|
Acceleration
"For regular-cab and Quad Cab models, V6 labors under heavy load, when passing,
or climbing hills. The 4.7 V8 has adequate power, but the 5.7 Hemi is the best
choice for heavy hauling or towing. Mega Cabs more than 1100 lb heavier than
comparable Quad Cabs, move quickly from a stop but lack reserve punch for merging
or passing. Hemi's Multi-Displacement System undetectable in use, doesn't affect
power output. Test 4WD 5.7 Quad Cab did 9.5 sec 0-60 mph. SRT10 has abundant
power. Ram's maximum towing capacity is 3750 lb with V6, 7650 with 4.7 V8, 9100
with 5.7."
Value
"Ram's ""big-rig"" styling shouts for attention, but its performance, comfort,
and solidity are what make it a Recommended choice. There are body styles and
equipment to meet most every need, plus the praiseworthy availability of head-protecting
curtain side airbags and AWD. Ram's SRT10 version is the hot rod-pickup performance
leader."
Ride
"No large pickup rides smoothly, but Ram is competitive in class. Optional 20-inch
wheels add some harshness over bumps, which produce less jiggle than most pickups
thanks to Ram's '06 frame and suspension revisions. SRT10's 22-inch wheels make
ride uncomfortably busy, with abrupt vertical motions on even slightly rippled
surfaces."
Economy
"With 4.7 V8, test 4WD automatic-transmission Quad Cabs averaged 12.6 mpg, test
2WD 5-speed manual-transmission regular cab 14.1. No opportunity yet to measure
fuel economy of Mega Cab or Hemi with Multi-Displacement System. Expect overworked
V6 to average around 15 mpg. Test SRT10 regular cab averaged a dismal 9.2 mpg;
SRT10 Quad Cab managed 11.3 mpg with more highway use. Dodge recommends 91 octane
for the V10, 89 octane for the 5.7 V8, regular-grade fuel for the others."
Noise
"Modest highway wind and tire noise make Ram impressively hushed for a truck.
But V6 raucous when worked hard, which it often needs to be. The 5.7 V8 roars
loudly under acceleration and is noticed even at cruise. The 4.7 is quieter under
most conditions. Wind and tire noise barely audible above rumbling V10 in SRT10."
Comfort - Front
"Spacious even for big adults, though the lankiest may want more seat travel
in regular cabs. Center floor hump eats into passenger foot room. Seat too flat
for ideal support. SRT10's bucket-type seats add side bolstering to keep occupants
from sliding around in fast turns. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and
help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from steering-wheel airbag. Doors are
heavy, and 4x4s have extremely high step-in. High nose hides view of nearby objects,
hampering sense of control in tight spaces. "
Comfort - Rear
"Quad Cab has good head room and comfortably reclined backrest, but can cramp
legs with front seats more than halfway back, and narrow door openings hamper
entry/exit. No such problems in Mega Cab, which offers vast leg room, large doorways,
and a reclining split seatback. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump
limits center rider's foot space."
Controls
"Revised dashboard puts most audio, climate controls close at hand. Screen on
navigation radio larger, more useful for '06. Cabin materials quality competitive
with domestic rivals. SRT10 has gauges and styling touches that add to performance
feel. Test models rattle-free."
Cargo Room
"Generous storage behind regular-cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray
is handy. Quad Cab rear-seat cushion folds to expose storage bins or clever available
fold-out steel load floor. Mega Cab similar, but seat can slide forward to increase
already good space behind it. Lots of driver-accessible storage bins."
|
