The 2020 Pickup Truck of the Year: the RAM Heavy Duty
The 2020 Pickup Truck of the Year: the RAM Heavy Duty
Posted on December 15, 2019
Unmatched performance, capability, and style earned the RAM line of heavy-duty pickups MotorTrend's "Truck of the Year" award for the second consecutive year in 2019. MotorTrend Editor-in-Chief Edward Loh stated when handing out the honor, "Engineered for work and play, RAM 2500 and 3500 reward true truckers with unflappable powertrains, sumptuous, high-tech interiors and a range of thoughtful utility features. Congratulations to Ram for back-to-back Truck of the Year wins." So what is it that makes the new RAM HD line stand out? Here's a look.
Models and Trims
RAM makes two HD models - 2500 and 3500 - as well as eight trims - Tradesman, Big Horn, Big Horn Sport, Power Wagon (2500 models only), Laramie, Laramie Sport, Laramie LongHorn, and Limited. Pricing ranges from $44,745 for the base Tradesman 2500, up to $75,545 for the Limited 3500 model. All in all, there's pretty much a RAM out there for every job, and budget, big or small..
Rugged and Ready
Every new RAM HD comes with a class V hitch receiver featuring a four, as well as a seven-pin wiring harness, heavy-duty engine cooling, and an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case (excluding 2x4 drivetrains). Engine choices across the line include a 6.4L HEMI V-8 with FuelSaver MDS, a 6.7L Cummins I-6 turbocharged diesel engine, and a 6.7L Cummins I-6 HO turbocharged diesel. The HEMI V-8 gets paired with a 6-speed AISIN heavy-duty automatic transmission, while a six or eight-speed automatic comes matched up to the two I-6 engines, respectively. All HD models also come in 2x4 and 4x4 drivetrains.
Perfect For a Night On the Town
The new RAM line may be rough and rugged on the outside, but a plush cabin, top-notch infotainment system, and exceptional ride quality make it perfect for a night on the town, as well. Standard or available creature comforts on the new RAM include tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Keyless Go (push-button start), one-touch up/down driver's and front passenger's windows, and Electronic Range Select come standard on every new RAM HD truck. The RAMS Uconnect 4C multimedia centre features an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, a media hub with two USB ports and an auxiliary audio input jack, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming.
Exceptionally Safe
Every 2020 RAM comes with advanced multistage front driver and passenger-side airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, power-assisted 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake override, and trailer sway damping. A ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera featuring dynamic grid and centre lines also comes standard, regardless of trim or model. The Advanced Safety Group Package includes Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, which makes getting in and out of tight spaces a breeze. Other notable driver-assist technologies found on the RAM HD line include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path alert, electronic trailer-brake control, auto high-beam headlamps, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
With such a wide range of models and trims, along with so many great features, it's no wonder the RAM HD earned MotorTrend's "Truck of the Year" award for two years in a row.