Road Test: 2012 Ram 1500 Sport CC 4x4
Story and Photos by Dan Sanchez
At a time when just about every dollar of one’s paycheck is accounted for, people often save money by owning one vehicle that can perform a variety of tasks. This is a reason why truck sales, especially crew cabs, remain high. So it’s comforting to know that trucks like the 2012 Ram 1500 crew cab 4x4 have evolved into a vehicle that can haul cargo to the construction site, pick up the kids from school and tow your trailer to a campsite for a fun weekend adventure.
Despite the rise in luxury truck sales, truck enthusiasts who depend on their vehicles know that gas mileage and tow ratings matter more than leather seats and a wood-grain dash. Nevertheless, our Ram test vehicle was a fully equipped four-wheel-drive Sport crew cab with leather seating, navigation, sunroof and many more options that jacked up the sticker (to dowwnload the Ram 1500 pricing sheet, click here) above $51,000. That’s a whole lot of extras on a truck whose base price is around $40,000 and includes a 5.7-liter Hemi engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and a gas mileage rating of 19 mpg on the highway.
While the base model seems much more reasonable to anyone willing to give up some luxury items, like an $850 power sunroof or a $1,695 rear-seat video system, one of the more useful options is a 3.92:1 rear axle ratio and a limited-slip differential. With a standard payload capacity of 1,500 pounds, the added rear-axle options gave our test truck a towing capacity of 10,200 pounds. This would prove to be a great asset in the off-road conditions we put the truck through.
Although the bright Flame Red truck looked great with its color-matched bumpers, grille and sport performance hood, we got it covered in dirt and dust while traveling over several off-road trails that included deep ruts, river washes and loose terrain.
The Ram’s suspension hasn’t changed in several years, and it still proved to be capable. It uses aluminum A-arms, coil springs and twin-tube shocks in the front with a five-link suspension with coil springs, track bar and twin-tube shocks at the rear. We drove the Ram over a steep hill climb and washed-out trails that put the suspension into its maximum point of articulation. Despite the conditions, the Ram provided a predictable and well-balanced ride. The truck never felt unsteady or incapable of handling anything a stock-height truck could drive over.
The stiffer ladder-style chassis allowed the suspension to fully extend and compress while slowly crawling over deeply rutted areas. The only limiting factor was the P275/60R20 Goodyear Wrangler HP tires that were an option for our test model’s Sport package. The tires were mounted on polished 20-inch aluminum wheels that looked great, but the combination was better suited for high mileage and a smooth highway ride. It may not be enough traction to tread where Jeeps roam, but the Ram can still easily get you to any campsite off the beaten path.
The only other drawback we saw was ground clearance. You can simply never have enough of it, but we didn’t want to go into more rugged terrain and risk scratching the air dam. That in and of itself is not much to complain about, but we were well aware that if the truck were outfitted with a set of all-terrain tires and a 3-inch body lift, it would be dramatically more capable without any other changes. Nevertheless, we realized that the Ram was set up to be a good compromise that also offers comfort, smooth operation and capabilities in other areas, which we experienced on our test drive.
With the Ram’s crew-cab design, there’s plenty of room and storage areas in the doors, center console and under the rear seats. Our test model came equipped with a rear entertainment system that connected to a media center featuring a 40-gigabyte hard drive and GPS navigation. These are nice items to have so you don’t get lost finding that off-road trail off the highway or getting to a new restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. The truck also featured Uconnect, which allows you to make hands-free phone calls via Bluetooth and connects you to assistance when you need it. For daily driving, the interior is more than spacious and comfortable for driving with the family or taking your boss out for lunch.
But some truck owners also use their vehicles for work. In this case, the RamBox Cargo Management System comes in handy. The RamBox safely stores items in the sides of the bed with a lockable, weatherproof lid. The boxes can hold lots of 12-ounce beverages (140 total) for your weekend getaways. That was perfect for our off-road excursion, leaving more room in the cab for passengers and eliminating the chance of an ice chest bouncing around in the bed. The RamBox can also hold work tools, tow straps and other items you may want to keep in the vehicle. We liked that both boxes, and the tailgate, lock with the ignition key. It’s a great feature, especially when used with any aftermarket hard folding tonneau cover to secure tools and other items you may use to transport to and from the job site.
We took our truck on an exciting off-road trip, but we also saw how well it performs with a heavy load in the bed by hauling 1,000 pounds of scrap metal to the local recycling yard. We especially liked how the new 65RFE six-speed gave us access to all six gears when manually shifting with the console shifter, which came in handy with the heavier load.
Our test model had an optional urethane spray-in bed liner that worked exceptionally well; it didn’t leave any dents or scratches from the load. With the extra weight, the truck sank an inch or two but still drove and handled predictably. The Ram looked quite comfortable carrying the hefty load and it didn’t feel overly top-heavy, especially when maneuvering around corners and in stop-and-go traffic. In fact, several workers around the recycling yard gathered around to check out the truck, and they gave us a few thumbs-up. Others liked the tailgate assist that made it effortless to open and close the tailgate when moving the payload.
While the as-tested price gave us (and other truck owners we talked with) a little bit of sticker shock, the Ram 1500 crew cab is definitely a vehicle that proved it could take on mildly difficult off-road terrain, haul heavy loads and keep the family quiet and comfortable in a roomy cab. We also liked that our test truck managed to get 20 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in combined off-road and street driving conditions. But with a moderate base price and lots of options, buyers can outfit the Ram 1500 crew cab to whatever fits their needs and budget.
With a stiff ladder-style chassis, the suspension can fully extend and compress while slowly crawling over deeply rutted areas. Ground clearance is an issue, and although the truck is capable of more rugged terrain, we were not willing to damage the front air dam.
The 5.7-liter Hemi is powerful, making 390 hp and 407 pounds-feet of torque. But it’s also more fuel efficient achieving 20 mpg (unloaded) on the highway during our test, largely due to the modified 65RFE transmission that gives the driver access (through manual shifting only--you'll use only five gears in "D") to all six gears.
Our test vehicle came equipped with P275/60R20 Goodyear Wrangler HP tires and polished 20-inch wheels. The combination is better suited for pavement comfort and traction rather than off-road conditions, but we didn’t hold that against it.
The interior of our truck had all the amenities, including leather seating. This made the ride seem a bit more comfortable, especially with the power 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and six-way adjustable passenger seat. A navigation system and a multimedia center keeps you and the family entertained.
With good looks and rugged capabilities, the 2012 Ram 1500 crew cab can meet the needs of truck enthusiasts who use their vehicles for work and play; it's more than just a four-wheel-drive truck with good off-road capabilities. It also functions well as a daily driver and heavy hauler when needed.
Comments
More proof that GM sucks.
I just saw Morgan Freeman at he market. He thinks GM is a joke and if they ever made a truck half as good as a Ram they would advertise it on the Super Bowl.
He was God in a movie. I would listen to him.
I really like the truck, but hate the price and the tire/wheel combo. Why does Dodge have their 4x4 trucks shod with street treads? There are quite a few modest all terrain tires on the market, like the BFG Rugged Terrain. I also don't understand the 20" wheel. $51K for a truck? That's a lot of money. Better to just buy a truck that is a year or two old, then throw on a suspension system like this:
http://www.koreraceshop.com/new-kore-tactical-series.aspx
@ CRUTCH
Why wouldnt the SPORT model have street tires?
If a you want a smaller rim with the all terrain tires they have the Outdoorsman that has a slight suspension lift from the factory.
It is nice to see a truck exceed the rated mpg for change, and that was with 3.92 gears, i wonder what the truck would of got with 3.55 gears?
@ mark williams
That would be a test i would like to see, three trucks from the same make, same trim, same cab, etc. the only thing that would be differnt would be the rear gear thats available and then run a series of tests. Performance/fuel econmy and see how much differance there is
Here's to Dodge taking down Chevy once and for all in 2012/13!
Best looking truck on the market, hands down. Really starting to like that Ram Box too. Go Ram.
@ CRUTCH
'Why does Dodge have their 4x4 trucks shod with street treads?'
Because it makes sense. The vast majority of trucks sold are used primarily on the street, whether 4x4 or 2wd. 4x4 is used more for foul weather conditions than offroad, at least in the northern States and Canada.
I think people seriously underestimate the affect of 20" wheels on fuel economy. I had a Ram 1500 that came with 17" alloys. I bought factory 20" alloys because they "looked cool" and when I got them I put them on the scales. The wheels alone were 35 lbs. each! OUCH. My fuel economy dropped by 1.5MPG.
With CAFE numbers and fuel economy becoming such a big deal, even to trucks, I'm shocked that virtually all of the Big 3 are slapping 20s on everything they make now.
@MoparMadness,
Dodge doesn't make trucks anymore. So, good luck taking out Chevy.
why do people keep acting like you can't get 17s on the ram? this is a fully loaded truck. hell, did any of you know you can get 17s on the laramie? the 20s are standard on the laramie but you can trade them out for 17s and save some money just like getting a spare tire inflation kit option saves you some money over a spare tire on some cars like the challenger. did yall not read this is a crew cab sport. crew cabs sit lower and sport is for the road. get an outdoorsman regular cab short bed 4x4 3.92 limited slip 9.25 rear end with aluminum 17s and the optional LT 265 70 17s. or just get a power wagon. (a 2500 reg cab long bed 4x4 outdoorsman with a cummins 6 speed and 4.10 gears wouldn't be bad either. btw dodge doesn't offer 20s or 22s on their 2500s on up. and why does ford and chevy offer 18s? what is the purpose for 18s? u either want 17s for off road, or 20s for the street. there is no purpose for 18s or 19s unless you have a car.
20 mpg 400 hp 3.92 gears from dodge. 21 mpg 315 hp 3.08 from chevy. or 16 mpg or whatever it is idk 400hp 3.42 gears from a chevy. 5.3 or 6.2? or just get a 5.7 and get the best of both worlds.
I'm thinking about looking at one one these I was originally going to get an ecoboost Ford, but these Dodge are being advertised for 12K off sticker. More then any Ford dealer doing.
I Love Ram's looks it's the only other truck too mine with big rig like styling. The ladder frame and coil springs should be great offroad as the legendary Land Cruiser uses that setup as well. The 6-speed is still crap too me as I would only do manual shifting if I were towing up a grade and wanted to hold a gear. The Rambox feature is great along with the interior. The Hemi and 3.92 gears that are good for 20mpg hwy makes a great combo.
Dodge doesn't make trucks anymore. So, good luck taking out Chevy.
@GregJ, screw Sergio. Mopar is DODGE period. End of story! I don't care what those goofball Italian's think. I didn't care with the Germans either. Dodge will be back in the hands of Free America soon enough and it's American legacy will be Properly restored. In the meantime, "Ram" will be taking out Chevrolet all day long in 2012/13. Chevy is a freaking joke now. Ford proves that every day, all day long. Dodge (or Ram) just drives the point home.
I have a 2008 Ram 1500 2wd on 20s and I average about 22 on the highway. It's a great truck for the price and you get a lot of standard features that cost a lot extra on the other brands. Great job Dodge. I'm a chevy guy but they haven't come out with anything new and want to charge you a arm and 2 legs for a 6 year old truck.
i really like this truck am getting ready to test drive one, hopefully the fanboys (ram) won't drive me away
I'm a chevy guy but they haven't come out with anything new and want to charge you a arm and 2 legs for a 6 year old truck.
@Cb- I'm a Chevy guy too but I don't think they've built a truck worth owning since that 98 model ended. I'll stick to old Chevy cars and trucks. The new ones are junk compared to what Dodge and Ford are putting out now.
@GregJ, screw Sergio. Mopar is DODGE period.
@Moparmadness, Amen! Without the Dodge Brothers there would be no Chrysler, Mopar, or current Dodge period!! Screw Italy for disrespecting our heritage!! The Viper is a Dodge and so is the Ram!
every one of you that thinks Chevy is a joke, well the jokes on you, to the tune of over 300,000 trucks a yr! and thats just Chevy never mind adding GMC!!! ou can trash talk all you want but the Chevy has 8-10yr technology and is still selling very well, just wait till the new trucks come out, with DI and Turbos and 8spd ect.. lower waight and on an on. You can go ahead and buy whatever you want, and I will not bother you about it, I will only be cridical of the folks that by Import made trucks at a time when our Great Country is hurting with such a trade imbalance, when all the countries that import to us freely would do so as well then I would not be so critiacal.
I will only be cridical of the folks that by Import made trucks at a time when our Great Country is hurting with such a trade imbalance
@Sandman, you mean like those Chevy Silverado's MADE IN MEXICO?? The Heartbeat Of America no longer beats buddy. And the Govt.MoCo. rebadge truck has always been a running joke among non GM nutswingers.
@JimG.
GM has 3 plants that build trucks in the States. Michigan, Indiana and Texas and an emergency plant in Mexico, where only CrewCabs are build if the demand is high. So stop exaggerating about Chevy Silverado's being made in Mexico. Everybody makes trucks/cars in Mexico and have been for a long time and up until now you didn't even care and now you do? Where were you when they were moving production in '80s and '90s to low cost countries?
Another feature I find very useful in the Ram 1500, that I wish the other truck manufacturers would add to their trucks is a 4WD auto setting. This is great to be able to turn on as the weather starts to get nasty out.
Since 4WD auto functions like AWD you don't screw up your drive train like you would driving down the street in 4WD high. I actually wonder why they don't just leave it on 4WD auto by default. The only downside would seem to be a very minor hit in mileage with some added resistance through the transfer case.
Does the Big Horn come with the 4wd auto? I am between a Big Horn and the Sport but last I heard Big horn did not have 4wd auto.
@sandman4X4
"You can go ahead and buy whatever you want, and I will not bother you about it, I will only be cridical of the folks that by Import made trucks at a time when our Great Country is hurting with such a trade imbalance, when all the countries that import to us freely would do so as well then I would not be so critiacal." I never understood that way of thinking it sounds to me like your telling me even though the big 3 did not make the product I wanted I (the little guy) should buy one anyway to bail them (the big companies) out.
Why the heck did they take a ram sport off roading?
They should of picked the outdoorsman for the job.
@ PUTC The outdoorsman has every thing you wanted the sport to have. The ram sport should never leave pavement.
The big three all offer a truck better suited for off road driving.
Just to give you a heads up.
GM has 3 plants that build trucks in the States. Michigan, Indiana and Texas and an emergency plant in Mexico, where only CrewCabs are build if the demand is high. So stop exaggerating about Chevy Silverado's being made in Mexico. Everybody makes trucks/cars in Mexico and have been for a long time and up until now you didn't even care and now you do? Where were you when they were moving production in '80s and '90s to low cost countries?
@GJ, PFFFTTT, As if That's an excuse! GM takes OUR money and continues to build Trucks of all things in Mexico? Trucks are Pure American man. Even Toyota of all companies builds theirs trucks in the USA wiht the most American sourced parts content! Screw GMC. And don't give me that nonsense about overflow and demand. ALL 4 door Chevy trucks (the Highest demand) are built in Mexico! Thanks for giving American jobs away GM. Screw you.
Everybody makes trucks/cars in Mexico
-As if that makes things 'all better'. That's a pretty sorry excuse dude. "Well Dad, everyone else is doing it so I did it too". I'm not real fond of GM these days and I was once a Chevy diehard.
emergency plant in Mexico, where only CrewCabs are build if the demand is high.
@GregoryJ., LOL! "Emergency Plant"? Put down the crackpipe son. They build them all there. I thought Chevy was American as Apple Pie? Good lord.
@sandman4X4
isn't GM the leading car sales in China, WTF isn't this great country the one that bailed them out WTF are they doing in China, why don't they build them here and ship them over
"and an emergency plant in Mexico, where only CrewCabs are build if the demand is high."
I have to disagree on that. The 2012 Silverado Pickuptrucks.com used for their first drive was made in Mexico. The first two trucks with the stickers I pulled up on eBay are made by General Motors De Mexico. What a concidence? There are a lot of Mexico GM crewcabs. It is more than just an "emergency" plant.
Just last February Greg did not even know Silverados were made in Mexico when he stated wrongly that, "Silverado is MADE IN INDIANA, MICHICAN AND TEXAS." in response to Max pointing out that the truck was made in Mexico. Now Greg is try to backpeddle and cover for GM saying they are only built there in emergencies. Yeah, right.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/02/first-drive-2012-chevy-silverado-1500-ltz.html
http://blogs.cars.com/files/silverado-pricing.pdf
http://vi.ebaydesc.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=300712836414&t=0&ds=0&js=-1&ssid=100&seller=hondru_auto_group&category=13487&bv=msie&nv=2&sd=1&caz.html#mainimage
@Ken, KeithSchuler, Ray,
Dude, I don't care where they make them. I am NOT an AMERICAN. I don't care. For what I care they can make them on a South Pole. It's your problem. You let them all move production elsewhere. Your ignorance let that happen, led to it. My truck was made in Mexico. And to be honest with you, I'm kind of happy that it was. At least it's put together right. If you want an opinion of an outsider. Reputation of American well made durable, quality product has gone down to shitter a long time ago. 30-40 years ago everybody wanted stuff that was made in America. Not these days. We try to stay away from it.
Is that what you wanted to hear? You asked for it. Do you feel better now? You want everything to be made on your soil, but you can't even make it right!!!
And I stand by what I said earlier. They make CrewCabs there only. And it's NOT a full time Silverado production facility. They also make there Escalades, Yukons, Suburbans and according to demand, CrewCabs Silveados/Sierras.
Big deal!
Ram makes all of their 2500 and 3500s in Mexico. They were helped in 2008.
Ford makes commercial trucks in Mexico, F-650s and so on.
It must be the end of the world!
"isn't GM the leading car sales in China, WTF isn't this great country the one that bailed them out WTF are they doing in China, why don't they build them here and ship them over"
Dan the Man,
Yes, GM is doing very well in China. Maybe because they appreciate GM there more than in US?
You very well know that it is just impossible to build every car in US and ship it around the world, but you keep writing such idiotic things.
They build them there and sell them there. Just like everybody else.
Isn't some of the ram trucks made in mexico too? All my chevys came from Fort Wayne Indiana maybe cause I am on the east coast?
@ phillyguy GM has offers auto 4WD since 1999. I don't know if ford offers it now or not but their harley davidson trucks are AWD if I remeber right.
"Another feature I find very useful in the Ram 1500, that I wish the other truck manufacturers would add to their trucks is a 4WD auto setting."
Chevy, GMC and Ford already have this.
Yeah some Ram trucks are made in Mexico so this talk smack isn't worth it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Ram
"isn't GM the leading car sales in China, WTF isn't this great country the one that bailed them out WTF are they doing in China, why don't they build them here and ship them over"
Dan the Man,
Yes, GM is doing very well in China. Maybe because they appreciate GM there more than in US?
You very well know that it is just impossible to build every car in US and ship it around the world, but you keep writing such idiotic things.
They build them there and sell them there. Just like everybody else.
Posted by: Gregory J. | May 21, 2012 2:55:44 PM
can't beatem join right, i just hope they put there profits back in this country and repay their debt
RAM IS TAKING OUT FORD AND CHEVY IN 2013
BUTS
GLORY
RAM
It's a nice truck, but to call this a review that has a real offroad testing review is absurd. Did it even require to be put into 4x4? Practically any vehicle could have gone over the terrain in those pics.
Wow...a road test review of a Ram Sport, and some (if not most) of the comments are bashing Chevy.
MoparMadness started it.
LOOK!!! The multimedia center/ control center picture sure as hell looks like a direct copy of GM's interior! Like it was said earlier - if you can't beat-em join-em!!
Cant wait for the 2013 Ram with the 8 speed automatic,better mpg,better performance as the 1st gear goes from a 3.00 to a 4.17 plus 5 more horsepower to 395 !! RAM WINS !!!
"RAM IS TAKING OUT FORD AND CHEVY IN 2013"
Where is RAM taking them to, Dinner and a Movie?
Chrysler is boosting production at the Ram plant in Warren, Michigan,where Ram 1500's are made !!
And with the new 8 spd auto,more powerful Hemi and more powerful 6 cyl anmd best in class fuel mileage,Dodge RAM totally kicks butt !!! Not to mention best looking trucks around by far !!!!
Mr.Joe ,
No they used it from other Chrysler cars years ago..Actually everybody copied Dodge they all have 20" wheels now,most will have duel exhaust as an option in the future,in floor storage plus many other options..oh yeah go back to the 70's GM copied Dodge by having electronic ignition and Chrysler was the first to have a computer !!
Slow news day?
Chyrsler paid off its 6 billion dollar loan from the U.S. at 19.7percent interest 6 years early and still made 183 million in profit.Fiat based dodge dart is being built right here in america saving 300,000 jobs.When fiat took over shares the u.s plant had 200 employes.Now has 45,000 u.s.jobs.Fiat will sell dodge dart built in u.s.to 60 counties.Sergio marchionne says he thinks the world of american workers.Fiat plans to built a Maserati s.u.v here in america and sell it world wide.
I bought a new 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie with 20 inch rims with the same tires that is on the sport in this story. First thing I did was head to a Goodyear dealer and trade them in on some LT275/65R20 DuraTracs. I hate the fact all pickups come with 4 ply street tires! I could have gotten the 17 inch rims on the Laramie but I liked the looks of the 20 inch rims on my Ram better. I love my Ram Laramie. I did look at Ford FX4 with 20 inch rims as well. I would have traded out the pirelli tires on that truck to since they are garbage tires as well! Very prone to cracking on the sidewall. If I mainly drove in the city I would have gone for a less aggressive tire. Most buyers leave the tires that come on their trucks until they need new ones anyways. Which I think is nuts to settle for a sub par tire on a very expensive investment.
Yea I'd say its a slow news day..
All you guys with the dumb GM bashing comments, have you owned one of these ? I have and Dodge isn't a rubber numb on a dragster's rear tire compared to GM products. My 1988 Chevy pulled and hauled more weight (got better fuel mileage too) than my NEW RAM ever thought about.
I haven't owned a new GM in the last couple year, but if Dog Ram can't keep up with my 88 GM product how could it keep pace with anything newer? Hope fully GM hasn't dropped their quality that much ...
@Kirk: sure gotta wonder what 1988 engine Chevy actually put out that (you think) will outpull a Hemi with 3.92 gears? 350 power? Ba ha ha ha ha!!!! Right! I will give you the more weight claim, that's possible, but the rest is just getting deep in here! Yeah, I'd like to see how much your old 305 or 350 has to down shift to make the hill. I also think your brakes are probably pretty sorry, back then they didn't stop so well. Even though they are a much lighter weight. Lets run your truck and mine up some steep hills and see who has to turn the most RPM. Lets run them at 75 MPH and see how noisey the cab is. And while your at it, you and everbody else that wants to compare a modern truck to your old 20 plus year old, see how they don't last in a wreck, while this truck, and even a new GM, will promise less injury. I myself have some old stuff, like a 70 Dart 340, 88 Daytona, 83 W150 Ram. I like them as well, but I realize some of the weight gain in my new 2010 1500 Ram quad is worth alot in safety and wind noise is hardly any compared to my 83 W150 4x4 SINGLE cab, which is 1300 pounds less and has no A/C, no overdrive, and won't stop anything like the new ones. Yeah, once again, even the new Chevys, with their antique brakes. Aint a 80s Chevy to compare with!
@supercliffy: Not all are 4 ply, (which you are calling a 6 ply total a 4 ply) if you want you get 8 ply on an Outdoorsman, 5 ply tread, 3 sidewall. LT 275/70 R17 Good Year AT/S. Ironically, the same tire offered on the F-150 Off Road Package is 5 ply tread, 2 ply sidewall. Yuuuuup! Fx4! While I am not crazy about the traction, the tire can hold some weight. No flats yet.
Josh; yeah you can get 265/70 r 17 (non LT tires) on the Ram, but most dealerships order the 20's Mostly the ST trucks are the only 265 70 trucks on the lot, or the Tradesman. Most don't order just a regular SLT, they think we all want the 20 inch wheels. Ram would do good to bring out more tire options. Like a 33" tire with an AT tire, a sport minded 65 series tire about 31" dia. and some high 30" dia. ones for 4x2 to get better economy.
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