Review: 2020 Ram 1500 Limited

The tale of the tape

The 1500 Limited is Ram\’s top-tier light-duty pickup, offering tons of luxury in a tough package. Base MSRP is $56,965, $74,910 as tested during the week it was with me. This example turned up with the Black Appearance Package, a $3,995 option which makes everything blacker than black, times infinity, from the 22-inch wheels, to the Diamond Black Crystal Pearl paint covering the exterior.

The Ram 1500 offers four engine choices, including the famed Pentastar V6, and the more famous Hemi V8. Those looking for diesel power, though, can opt for the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel Gen 3 turbocharged V6. The engine — a $4,995 option — delivers 260 horses and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear or all corners via an EcoDiesel-specific version of the eight-speed TorqueFlite 8HP75 automatic.

Combined with the truck\’s high-strength steel frame, the EcoDiesel allows the Ram 1500 to pull up to 12,560 pounds; only the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque does better at 12,750 pounds. The turbo-diesel outperforms similarly powered trucks in its weight class, like the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (9,300 pounds), the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 (9,000 pounds), and the 2020 Ford F-150 (11,500 pounds). Payload capacity is 2,040 pounds, second to the diesel Sierra\’s 2,365 pounds, but topping the F-150\’s 1,940 pounds and Silverado\’s 1,870 pounds, respectively.

Standard on the Limited trim is the Uconnect 12.0 12-inch infotainment system, equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That said, the OEM system\’s a looker, especially when set to 3D mode (not to mention the flowing water texture when near a sea, lake or river). You can change everything from the theme to the truck\’s map icon, among other settings to make the most of your time inside.

Outside, the big black behemoth means business, ready to headbutt lesser trucks out of the way. As one of my friends noted when she rode with me, though, the EcoDiesel purrs quietly through the dual exhaust tips out back; it won\’t be confused with a Cummins, for sure.

Inside is a whole other story. Black argent wood accents complement the western stitching in the black leather seats, some of the most comfortable seats around. And speaking of seating, your friends, family or pet will have all the room in the world in the back, even with the front seats set all the way back. My dad and stepmom both agreed the rear seats alone make for an excellent road-trip pickup.

Of course, if you need to store some items in the truck, you\’ve got more storage space than you can shake a stick at here. The 60/40 rear bench folds up to reveal spots for tools or — in my case — a spare pair of shoes. Meanwhile, under the massive rear floor mat resides a set of small storage bins — one on either side of the cab — as well as a small bin hiding above the glove compartment, storage on either side of the center console, cooled storage within the console itself, and — if you opt for it — the RamBox storage system on either side of the bed.

And to top it all off, a panoramic sunroof provides access to every amazing view of the world above you could ever dream of.