10 Years of Being Undefeated Should Help the Ram 1500
Sometimes trucks and SUVs get on winning steaks, but despite being undefeated for 10 years, the Ram 1500 isn’t catching up to rivals. Perhaps being crowned one of the best trucks for the 10th year in a row will help the 2023 Ram 1500 catch up by boosting sales.
Is the 2023 Ram 1500 the best pickup truck?
The 2023 Ram 1500 has its fair share of awards as one of the best trucks to buy. Plus, it recently earned the Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Award for the 10th year in a row. That means it’s been recognized by critics for an entire decade!
While the Ram 1500 didn’t really shake up the market until it was redesigned for 2019, it has been a durable and capable option to consider for a long time. But it still falls behind the Chevy Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150.
In 2022, the F-150 sold 653,957 models, and the Silverado 1500 moved 513,354 units. Then the Ram 1500 came in third after selling 468,344 trucks. It also experienced a 17.8 percent decrease in sales compared to 2021.
So what’s holding the Ram pickup truck back? Are critics overrating the truck? Do buyers want more towing power? Is the Ram 1500 still haunted by its unreliable past during the 2010s?
What makes the Ram truck so great?
Carn and Driver rank vehicles like the 2023 Ram 1500 among the 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for fulfilling its mission, delivering great value, and being engaging to drive.
The Ram 1500 earned high marks for having a lavish interior, responsive handling, a smooth ride, and attractive styling.
But potential drawbacks include how expensive it can get in a hurry, the inability to tow as much as rivals, and not having a regular cabin option.
Overall, it’s an impressive half-ton pickup truck that isn’t judged based on capability alone. It’s comfortable and impressive both on and off the job site.
The Ford F-150 also made it on this list. It has a nicely tailored cabin, a wide variety of trims available, and the optional hybrid powertrain improves its fuel economy.
However, the F-150 has a rough ride quality, desirable features are limited to higher trims, and the gas-powered powertrains are thirsty.
It may have an edge because it offers more to suit various budgets, from a basic work truck model to lavish amenities.
How much can the Ram 1500 tow?
The 2023 Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,335 lbs. The 2023 Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 lbs and can carry a payload of up to 2,238 lbs. So, it does fall short by 1,250 lbs.
Plus, the Ram 1500 offers multiple camera views while towing and a trailer backup and parking assist feature to simplify things.
The Ram 1500 does have a much higher starting price. The entry-level F-150 is pretty basic, but it’s affordable. The standard Ram truck has comfort and convenience features to boost its value, though.
While the Ram 1500 is celebrated for being comfortable and capable, it may need to offer more configurations. Perhaps a budget-friendly work truck trim could help improve sales.
