If you’re shopping for a new truck in 2023, you might consider the new Ram 1500. This capable, well-executed half-ton truck has enough versatility to complete the work. With its handsome styling, roomy cabin, smooth ride, and solid handling, it may be the truck to buy.

However, depending on what you want and need in a truck other considerations may have you passing on the 2023 Ram 1500. Let’s look at what the latest Ram 1500 offers and its drawbacks.

The 2023 Ram 1500

The 2023 Ram 1500 earned much praise from industry experts, appearing on both TrueCar‘s list of Best Trucks 2023 and the 2023 10 Best Trucks and SUVs List from Car and Driver.

Whatever you need from a truck, the new Ram 1500 can handle and then some. While some of the competition has better hauling and towing numbers, the ability to tow up to 12,750 pounds and haul up to 2,300 is plenty for most shoppers.

It has an impressive slate of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel produces 260 hp and is great for towing. There’s a 305 hp 3.6-liter V6 and an optional 5.7-liter V8 with a power output of 395 hp and a satisfying old-school engine growl. You get decent gas mileage when you pair the V8 with Ram’s eTorque 48-volt hybrid system. If you want more punch for off-roading, there’s the Ram 1500 TRX with its 6.2-liter V8 with a power output of 702 hp.

Most truck fans will appreciate the air springs that lower the truck for loading and trailer hookups. There are lockable storage boxes in the bed walls, an optional split tailgate to make life easier, and more great truck features.

The pros

While the 2023 Ram 1500 doesn’t offer a regular cab option, the selection of trim levels is impressive. The price dials up quickly as you move through the different trims, but the diversity of powertrains and features allows a certain level of customization to match what you’re looking for. 

You won’t find an interior like the Ram 1500s among its current competition. It’s comfortable, well-appointed, and spacious. If you have the money, you can select leather, metal accents, and open-pore wood for the opulence you’d expect in a luxury vehicle. Across the lineup, there is thoughtful design with user-friendly physical controls, sharp digital displays, and solid ergonomics.

 What you won’t get here is a bouncy, uncivilized ride. Unlike its peers, the Ram 1500 offers exceptional ride quality with its coil-spring rear suspension. With its coil-spring rear suspension, the ride is smooth and rivals luxury brand SUVs.

The cons

The 2023 Ram 1500 might not be leading the class in towing and hauling numbers, but the only truck that can top it is the Ford F-150. Rams with the crew cab body configuration can’t pull as much as models with an extended cab but can still tow over 11,500 pounds. And as Car and Driver points out, if you need more in that area than the Ram 1500 offers, a heavy-duty truck might be a better choice for you. 

Another downside to the new Ram is the number of optional safety features. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are all available but not standard. There is also a wealth of other features available, like a 115-volt power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, and passive hands-free entry when you buy additional packages.