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2023 Ram 1500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ram 1500 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Roomy Interior
  • Available RamBox® storage bins
  • Impressive fuel economy with diesel

Cons

  • Lacking in towing technology
  • No full hybrid powertrain
  • Advanced driver-assist tech optional

Mileage (EPA estimate)

10 city, 14 highway, 12 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

The 2023 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck with impressive capability and a spacious cabin

Consistently one of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S., the Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck available in a range of trim levels with multiple configurations and powertrain choices. Last fully redesigned in 2019, the Ram 1500 received a number of upgrades for the 2023 model year. These include the addition of the top-level Limited Elite Edition, the Ram RED Edition, and an available 12-inch digital driver's display featuring multiple configuration options.

The Ram 1500 has a roomy cabin that offers features akin to those in a full-on luxury vehicle. It also delivers impressive versatility and capability. Four engines are offered, including a high-torque, fuel-efficient 3.0-liter EcoDiesel, a 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 mild hybrid, and a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, putting out 702 horsepower in the exclusive Ram TRX. The Ram's 12,750-pound maximum towing capacity is not the highest in its class. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. But with its comfortable cabin and versatile storage, the Ram 1500 holds up well against its chief rivals like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Toyota Tundra.

All Ram 1500 years

What is new for the 2023 Ram 1500?

  • 1500 trims have been upgraded with Rear A/C Seat(s), Leatherette Seats, and Bed Cover as standard equipment this year.
  • The Longhorn trim now comes with Alpine Sound System as standard equipment.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Alpine Sound System as standard equipment.
  • The Rebel trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
  • The Laramie trim now comes with Navigation System as standard equipment.

2023 Ram 1500 trims

Curious how Ram 1500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Laramie:

  • 395-hp, 410-lb-ft of torque 5.7L
  • 305-hp, 269-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • 260-hp, 480-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • A/C Seats
  • View our Ram 1500 Laramie inventory

TRX:

  • Includes all features available on the Laramie
  • 702-hp, 650-lb-ft of torque 6.2L
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Supercharged Engine

Ram 1500 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Ram 1500

What We Like

  • Performance: With multiple engine options, the 2023 Ram 1500 offers a wide range of performance. The big HEMI V8 delivers strong acceleration with smooth power delivery, making it ideal for daily driving. For those looking at towing, the high-torque diesel provides the confidence needed to move those larger loads. Besides power, the Ram features good handling, steering response, and confident braking. 

  • Comfort: The Ram 1500's spacious cabin features good space for front and rear passengers, with seats that provide good support and comfort in all trim levels. Wind and road noise is kept to a minimum for a quiet ride, although full throttle can bring a pleasing roar when the V8 is under the hood. The suspension works well to keep the ride smooth and stable even when the road gets rough. 

  • Technology: The Uconnect® infotainment system in the Ram 1500 is one of the best on the market, offering easy customization with clear menus for easy navigation. All three different-size displays work well, but the 12-inch vertical display stands out for its impressively clear graphics and user-friendly controls. Multiple USBs are available throughout the cabin, and Uconnect supports Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.  

What Needs Improvement 

  • Fuel economy: Since the Ram is a full-size pickup truck with powerful available engines, fuel economy expectations are not high. According to the EPA, the Ram 1500 4WD with the 5.7-liter V8 is rated at 17 mpg combined, while the extreme Ram TRX is expected to return just 12 mpg combined. That said, the diesel-powered Ram 1500 4WD offers an impressive estimated 24 mpg combined.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

3 customer reviews
3
1
2
Above Average

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 1500

Ram 1500 features and specs

Tradesman 2WD 4D Crew Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Vinyl Seats
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear Defroster
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.6L

Horsepower

305

Torque (ft-lbs)

269

Engine type

Gas

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

P275/65SR18

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

655/6550 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Ram 1500 FAQ

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