The Ram 1500 has competed for years with Chevrolet’s Silverado and Ford’s F-150 to become America’s best full-size pickup truck. After decades of stuffing massive V8s into workhorse pickup trucks, the tide has turned with lavish cabin touches and tech features. Even though the Ram is a hauler by nature, it wants to be taken seriously as a family car. The 2023 Ram 1500 proves it can hang with the best with great power, comfort, build quality, and an easy-to-use personality.

1. Spacious and well-built cabin

The Ram 1500 has typically set the benchmark with interior space. It’s the same story for the 2023 model year but with higher-quality appointments. For the blue-collar Ram owner, the Tradesman’s utilitarian character is enhanced with a beautiful fit and finish. The higher-end Laramie and Longhorn Limited feature enough decadent western touches to deem it the segment’s most luxurious truck.

2. Wide range of engine choices

Part of the brand’s philosophy is ensuring customers have access to a bevy of robust engines. The base 2023 Ram 1500 has a 305-horsepower V6, but a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel is also available. Its 480 pounds-feet of torque isn’t an option in the TRX, however. The rowdiest trim level has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 702 horsepower and a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time. Nevertheless, the fan-favorite 395-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 can be had in any of the other six trim levels.

3. Balanced on-road ride

In most configurations, the 2023 Ram 1500 doesn’t ride like the rough work truck it once was. A well-tuned suspension and responsive steering on the 2.5-ton truck make drivers feel confident in the bends, U.S. News says. The outlet also rated the 2023 Ram 1500 as the best light-duty truck out of six competitors. Asphalt pounding is also easier with its driver assistance tech. The 2023 Ram has available features like electronic stability control, a hill-start assist with roll mitigation, and trailer sway controls.

4. Easy-to-use infotainment system

Infotainment systems are the point of much contention nowadays. State-of-the-art systems are often criticized for complexities, but dated units are equally decried. Given the Ram 1500’s status as an elegant truck, not a no-frills pickup, potential buyers typically want something easy to use but worth the money. Fortunately, the straightforward interface and physical controls with any of the Ram’s three setups are a welcome sight. The base model offers a five-inch touchscreen, but an 8.4 or 12-inch unit comes in the upper trim levels. Most packages feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an impressive 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is optional. 

What are the 2023 Ram 1500 body styles?

The Tradesman and Big Horn Ram 1500s can be had with a Crew Cab and a 5’7″ or 6’4″ box. The Quad Cab is mated with the longer truck bed. Tradesman HFE edition will have a 6’4″-box Quad Cab; it’s also the only Ram 1500 available in rear-wheel drive-only.

Mid-range Laramies come in Crew Cab only, with either length bed available, as does the Limited and Limited Longhorn. The more aggressive Ram Rebel and Ram TRX will come in the lone 5’7″-box Crew Cab. Apart from the Tradesman HFE, all Ram 1500 pickup trucks can come in two or four-wheel drive. But for the TRX, it’s four-wheel drive-only.