Dodge: Ram 1500 Wins Motor Trend’s Pickup Competition
By Mike Garcia
America loves their trucks, so what better than to have a competition between the best three? The Dodge Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ford F150 were chosen for competition.
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Specific elements were used for testing.
- Standard testing (without load): 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip.
- Limit handling (without load): closed-course cornering, braking and acceleration.
- Tow testing with 7,000 pound trailer
- Payload testing with 1,000 pounds
- Fuel economy testing
These were determined to make for the best all-around use of the truck. These trucks were tested over 260 miles between eastern California and western Arizona.
With the votes cast, the Ram 1500 surfaced as the winner of Motor Trend’s 2015 half-ton pickup shootout. The judges were particularly impressed with the performance of the Ram 1500’s EcoDiesel V-6 engine as well as its eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a combination that boasts best-in-class 28 mpg fuel economy.
"“This is a strong third-party testimonial of Ram’s place in the market and contributes to the justification of long hours and hard work to deliver the best trucks available,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand. “Just five years after becoming its own brand Ram Truck has nearly doubled its market share and earned best-in-class titles in fuel economy, torque, payload and towing."
Motor Trend’s Real MPG testing proved V-6 turbo nor V-8 gas-powered engines can match the EcoDiesel’s efficiency. Judges observed fuel economy of 22 mpg during 1,000-pound loaded testing over 260 miles.Motor Trend’s Real MPG testing last year returned frugal stats: 19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined for the Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4×4 with a 3.92 rear axle and an even more notable 18/28/22 for the Lone Star Crew Cab 4×2 with a 3.55 rear axle.
“In the end, the Ram EcoDiesel’s excellent ride quality both loaded and empty, torquey engine, smooth and intelligent transmission, ease in towing, comfortable and refined interior, and best-in-test fuel economy proved the winning combination.” Scott Evans, Associate Editor — Motor Trend Magazine.
It’s tough to find one truck that can do it all. Usually, one way or another, some compromise has to be made. Dodge, in the end, made a quality product, one that won over the best-selling vehicle in America, the Ford F-150.
This time, it’s Dodge’s time to gain some ground in the pick up segment.