up to an estimated 10,650 pounds when properly equipped.
3. Luxurious trims
Getting a truck doesn't mean missing out on luxurious interiors. The 2015 RAM 1500 Laramie Limited and Laramie Longhorn trims get loaded with soft leather surfaces, heated and cooled seats, modern infotainment, and a sedan-like ride. All 2015 RAM 1500 trucks are equipped with independent suspension, giving them a quiet, smooth ride. Find a truck with the optional height-adjustable air suspension for an even better ride. The ranch-themed 2015 RAM Limited Longhorn's refined interior includes stitched saddle leather seating, natural wood trim, and custom badging.
4. Connected technology
Keep up with the modern world thanks to a suite of technology loaded into the 2015 RAM 1500. An impressive 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, an available integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, and a suite of apps are included in Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited models.
5. Impressive fuel economy
You might be surprised to learn that the 2015 RAM 1500 is good at stretching out the distance between fill-ups. A 2015 RAM 1500 RWD equipped with the 3.6L V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and an impressive 25 mpg highway.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2015 Ram 1500, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The fully redesigned Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was released in 2017. It features three engines, including a 285-hp 4.3L V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Choose from three cab configurations and bed lengths. A refresh in 2019 introduced a 3.0L six-cylinder diesel engine and ten-speed automatic transmission. Need to pull some toys or a camper? You'll find an estimated towing capacity of 12,200 lbs on a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RWD Double Cab with 6.2L V8 (when properly equipped).
Standard equipment on the 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 include:
4.2-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth (2017–2018)
Cruise control
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (2019 and newer)
Refreshed in 2017, Ford added new innovative technology to the F-150 trucks. New for 2017 is a ten-speed automatic transmission, making it even easier to handle towing. In addition, handle hauling with little effort by using the available Pro Trailer Backup assist and hitch camera. A visual refresh in 2019 changed the front grille, lights, and a few feature packs. A 3.0L diesel engine got added in 2019 but discontinued in 2020. Lastly, a 2019 Ford F-150 RWD Crew Cab with the 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine can tow up to an estimated 13,200 pounds when properly equipped.
The 2017–2019 Ford F-150 XL features the following standard equipment:
Six-speaker audio system (four speakers in a Regular cab)
4.2-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth
Simple, functional, and adventurous; these all describe the 2017–2020 Toyota Tundra. The unique TRD Pro trim gives the 2017–2020 Toyota Tundra an enthusiast's makeover, getting it ready for extreme off-roading with FOX shocks and BBS wheels. A pair of V8 engine options power the Tundra, beginning with a 310 hp 4.6L V8. When equipped with the 381-hp 5.7L V8, the 2017–2020 Toyota Tundra RWD Double Cab can tow up to an estimated 10,200 pounds when properly equipped.
All 2017–2020 Toyota Tundras get equipped with:
LED daytime running lights and automatic high beams
6.1-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth
Rearview camera
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Ram 1500 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ram 1500 3rd out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ram 1500Ram 1500 features and specs
Bighorn 2WD 2D Regular Cab
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Turbo Diesel Engine
- Alpine Sound System
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Long Bed
- Navigation System
- RamBox
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
240
Torque (ft-lbs)
420
Engine type
Turbo Diesel
Fuel capacity
32
Wheelbase
140"
Overall length
231"
Width
79.4"
Height
74.4"
Leg room
F 41"
Head room
F 39.9"
Front tires
P275/60SR20
Rear tires
P275/60SR20
Seating capacity
3
Max towing capacity
482/4820 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2015 Ram 1500 FAQ
A 2015 RAM 1500 with the 5.7L V8 engine has 395 horsepower. This engine is available
on the Tradesman, SLT, Laramie, Laramie Limited, Laramie Longhorn, Sport, and Big Horn trims.
A base-model 2015 RAM 1500 is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission
on V6 gas and diesel engines. The 5.7L V8 engine is standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and an eight-speed automatic is available.
The 2015 RAM 1500 RWD with a 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed transmission can tow up
to an estimated 10,650 pounds, when properly equipped. That's plenty for work duties or hauling your toys to the lake. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2015 RAM 1500 is the fourth generation of RAM trucks, spanning the 2009–2019
model years.
More about the 2015 Ram 1500
Color options
Exterior colors:
Black
Black Forest Green Pearl
Blue Streak Pearl
Bright Silver Metallic
Bright White
Deep Cherry Red Chrystal
Flame Red
Granite Crystal Metallic
Maximum Steel Metallic
Prairie Pearl
True Blue Pearl
Western Brown Pearl
Interior colors:
Black
Canyon Brown
Diesel Gray
Light Frost Beige (Laramie only)
Interior details
Inside, the 2015 RAM 1500 can be as varied as the daily demands you have of it. The Crew Cab is the roomiest cab, with a 60/40 split-folding bench seat in any trim. Vinyl seats and floor mats in Tradesman, Express, and HFE trims are durable, easy to clean, and ready for dirty jobs. Cloth seating is available in SLT through Sport trims. Soft premium leather seating, wood accents, and a premium gauge cluster make the interior of a Laramie Limited or Laramie Longhorn a luxurious experience.
Child seat details
There's plenty of space for up to three child seats on the second-row seats of the 2015 RAM 1500 Quad and Crew Cabs. SLT models and higher have three complete sets of LATCH seat anchors, making connections with popular seats straightforward. However, the vehicle's height may make getting seats in or out of the middle position tricky, particularly in Quad Cab models. In addition, tether anchors are found behind the seat back, so you will need to attach them first before firmly attaching the lower anchors.
Performance
The ride and performance of a 2015 RAM 1500 set it apart from other trucks. Fully independent suspension at all four wheels gives the truck firm handling in corners as well as an excellent ride over uneven terrain—as a result, it feels more like an SUV to drive. An eight-speed transmission in most trims takes engine power and towing well, shifting almost seamlessly.
The impressive 420 ft-lb of torque and EPA estimated 23 combined mpg make the 3.0L EcoDiesel® an ideal engine for moderate towing or long road trips.
Year comparison
2009–2019 RAM 1500 (Fourth Generation)
The RAM 1500 was introduced for the 2009 model year with a design that combined bold looks, curved lines, and the traditional RAM styling. Rebranded for 2011 as RAM 1500 from Dodge RAM 1500, it continues to be known as the RAM 1500. The 2011 name change also brought minor visual changes, alongside a new eight-speed automatic transmission. An optional 3.0L diesel engine got added in 2014.
This generation of RAM was also sold from 2019-2022 as the RAM 1500 Classic.
2019–2022 RAM 1500 (Fifth Generation)
Branded the "All-new RAM 1500" alongside the fourth-generation carryover "RAM Classic," the RAM 1500 saw a complete redesign for 2019. Interior build and features were overhauled, and RAM added the available 12.3-inch touchscreen system. In addition, a mild-hybrid system is included on 3.6L V6 and some 5.7L V8 models. Finally, modern technology like adaptive cruise control, plus Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® integration are available on SLT and higher trims.
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