If you want a tough and rugged truck to drive, the Ram 1500 brings a name that sounds like it fits the bill. Picture early commercials with a pair of rams butting heads to show domination. The same is true of this truck. The Ram 1500 is Consumer Reports’ top-rated truck, even if it isn’t the most popular. If you’re wondering what makes this pickup one you’ll want to drive, we’ve got a strong list for you.

1. The 2022 Ram 1500 delivers excellent engines

There isn’t a bad engine in the bunch. From the Pentastar with 305 horsepower and up to 7,700 pounds of towing to the Hemi V8 engine with 400 horsepower that can pull up to 12,750 pounds, you’ll find a powerful truck. These two engines get you started for the work you need to get done.

This pickup has a pair of specialty engines which are the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 that offers 702 horsepower for the TRX model and the 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine. The diesel model offers 480 lb-ft of torque and fuel economy that reaches 22 city/32 hwy mpg.

2. There’s something extra attached to these truck engines

The Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 give you the benefits of an eTorque electric-assist system. This 48-volt electric-assist system doesn’t add any horsepower to either engine. Kelley Blue Book tells us this system creates smooth restarts and improves fuel economy for these two engines. This is helpful when you’re towing a trailer or when you have a load of materials in the bed.

3. Check out that Uconnect 5 infotainment system in the Ram 1500

The new Uconnect 5 infotainment system processes information four times faster than the outgoing system. You’ll find an amazing 12.0-inch touchscreen display with split-screen capabilities. Car Buying Strategies admires this system, and so will you when you see how capable and easy it is to use while driving your truck.

4. The crew cab truck is great for families

Ram doesn’t offer a standard cab version of this half-ton truck, but the crew cab is impressive and spacious. The cabin area of the Ram 1500 is one of the most luxurious in the market. Passengers in the rear seat have 45.2 inches of legroom to give passengers plenty of room during the drive. All seats feature reclining, heating, and ventilation at higher trims to make this an even more comfortable family hauler.

5. The Ram 1500 offers a smooth drive

If you’re looking for a full-size truck that doesn’t ride as harshly as a typical truck, this Ram is the right model for you. The use of coil-spring rear suspension allows this pickup to feel confident on any road. The responsive steering improves the driving dynamics giving you a refined ride. The optional air suspension also smooths out the ride and offers an excellent feeling when towing a trailer.

6. Add the Off-Road Group package to this truck for some wilderness fun

The Off-Road Group package of the Ram 1500 gives you the features you want when you select this truck with 4WD. This package includes:

• Underbody skid plates
• All-terrain tires
• Heavy-duty suspension

Of course, the Rebel and TRX trims give you a full package of off-road items when you want to enjoy a truck to head into the wilderness for some fun.

How much does the Ram 1500 cost?

The base price for the Ram 1500 Tradesman is $35,900. Move to the HFE model, and you’ll pay $37,537, while the Big Horn/Lone Star model costs $40,955, and the Rebel comes for $50,395.

Continuing upward, you’ll find the Laramie model at $49,250, while the Limited Longhorn comes at $56,980. Choose TRX, and you’ll pay $77,880, and the new TRX Ignition Edition starts at $99,070.

Should you buy this Ram truck?

If you want one of the top-rated pickup trucks in the market, the 2022 Ram 1500 is an excellent option. This truck is comfortable, has an advanced technology package, and offers several impressive powertrains to give you the strength you need.

Check out the next article and learn about some reasons you might not want to buy this Ram truck.