2020 Ram 1500 Specs: A Workhorse with the Right Blend of Luxury

Larry P
Feb 26, 2021

Red 2020 Ram 1500 From Front-Driver Side

If only a full-size pickup will do, the 2020 Ram 1500 should be at the top of your truck-buying list. By comparison, only Ram trucks get it right when combining superior capability with luxury, and the 2020 1500 is certainly no exception. Among its many qualities, a few stand out.

Here are some of the 2020 Ram 1500s most prominent features:

  • High-quality interior on all trims
  • Spacious cabins offer quiet, smooth rides
  • Standard 305 horsepower 3.6L V6 with turbocharged and V8 options
  • Versatile and competitively capable

There is no doubt the 2020 Ram 1500 is a workhorse — despite toning down its “big rig” style from previous generations. This full-size has a lot to offer, so thankfully this article will cover many of this award-winning truck’s features, available technologies and capabilities.

A Workhorse with the Right Blend of Luxury

As one of the most iconic pickups ever built, the award-winning Ram 1500 continues to break down barriers with its new designs and class-leading capability. There aren’t many vehicles available today that truly deliver a unique blend of style, luxury and raw power. The Ram 1500, on the other hand, is definitely an exception.

Many drivers think of the Ram 1500 as the luxury car of pickup trucks. From the base model Tradesman to the high-end Laramie, each Ram 1500 offers its own distinct blend of interior quality. A suite of creature comforts on the higher trims make this workhorse feel even more like a luxury vehicle.

As for the 2020 1500, the popular Night Edition returns for the Laramie and Big Horn trims, and the offroading powerhouse Rebek trim now offers an extensive comfort package, which includes heated-rear seats, a power tailgate release and an advanced driver-assistance technology package.

A Reworked Engine Delivers More Power

Although the base 3.6L V6 would be easy to overlook, Ram decided to “rework” the engine and give it a little extra oomph. The engine now delivers 305 horsepower with 269 lb-ft. when paired with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Ram fitted this reworked engine with a belt-driven generator powered by a lithium-ion battery giving the engine an extra 90 lb-ft. The additional power smoothed out the engine’s response on acceleration and now delivers an estimated combined 23 mpg.

Ram also made significant improvements to the optional EcoDiesel V-6. By adding a more dynamic turbocharger and improving cylinder-head breathing, this engine now produces a class-leading 260-horsepower and 480 foot-pounds of torque.

The 2020 Ram 1500 still offers two high-performance V8s, including a 5.7L Hemi V8, and the coil springs on the rear suspension give you an exceptional driving experience.

The air suspension found on some models enhances the 1500’s off-road capabilities and fuel-efficiency. Both suspension setups are far superior to the competitor’s traditional leaf-spring suspensions.

Ram’s 12,750 pounds of maximum towing capacity is more than all of its competitors except for the Ford F-150. The crew cabs don’t have as much towing capacity as the quad cabs, but it still gives you a respectable 11,500 pounds or more of towing capability with a payload capacity of up to 2,320 pounds.

Other 2020 Ram 1500 Notable Features

With its class-leading interior/exterior storing capacity, the 2020 Ram outshines its competitors. An extra-large center console, several hidden storage compartments, and cubby holes offer more than enough room for your goodies and gadgets.

An important distinction many large-truck owners overlook is the ability to see clearly over the hoods. Most of the 1500’s competitors feature monstrous hoods, but the 2020 Ram 1500’s hood design makes it easy to see over, so you’re not restricting your vision.

The 2020 Ram 1500’s infotainment system options remain at the top-of-the-class. All trims (except for the base Tradesman) feature a responsive and user-friendly 8.4-inch touchscreen. A large 12.0-inch touchscreen offers hard buttons and physical knobs if you’re not comfortable using the touchscreen.

Ram 1500 Pros and Cons

Before you plunk down your hard-earned money for a 2020 Ram 1500, take a look at some of the pros and cons of this popular full-size ride (even the best trucks have a couple of hiccups).

Pros:

  • “The air suspension gives the truck a luxury car feel, and adding the 22-inch wheels made it feel more like a heavy-duty pickup.”
  • “Quick, comfortable, reliable, stable. This truck’s power, fit, finish and quality is outstanding.”
  • “As a loyal Chevy owner, I was looking for a new Trail Boss. Took the Ram 1500 Rebel for a test drive and it didn’t leave my hand again. An awesome truck!”

Cons:

  • “Not as fuel-efficient as other large-truck models.”
  • “I should’ve bought it sooner.”
  • “It doesn’t feel like a truck on the inside with all the luxury features.”

Is the 2020 Ram 1500 the Truck for You?

If you’re certain you want a large pickup that offers a truly unique blend of luxury and capability, you probably won’t go wrong by choosing a 2020 Ram 1500. However, you still want to check the Vehicle History on any new or preowned car or truck you buy, including the highly reliable and extremely popular Ram 1500.

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