2012 Ram 1500

Ram continues to update its bread-and-butter 1500 lineup for the 2012 model year. Ram has created a new entry-level model for 2012 called the Ram Tradesman which offers Hemi V-8 power in a truck with a low price of admission. Other 2012 Ram changes include six new paint colors, a new steering wheel, and the proliferation of the RamBox throughout the lineup - among other things.

The Ram 1500 is all about choice. The 1500 is available with three engine options, two transmissions, two drivetrain configurations, three cab configurations, and three bed lengths. Only available on the Ram 1500 ST in rear-drive with a four-speed automatic, the base engine is a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 215 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Next up is the 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 that produces 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque with either rear or four-wheel drive, and with a six-speed automatic transmission. The top-spec engine (available on all models) is the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that makes 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque.

The Ram 1500 is available as a Regular, Quad, and Crew Cab, with an 8'0", 6'4", or 5'7" bed. Four-wheel drive is available on all models except for the sporty R/T and the V-6 equipped Tradesman.

Body style: Pickup

Engines: 3.6L V-6, 4.7L V-8, 5.7L V-8

Transmissions: 4-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic

Models: Ram 1500 ST, Ram 1500 Tradesman, Ram 1500 Express, Ram 1500 SLT, Ram 1500 Outdoorsman, Ram 1500 R/T, Ram 1500 Lone Star, Ram 1500 Big Horn, Ram 1500 Sport, Ram 1500 Laramie, Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn

Ram has included many new changes into the 2012 1500 lineup. The entry-level Tradesman trim is all-new this year and offers the power of the 1500's 5.7-liter V-8 in a package aimed at those who need no more than a work truck. Also new is the Ram 1500 Mossy Oak Edition which features camouflaged trim, and the expansion of the Ram Express model to include Crew and Quad Cab configurations. Ram is also expanding the availability of its clever RamBox cargo system so that all Quad and Crew, and short bed Regular Cabs can have the system, and offering a factory-applied spray-in bed liner on all models. There are also six new colors for 2012: Black Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red, Deep Molten Red, Sagebrush, True Blue Pearl, and Tequila Sunrise.

The Ram 1500 is your typical pickup truck: aggressively styled and available with countless bed and cab configurations. The Ram 1500 is available in three cab configurations - Regular, Crew and Quad Cab - and three bed lengths - 5'7", 6'4", and 8'0". The new for 2012 1500 Mossy Oak Edition is distinguished outside by Mossy Oak Badging and a camouflage applique on the tail gate. Ram will be offering six new colors on the 1500 for 2012: Black Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red, Deep Molten Red, Sagebrush, True Blue Pearl, and Tequila Sunrise.

The Ram 1500's interior varies from stripped in base ST trim, to over-the-top as the top-of-the-line Laramie Longhorn model. The Laramie Longhorn features a Texas-themed interior brushed aluminum trim, fake barbed wire accents, and belt buckles on the seat-back pockets. The Ram's interior also features many storage locations like in-floor storage bins in front of the second row of seating, a large center console and a second glove box -- not to mention the available RamBox storage along the pickup bed's side rails.

The 2012 Ram 1500 is available with three engine options, two transmission options, and two drivetrain configurations. The Ram 1500's base engine is a 3.7-liter 215-hp and 235 lb-ft V-6 bolted to a four-speed automatic transmission. One level up is a 4.7-liter V-8 that produces 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The top-spec engine is a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that makes 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque. Both V-8s are hooked up to a six-speed automatic and available with four-wheel drive. The Hemi V-8 is available on every model throughout the lineup while the 4.7-liter V-8 is only available on the ST and SLT, and the V-6 is only available in rear-drive on the base ST.

As expected in a modern pickup, the 2012 Ram 1500 comes loaded with safety features. All 2012 1500s come standard including front driver and passenger airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags. 2012 1500s also get standard traction control, electronic stability control, and Trailer-sway Control. Rear Park Assist and Rear Back Up Camera are both available 2012 Ram 1500 options.

1500 ST: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (V-6); 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (4.7L V-8, RWD); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (4.7L V-8, 4WD); 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 Tradesman: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 Express: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 SLT: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (4.7L V-8, RWD); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (4.7L V-8, 4WD); 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 Outdoorsman: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (4.7L V-8, RWD); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (4.7L V-8, 4WD); 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 R/T: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD)

1500 Lone Star: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 Big Horn: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 Sport: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 Laramie: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

1500 Laramie Longhorn: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, RWD); 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.7L V-8, 4WD)

• Bold exterior styling

• Plethora of trim levels, bed lengths, and other options

• Questionable taste in Laramie Longhorn's interior

• Dated, underpowered V-6 powertrain

The Hemi V-8 is still a winner, but the V-6 powertrain needs an upgrade

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