2017 Ram 1500: What's Changed

15RAM_1500_Rebel_ES_098 II

By Rick Popely

Most significant changes: The 2017 Ram 1500 Rebel adds several standard features, including Uconnect with the 8.4-inch screen, remote start, a backup camera and rear park assist.

Price change: Varies widely depending on model. The base Tradesman regular-cab two-wheel drive is up $150; the SLT Quad Cab four-wheel drive is $410 less; the Laramie crew-cab short-bed two-wheel drive is up $285; the Longhorn crew-cab long-bed four-wheel drive increases $430; the Rebel two-wheel drive is $1,725 more and the four-wheel-drive version is $1,895 more. The destination charge increases $125 to $1,320.

On sale: Now

Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2016 (slightly less expensive)

The Ram 1500, Fiat Chrysler Automobile's half-ton full-size pickup, receives no blockbuster changes for 2017, though several models add standard equipment.

The Rebel gains the most features, including the Uconnect multimedia system with an 8.4-inch screen, automatic temperature control, limited-slip differential, security alarm, remote start, a premium gauge cluster with a 7-inch center display, a backup camera and rear parking sensors. The price rises accordingly: the two-wheel- drive Rebel increases $1,725 to $46,315 and the four-wheel-drive version is $1,895 more expensive at $48,415 (all prices include destination).

Other models get a handful of new standard features: The Sport adds remote start and an alarm; the Laramie Longhorn adds LED bed lighting, keyless entry with push-button start and rain-sensing wipers; and the Bighorn gets automatic temperature control.

The Ram 1500 lineup encompasses a broad range of choices. It includes regular, Quad Cab (extended cab) and four-door crew-cab body styles. The regular cab is available with a 6.4- or 8-foot bed, the Quad Cab with the 6.4-foot bed and the crew cab with a 5.7- or 6.4-foot bed. Engine choices include a base 3.6-liter gas V-6, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Ram differs from other half-ton pickups with its coil-spring rear suspension (instead of traditional leaf springs) and available four-corner air 2suspension, and it offers several clever and unique features such as the RamBox locking exterior storage and aluminum wheels with color inserts.

In sales, the Ram 1500 runs in a solid third place behind the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It also trailed those trucks in overall performance in our 2016 Texas Truck Showdown and 2015 Light-Duty V-8 Challenge. Even so, with 11 trim levels, the 2017 Ram 1500 offers something that ought to interest just about anyone looking for a capable full-size pickup, from the plain, workhorse Tradesman to the opulent Longhorn and Laramie. Most notably, it's the only half-ton pickup with a diesel engine option.

Cars.com photo by Evan Sears

 

Ram 1500 30 ED QC II

 

Comments

take away,get your ram NOW! prices goin up next year ALOT!!
close to 2 grand increase in the most popular brands

How can RAM keep their price increases low, some models even got cheaper, and yet Toyota jacks up the prices across the board without improving anything. Inflation only effects Toyota I guess.

@Robert Maybe that's why Toyota (as a brand) puts up more profits annually then the big 3 combined.

@two brand- did you miss the part about the added content? The rest of the increases are below inflation.
@Robert- Toyota is selling trucks at production capacity without large incentives. That's why a they did a proper inflation adjustment.

Who would waste money on a Fiat pickup?

Ram offers buyers a selection of drive trains that includes a diesel option, a DOHC V6, and a popular family of V8 engines.

Ram's boulevard ride is the best in the business due to their decision to drop leaf springs a few years ago.

But my favorite reason to like Ram is the deals. In Central Florida where I shop, the Ram dealers have lease offers that are very appealing.

with the possible exception of a GMC Sierra Denali, there is no better looking half ton truck than the Ram. You GM and Ford boys have to admit that when a blacked out Ram is idling next to you at a traffic light you can feel it. It's there.

See ? It can be done. No recalls, no major price increase, just pure joy of the best design, new technology, best capacities and ride.
I couldn't care less about the manufacturers profit, as long, as I get best value for my money.
That's why I drive RAM 1500 4x4 Laramie.

RAM has won countless awards.

2016
Wards – One of 10 Best Engines
2016
FOUR WHEELER Pickup Truck of the Year
2016
Ram 1500 Named Full-Size Pickup Truck Of Texas
2016
Ram 2500—Named Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck Of Texas

We have best in class fuel economy.

We have best in class torque and 31,210 lb towing.

Along with an exceptionally smooth ride.

So what does all of this award winning engineering add up to?

RAM!

America's longest lasting pickups!!!

These are the facts,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOxEQeYv4oA

And nothing but the facts!

RAM!

America's longest lasting pickups!!!

Stay thirsty.

I also saw they are offering the Sport with a V6, I saw one on the lot and noticed right away with no dual exhaust on it.

The Ram is not looking so good right now, just ok.

I'll admit a few years ago, Ram was still looking good, one of the best but now its showing its age quite a bit. I'll also say backup sensors and remote start are nothing new. I'm surprised a truck of this trim level didn't have the sensors standard alrady. And the NHTSA is requiring all vehicles to have backup cameras. It also still has poor crash test ratings and an awful company standing behind their product.

Denali is not bad, but not great either: if ugly mesh chrome grilles are your thing, this is your truck, very plain interior for a top of the line luxury truck with off-center steering wheels. You would think a big square truck would have lots of room inside, but it doesn't. Low ceiling, low car like seating, and not as much rear leg room. Also don't forget the GMC Shake and less than good/poor crash test ratings. The new 2019 GMC/Chevy trucks cannot come soon enough.

I think FCA have done a brilliant job to resurrect the Ram.

I might be in a solid third place in sales numbers, but look at where it came from.

Ram does offer the best full size in comfort and FE. The Hemi is a nice engine as is the 8spd.

I don't think all people want the airy fairy expensive bling like Ford has, especially for the prices Ford charges.

Ram need to concentrate on improving quality and selling a pickup at a good price.

Who cares if Ram is only in third place. Jeep and Ram are the two main vehicles keeping FCA alive.

Where would Ford be without the F Series, especially the highly profitable steel SuperDuties.

GM trucks do have the most front leg room, being 6'8" I notice those things but the seats are small and I agree the ceiling is low, Back seats are also low to the floor with not much leg room, plus what's up with the little head rests? If you get rear ended your backseat passengers will be slamming their heads on the rear glass.

is this a mis-print?

"The destination charge increases $125 to $1,320."

Gas prices are down, so why that much of an increase?

@ jim, you must be thinking of the pre 2011 trucks after that they have huge rear head rests on the two side seats the middle is still a low one. You can see them in the last picture of this article

@ jim, you must be thinking of the pre 2011 trucks after that they have huge rear head rests on the two side seats the middle is still a low one. You can see them in the last picture of this article
Posted by: Evan | Sep 11, 2016 2:31:30 PM


No, Jim is taking about the current GM trucks which headrests are not pictured in this article but in this picture below.

http://st.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/5/2015/11/2016-GMC-Sierra-1500-Denali-4x4-rear-interior-seats.jpg

GM trucks do have the most front leg room, being 6'8" I notice those things but the seats are small and I agree the ceiling is low, Back seats are also low to the floor with not much leg room, plus what's up with the little head rests? If you get rear ended your backseat passengers will be slamming their heads on the rear glass.
Posted by: Jim | Sep 11, 2016 1:34:26 PM

http://static.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/images/Auto/custom/13094/2016_GMC_Sierra_1500_35.jpg


http://static.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/images/Auto/custom/13094/2016_GMC_Sierra_1500_35.jpg

When will the Denali pickup get the “push button start” feature?
agree with Jason, it is simple technology, most auto mfg are moving to this technology. It is a great comfort to know that all you have to do is get in your truck and push a button.

This is a huge factor for me and may even be the deciding factor when I purchase. My current vehicle has this option and I’ve grown accustomed to not worrying about getting my keys out of my pocket to enter or start the vehicle. This is especially so in the winter when I have gloves on or when I have my hands full. I also have a hard time going down in level of accessories.

My next vehicle WILL have heated steering wheel, heated/cooled seats, blue tooth connectivity for hands free everything with my phone, front and rear sensors/cameras and push button start.

When you pay $60k plus for a vehicle, it better damn well have these things. I do enjoy my current vehicle and will wait until the GMC Denali 3500 SRW has all of these features before I buy. I’m really hoping it’s 2017 though. I check weekly to see any updates on the new model.

when will Sierra / Silverado have 2nd row climate control and connectivity features like Ford, Ram, Toyota, Nissan and now Honda

The answer is simple, because for the same price point, the competition offers push button start and the climate control in the rear, as well as many other items. Ford beats GM in every single category including now, safety. Performance, luxury utility, etc. many of us are scratching our heads as to why GM continues to trail Ford.

Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/04/2017-gmc-sierra-denali-1500-changes-updates-new-features/#ixzz4Jyq2G3az


I’m just not certain what GM’s line of thinking is. 2017…still no push button start! No adaptive cruis control on a 50k SLT or 64k Denali! No panoramic moon roof? No a/c through the console or Power ports to the rear seats as you would expect in a 60k vehicle? Ford has it! No console shifter option? Ford has it!

I know, I know, some don’t care about these options, but if I’m gonna trade in my Denali and spend 64k on a 1500 truck, I want to be assured the product is comparable to what I would get with another manufacture.

All of these discrepancies give rise to the fact that despite a considerable refresh, GM is still not out selling the competition. Go figure. The 2017 Denali should have all this and more including an HP increase, but it doesn’t. GM appears to be about 3 years behind the competition in technology upgrades. And I’m not all that concerned with fuel economy as long as it’s in the ballpark of the market. GM, stop being stubborn and put the real luxury in your luxury trucks like Ford does or you’ll continue to trail them in like product sales. Thanks!

Robert took the words out of my mouth. Buying this fall and was waiting and really hoping for push button, adaptive CC, and panoramic roof. In addition to the looks, the engine, and the Bose system those three simple features would have put me in the GM dealership as those are non negotiable features on a premium truck for me. 17′ Platinum with 2nd gen ecoboost and 10 speed it is. Bummer.

Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/04/2017-gmc-sierra-denali-1500-changes-updates-new-features/#ixzz4JyqdVyJ2

Bob
July 13, 2016 at 9:12 am

Frankly, after 30 years with GM I switched to FORD to get the adaptive cruise, push button start as well as numerous other features that are not available on GM trucks. I was dumbfounded that GM did not keep pace with Ford or Ram. I get it but when I am paying $60k for a truck a lot of the options mentioned in this article should be there. GM does not even respond to email regarding the subject including a fuel less gap cap.
Reply

Robert
July 15, 2016 at 3:54 pm

It appears GM thinks they can build it and we will buy it regardless. They do somehow continue to sell a lot of trucks. It’s amazing how short the Silverado comes up when compared to the Ford. GM literally giving market share to Dodge, Toyota and Ford. I think GM is just satisfied being mediocre in the middle of things. It’s also very clear Ford wants the # 1 spot very badly! Nice job Ford!


Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/04/2017-gmc-sierra-denali-1500-changes-updates-new-features/#ixzz4JyqvZiQv

Dave
July 15, 2016 at 11:41 am

done shopping GMC trucks…

going over to the ’17 F150 – Blind Spot, 360 Camera, Adaptive Cruise, Active Park, Pro Trailer back up, 36 gal fuel tank, heated rear seats, rear AC vents, push button start, massaging seats, panoramic roof, etc

bye GM…..
Reply

Bob
July 15, 2016 at 12:53 pm

Dave:
I switched to the F150 for the same reasons. Plus I got a better deal!
Bob
Reply

Robert
July 15, 2016 at 3:47 pm

Let me say that I love GM trucks, but I’m convinced GM thinks I’m an idiot and don’t do my own research before I buy a truck. Ford beats GM in every single category from luxury to utility to safety to performance and the incentives are a little better. It’s time to consider buying a Ford if GM can’t get their act together. 2017 Raptor!
Reply
Robert
July 20, 2016 at 4:32 pm

I went to look at a new Ford F-150 today. Blew my socks off! The full moon roof, keyless start, luxury items throughout that you don’t see on GM trucks. Heated rear seats, AC vents to rear seats, power ports in the rear. Adaptive cruise control, center console shifter. Basically a Cadillac in a truck version. The Ford can out haul, out row, literally out run the GM trucks and that’s with a 6.2. I can’t imagine what ecoboost will do to the underpowered 5.3.
If GM was selling for only 40 or 50k like Dodge, I could see them geting away with such lack of options, but for 60+ they should be eqivielent.

I’ve always preferred a GM truck, but these days GM is just cheaping out on all the little things they put in the Cadillac’s and making out like bandits in profit on the trucks. On the other hand, Ford has introduced the Cadillac concept in trucks and taken it further with the Raptor. Amazing truck!

I will not buy another 60,000 dollar truck that is not superior to other trucks in the market place. Putting you on notice, GM, Ford is looking pretty good these days. Change your ways or lose another truck customer to Ford.
Thanks
Reply
Bob
July 22, 2016 at 5:37 am

Robert:
Totally agree. I bought a Platinum F 150 and had a Denali ordered. Price was higher on the Denali than the F150 which had adaptive cruise, cameras, back up hitch loading as well as push button start. Ford gave me the better price with more options. GMC told me that me that my 2015 GMC SLT fully loaded was worth only 36K. Went to Ford and bought the Platinum F150. I don’t understand GM anymore- particularly when I questioned the features in their trucks. Confused to say the least.

Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/04/2017-gmc-sierra-denali-1500-changes-updates-new-features/#ixzz4JyrZrekM

Robert
August 31, 2016 at 3:08 pm

the masses of GM consumers (or new Ford customers) aren’t concerned so much with the why as much as the what…We want the very best our money can buy. If GM wants me to spend 64K on a half ton truck, the “segment” dictates how the truck should be equipped. It’s called competition. GM trucks are way behind Ford.

I'm not saying Ram makes the best truck, but it's the only truck you can order the lowest or any trim level and get their biggest engine, 3.92 gears, biggest gas tank, and other options you can't get on GM. I had 2 Chevys before I bought a Ram, but I couldn't get 3.73 gears, no optional gas tank, no 6.2 engine, etc. I'm hoping I don't have to build my next truck myself.

I tried to build a 5.0 Supercab Ford on their website the other day and could only get 3.55 gears on the trim level I wanted. The EPA is dictating a lot of this. I should be able to get 4.10s if that's what I want. An 8 or 10 speed tranny doesn't do you much good when it will do a 100 mph in 4 Th gear.

I'm curious to see how these aluminum Ford trucks will hold up. I saw an expedition which obviously had an aluminum trunk hatch as it was corroded it looked like someone pored acid down the back.

I'm curious to see how these aluminum Ford trucks will hold up. I saw an expedition which obviously had an aluminum trunk hatch as it was corroded it looked like someone pored acid down the back.

@jim @frank
Cargo Box Length @ Floor 78.87 In. This doesn't equal 6'8". Nor front leg room

I put my money on a Ram 1500 big horn and I am very happy with it. I have the Hemi and the zf8speed with the 3.92 limited slip rear and this thing moves and when I drive normally I get 17mpg around town and 22 hwy. Not bad for a 400hp engine In a 5000lb truck. I didn't go for Ford, not into turbo engines and Chevy is just asking way too much for what they offer. I have the Nav 8.4 uconnect with the alpine surround system which is the best in the business for features and ease of use. Heated seats and wheel are great when it's cold. This is one of the nicest riding pickup I ever drove, the rear coils make it feel like your driving a SUV. Negotiated price:32,500 with 0% finance through Chrysler...a great deal for a great truck. Ford gm could never match that! Go drive one and you will see how nice the Rams are.

What effect will the spinoff of Cars.com from Tegna Inc. have on PUTC if any?

"I tried to build a 5.0 Supercab Ford on their website the other day and could only get 3.55 gears on the trim level I wanted. The EPA is dictating a lot of this. I should be able to get 4.10s if that's what I want. An 8 or 10 speed tranny doesn't do you much good when it will do a 100 mph in 4 Th gear."

What matters is total gear reduction (and size of tires). A new F150 with a 3.55 rear end and a 4.69 first gear has a reduction ratio of 16.6. My last truck with 4.10 gears only had a 2.5 ratio for first gear for a total ratio of 10.25. So the new setup will get 60% more torque to the wheels from the same engine. Also, higher rear end ratios require a larger ring gear that lowers ground clearance and adds to parasitic drag in the differential. The new trucks have more than enough torque to spin the tires although a creaper gear would be handy for certain applications. For those applications I wish that I could use the 4 Low gear reduction without going into 4wd.

Shorten this to "Fiat Rebel gets some gingerbread." So they round out the Rebel with some already standard features. Nothing wild there. A minor refinement really.

And that's not to be unexpected as Fiat should be working hard on the next gen ram probably due in a year or 2 at the most. Especially with Fiat abandoning small car production in the US.

Good luck with just the big stuff...

Angelo. Jim stated he was 6' 8". I have no idea why you are talking cargo box. smh.

I am just happy that I have a 2014 157wb Lariat with the 6.2 and Max tow that has 3:73 gears. Only 7 k miles. Fixed the the drive away shutter with the white Teflon grease in each slip yoke. Good to go!

Outdoorsman
Discontinued

@zooboo

There are 158,000 Ram trucks on the lots.
That is over 100 days of inventory.
Can't build them fast enough? ROTFLMAO!!
Can't sell them fast enough is the reality.
And Warren is possibly going to be idled. The reason FCA is moving full size trucks is that Warren is outdated and requires too much investment.

RAM Longest Lasting Truck in America!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv61zBZacpo

Clit - fiat/ferrai is abandoned car manufacturing because like other American manufacturers their cars are garage. When they bought Chrysler they bought them for their trucks not to get the rights to build a neon....lol

Alpha/ferrai/fiat know how to build cars and that's what Chrysler will sell. Italian cars and ram trucks.

Alfa

Personal opinion here, the Ram full-sized truck is the best looking of the bunch and offers much of what I would want, if I wanted a full-sized truck. However, it also offers a lot of drawbacks that make it hard for me to consider it even discounting its size.

I think those front-hinged half-doors for the extended cab is the biggest issue and honestly they look ridiculous. They're also extremely limiting when trying to use that extended area for cargo, which would be its primary purpose for me. Ford's 'suicide door' arrangement for access to the extended cab area is much more logical and simplifies loading and unloading the area. Unfortunately, Chevy/GMC has chosen to follow Ram and this could be hurting them.

Road Whale,
my best friend had a first generation of Raptor with anemic 5.4 and with suicide doors and when we were doing a vine tour, it was a very bad impractical pain in the az.
I would never consider a suicide doors . Never. All the time you do some service and you want to get some other tools from the rear , you need to open front doors as well for no reason. RAM rear doors opens 90 degree. No circus about it.

"Road Whale,
my best friend had a first generation of Raptor with anemic 5.4 and with suicide doors and when we were doing a vine tour, it was a very bad impractical pain in the az.
I would never consider a suicide doors . Never. All the time you do some service and you want to get some other tools from the rear , you need to open front doors as well for no reason. RAM rear doors opens 90 degree. No circus about it."

Let's call it a matter of taste, RAM. I've explored the Ram truck and quite honestly can't stand those doors. On the other hand, while you don't like the suicide doors, to me they make access to that area MUCH simpler and before my one neighbor moved out he had one and demonstrated its practicality many times, not knowing I was watching him from my computer desk.

I've also looked at Toyota's and the Colorado's and they, too, prove their practicality as far as I'm concerned, though they both also demonstrated serious drawbacks in how that rear area is equipped--one with a seat-support tray full of open-top compartments eating up the flat floor I need in the Colorado and the Tacoma simply not offering enough track length for the front seats as my wife's long legs get cramped up under the steering wheel with the seat in its farthest-back position (which makes it almost ideal for my 4"-5" shorter legs.) There is much to like about the Tacoma, but front leg room is not one of them.

I wouldn't be using that behind-the-seat space for passengers more than once or twice per year. What I need is the flat floor space out of the weather and lockable for carrying things I want and need secured while still having an open bed for those things I would not want to carry in the interior of any vehicle.

And don't go recommending a trailer because A) my HOA won't permit me to keep one where it would be visible to my neighbors (I don't have a garage and overflow parking is notorious for pilferage and outright theft,) and B) they look ridiculous when the trailer is so often smaller than the bed of the truck pulling it (that includes those 4-door SUVs.) Yes, my Jeep Wrangler can serve the interior storage needs just fine, but I'm wanting to combine two vehicles into one while my wife doesn't want to let go of her Fiat 500 (not that I blame her; the thing's a blast to drive.)

Road Whale,
my best friend had a first generation of Raptor with anemic 5.4 and with suicide doors and when we were doing a vine tour, it was a very bad impractical pain in the az.
I would never consider a suicide doors . Never. All the time you do some service and you want to get some other tools from the rear , you need to open front doors as well for no reason. RAM rear doors opens 90 degree. No circus about it.


Posted by: RAM | Sep 15, 2016 9:46:27 PM

Amen, friend had a Chebby with suicide doors no pillar in the center so they rattle and creak just like the new Ford beer cans cabs. lol

@ Hemi V8.. don't get to excited talking about Ford and their longer lasting "beer can" bodies, MORE of YOUR FIAT vehicles will be next... Read on please!!!
http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/2018-jeep-wrangler-will-have-an-aluminum-hood-and-doors-leaked-memo-says/ar-BBwf2fV?ocid=iehp
Sorry to rain on phrase...

I really like the RAM. Here is why, All trucks have some good features. The RAM has a better ride [coil spring rear], 8 speed automatic, better 6 cyl. engine with more power. more consumer choices, less cost, better warranty and cheaper leasing. Anybody that buys a $50,000 or $60,000 truck is truly nuts. Here is a truly astounding number for you. In the world of Mercedes Benz, only 92% of the new cars are leased. Gee only 92%, why make payments on the resale value ?. Hope you like your new truck. Please remember, the oil barons once got over $4.00 per gallon of gasoline, those days will be back. Did you like paying $100.00 for a tank of fuel ?.

I have used Dodge GMC and ford My friend in the forest service has had to much trouble with ford engine problems and breaking drive trains went to dodge and Toyota have had no problems don't believe what you read ford well not in any way outperform Dodge or toyota.same problems on farm with fords.dodge is a a much stronger truck fords are just not worth the money

When will the ram r/t finally come with 4wheel drive?



The comments to this entry are closed.