The Ram 1500 got a redesign for 2019. It’s now lighter, stronger, and has a better fuel economy rating thanks to its new eTorque system. It’s one of the highest performers in terms of towing. It also has one of the lowest depreciation rates.

One big concern for most truck drivers is how well their vehicles will hold up over time. The Ram 1500 doesn’t disappoint in this aspect, particularly with the pricier Laramie trim. MotorTrend has a few long-term cars that they regularly test for performance updates. According to the latest tests, the Ram 1500 is an exceptional work truck.

Engine specs

The base engine for the Ram 1500 is a V6 3.6-liter engine capable of 305 and 269 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine also comes with the eTorque mild-hybrid system, which reduces the truck’s fuel economy and gives drivers even more lb-ft of torque.

For better towing power, a Hemi 5.7-liter engine is also available in the bigger trims. It can produce 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque system is not standard on this engine, but it can be purchased as an upgrade. Rear-wheel drive is standard with the option to upgrade to four-wheel drive.

Towing and storage

With the most powerful engine and drivetrain options, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds. It also has a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds. Both of these numbers are big improvements from last year’s model.

The cargo box is highly functional as well. It can be purchased with efficient RamBoxes, flexible tie-downs, and a bed step for ease with loading and unloading. It comes two generous sizes: 5-foot-7-inches for the Crew Cab and 6-foot-4-inches for Quad or Crew Cab models. For whatever you can’t fit in the large bed, there are also spacious RamBins inside the cabin, located under the floor.

Uphill climbs

Given these impressive specs, the Ram had no problem with any of the tests used by MotorTrend. For the first trial, they tested how well the truck could accelerate over a slippery hill. Their Ram is a Crew Cab Laramie Sport with the best engine offering, as well as an air suspension and the eTorque system.

Thanks to the available four-wheel drive, all the testers had to do was switch the truck into 4Lo to make the steep journey. The ride was smooth even without the use of the optional limited-slip rear differential.

Hauling capacity

Next, Motortrend put the upgraded payload capacity to the test. They wanted to see how well the truck would perform when hauling a lot of wet, heavy mulch in the bed. The hefty soil occupied the entirety of the truck’s 5-foot-7 cargo box.

In addition to the mulch, the testers also added an extra yard of decomposed granite on top to reach the maximum payload. Even with the added weight, the truck operated smoothly and without any issues. 

Towing power

For the final test, MotorTrend wanted to exercise the Ram’s towing prowess. They attached a 30-foot car trailer to the back of the Ram, which held a 1949 Kurtis Sports Car. This Ram also has an axle ratio of 3.92:1, which made the job very easy.

After this, the truck took two 9-hour trips with no issues, even with a full cab of passengers. Soon after, the truck was used for a camping trip. It could tackle the mountain passes with ease and had no problems storing gear thanks to its large truck bed equipped with RamBoxes. No matter what or how much you need to transport, the Ram 1500 has plenty of room.