2020 Ram 1500 review
Ram 1500 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- New turbodiesel V6 matches the 5.7-liter V8's towing capacity
- Cabin is roomy, full of storage, and nicely finished
Cons
- Driver-assist equipment is an extra-cost option
Mileage (EPA estimate)
15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
More improvements make 2020 Ram 1500 a top-flight pickup choice
The 2020 Ram 1500 remains the only full-size light-duty pickup truck that features a coil-spring suspension, giving it a real advantage among competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150. It rides with the sophistication of a regular car, and that comfort is backed with agility uncommon among its utility-biased rivals. The 2020 Ram 1500 comes with all the same cab and cargo bed options of its competition, allowing you to specify it for your needs—payload, people, or both. Similarly, the Ram 1500 lineup ranges from the base Tradesman trim, equipped with a focus on tough, hard work, to the Limited, which is positively dripping in luxurious equipment. Our pick for a comprehensive list of desirable features at a sensible price is the Laramie trim.
All Ram 1500s come with touchscreen infotainment, but how big the screen is depends on how much you're spending, from 5 inches to 8.4 inches and up to 12 inches. Engine choices expand in 2020, with the existing 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 joined by a turbodiesel V6. It offers similar towing capacity to the V8 but with better EPA-estimated fuel consumption. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and rear- or four-wheel drive is offered depending on configuration. If you're intent on off-roading your Ram 1500, then you'll want the Rebel, which gains more aggressive styling and off-road specific equipment including a locking rear axle and skid plates. All trim levels are impressive, and the Ram 1500 is still the truck to beat in 2020.
All Ram 1500 years
What is new for the 2020 Ram 1500?
- The 1500 is available in a new trim called the Longhorn.
- The Laramie Longhorn trim has been discontinued for 2020.
- 1500 trims have been upgraded with Bed Liner and Turbo Diesel Engine as standard equipment this year.
- The Tradesman trim now comes with Rear Defroster as standard equipment.
- The Lonestar trim now comes with Tow Hitch as standard equipment.
2020 Ram 1500 trims
Tradesman:
The base Ram 1500 is focused primarily on navigating job sites but still offers a standard five-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and cloth seating.
HFE:
The HFE trim is a 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel Ram 1500 boasting similar equipment to the Tradesman but with unique styling cues.
Bighorn:
Opt for the Big Horn and add exterior features like fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a chrome exterior trim and grille. On the inside, look for standard folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, vinyl/cloth upholstery, and a power driver seat.
Lonestar:
Includes all features available on the Bighorn
No significant upgrades found on the Lonestar
Laramie Longhorn:
The more luxury-focused Laramie Longhorn features upgraded leather seating, LED headlights, chrome side-steps and tow hooks, a leather-wrapped dashboard, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, real wood accents, and a heated rear bench.
Rebel:
Based on the Big Horn, the Rebel trim adds 33-inch all-terrain tires, 18-inch rims, tow hooks, LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, plus a locking rear differential, and an off-road suspension package.
Limited:
The top-of-the-line Ram 1500 gives buyers premium leather seating, the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus power running boards, air suspension, and additional chrome accents on the exterior.
Ram 1500 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Ram 1500
1. Tow big
The Ram 1500 has an estimated maximum towing capability of 12,750 pounds when properly equipped.
2. Luxury features
The pick-up truck is seen by some as a utilitarian tool. However, luxury features have been showing up in big trucks for years. The 2020 Ram 1500 is quite an impressive example of luxury pick-up living. The Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited trim levels all have standard leather seating. That's not all, the Ram 1500 has optional high-end audio systems. You get either a 10-speaker Alpine system (standard on Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited trims and optional on Big Horn and Rebel trims) or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system (available on Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited Crew Cab models).
3. Diesel V6 power
Despite impressive horsepower and towing figures, the Ram 1500 might surprise you when it comes to fuel. With the available 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, you'll get an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined city/highway on 2020 models.
4. Big tech too
Large infotainment screens are all the rage, and the Ram 1500 has several to choose from. Starting with the base five-inch infotainment system, you can also opt for either an 8.4-inch system or a massive 12-inch touchscreen! The UConnect system gives you access to a ton of settings and customizable features within your Ram 1500. Add Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability and optional audio systems from Alpine and Harman Kardon and you'll think you're in a moving entertainment venue.
5. Off-road mode
It's one thing to use your full-size truck for weekend errands to the home improvement store. The 2020 Ram 1500's estimated 2100-lb. maximum payload capacity will certainly do the trick. However, if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, check out the Ram 1500 Rebel. With 33-inch off-road tires and a locking differential, the Rebel can help you blaze new trails—or just get a bit muddy.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Ram 1500, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a half-ton full-size pickup truck. The 2014-2018 Silverado 1500 has V6 and V8 engine options and can tow an estimated 12,000 lbs. when properly equipped.
Here's what you'll find on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in model years 2017 and later:
Standard teen driver setting, which limits speed and volume
Estimated towing capacity of 12,500 lbs. when properly equipped (all trims and engines)
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup that comes with high towing capacity and a refined, quiet cabin. 2017-2021 models boast an estimated towing capacity of 12,500 lbs. on trims with the 6.2L V8 engine and 2WD, when properly equipped.
Standard features on the 2017-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 include:
IntelliLink® infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Teen-driver monitoring system
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size truck with standard V8 power. 2017–2021 Tundra SR and SR5 trims use a 310-hp 4.6L V8 with 327 lb-ft of torque while Limited and higher models gain a 5.7L V8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. If you haul toys or equipment, the 5.7L delivers strong performance with an estimated towing capacity of 10,200 lbs when properly equipped.
18-inch styled steel wheels
40/20/40 split fold-down front bench seat
Rearview monitor
Shop with your budget in mind
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
Tradesman 2WD 4D Crew Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Turbo Diesel Engine
- Vinyl Seats
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Adjustable Suspension
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Transmission
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Cloth Seats
- Power Seat(s)
- RamBox
- Rear Defroster
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
260
Torque (ft-lbs)
480
Engine type
Turbo Diesel
Fuel capacity
26
Wheelbase
144.5"
Overall length
232.9"
Width
82.1"
Height
77.5"
Leg room
F 40.9"/R 45.2"
Head room
F 40.9"/R 39.8"
Front tires
P275/65TR18
Rear tires
P275/65TR18
Seating capacity
6
Max towing capacity
652/6520 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Ram 1500 FAQ
The 2020 Ram 1500 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Tradesman: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Tradesman: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- HFE: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Bighorn: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Bighorn: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Laramie: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Laramie: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Longhorn: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Longhorn: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Limited: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Limited: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Rebel: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Rebel: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Lonestar: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Lonestar: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
The Ram 1500 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ram 1500 as 2 out of 19 among Fullsize Truck
The 2020 Ram 1500 has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Ram 1500, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Ram 1500 Reviews.
The 2020 Ram 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of between 6250 and 7730 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Ram 1500:
- Longhorn
- Bed Liner
- Turbo Diesel Engine
- Alpine Sound System
- Rear Defroster
More about the 2020 Ram 1500
Color options
Exterior colors
The 2020 Ram 1500 is available in the following twelve monotone and three two-tone colors:
Monotone:
Billet Silver Metallic
Bright White
Delmonico Red Pearl
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl
Flame Red
Granite Crystal Metallic
Hydro Blue
Ivory Tri-Coat
Maximum Steel Metallic
Olive Green
Patriot Blue Pearl
RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic
Two-tone:
Billet Silver Metallic
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl
RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic
Interior details
Standard cloth seating with a variety of upgraded leather seating available
Seating for up to six depending on seating options and configurations
Standard four-way manually-adjustable front passenger seat
Choice of a variety of touchscreen infotainment system sizes from 5.0 to 12 inches in size
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ram 1500 received an overall 4/5 rating (classic regular cab) by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.