Critics have called Ram the best truck brand around, which appears to be true, especially when it comes to the ever-popular 1500 model. However, the 2023 version has one area that the publication feels could improve upon. What is it, why, and what does the truck get right?

How well did the 2023 Ram 1500 score?

Out of the eight categories that Edmunds rated on the truck, five of them received the same rating. The pickup’s performance, comfort, interior, technology, and wildcard segments were given 8.5 points out of 10. Fuel economy got an 8 rating, and the towing category came in at 9, leaving it with an overall score of 8.4. 

According to U.S. News, the truck has been one of the site’s highest-rated pickups for about a decade, which shows its quality build. The site reports that this is due to the truck’s level of comfort for riding and driving, and its large number of upscale, luxurious features for a utility truck.

However, there’s one category where it failed to impress reviewers. That segment is its value. Why would that be?

Why does the 2023 Ram 1500 fall short when it comes to value?

Value, the lowest-rated segment on Edmund’s review, only received 7.5 points out of a possible 10. That’s not too bad in the grand scheme of things, but it is quite a bit lower than most of the other categories. The reason given was the experience driving the pickup long-term. 

At first glance, the reviewers felt the truck was of premium quality, offering an excellent ride and looking pretty good with its luxurious features. However, as time went on, the pickup started showing problems with some of its parts. First, some of the vehicle testers had to deal with six minor recalls on the 2019 model the site had. 

Those included repairs to the rear differential, brake pedal, and battery ground fastener. The ABS module and ORC airbag/seatbelt modules needed reprogramming, while the blind-spot monitoring system required a reflash. 

The testing team ended up paying almost $500 on issues that weren’t covered by any warranties. This was from the replacement of two damaged tires (in a one-week period) where a repair couldn’t be performed. The site even notes that other owners, of the same version of the truck owned by the reviewers, experienced even more issues, making the pickup somewhat unreliable. 

Also, another problem the reviewers had was its fuel economy figures. With different engine options, the highest rating you can get will be in the lower 20s range for combined ratings. The test truck driven by the site’s reviewers managed around 24 mpg overall, which is lower than most rivals. 

What does the Ram 1500 get right?

The ‘value’ category is the only area that the truck failed to please, but Edmunds and other critics still like the 2023 Ram 1500 a lot. The top-rated area for this pickup is its towing and storage capabilities. While there are several truck configurations to choose from, most will get you a towing capacity of at least 11,000 lbs. Some, when properly equipped can exceed 12,000 lbs. 

Then there are storage capabilities, which offer plenty of hauling space in the bed, RamBox locking bins (optional), and a tailgate that can swing outward or downward (also optional). In the interior, you get even more storage. Its center storage console can be configured and can hold tons of smaller items and you can order more storage spaces by choosing bins under the rear seats or within the seats themselves. 

Other features the publication was impressed with, include its smooth rear suspension system, an optional 12-inch display screen, reclining rear seats, and plenty of leg and headroom for the driver and all passengers. 

The Ram 1500 is a good truck overall, with the lowest-rated feature being its value. The testing team felt the problems experienced with the publication’s 2019 model drug its value down a few points than it otherwise would’ve gotten. However, the pickup still earned high ratings in many of the other segments tested.