2010 Dodge Ram 1500

The 2010 Ram 1500 is Chrysler's mainstay full-size pickup. Fully redesigned for 2009, the Ram was recently converted into its own brand -- previous Rams were Dodge models. The Ram is easily the most aggressive-looking quarter-ton truck on the road.

Available with a Hemi V-8 and featuring one of the best interiors Chrysler offers, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,450 pounds and haul a load just shy of a full ton, 1900 pounds to be exact. In addition, the Ram's coil-spring rear suspension improves ride quality and reduces rear-end freeway hop when driving around with an unloaded bed, making the Ram perhaps the best truck on the market when it comes to hauling nothing but air.

Like any proper full-size truck, the Ram can be had with an 8-foot bed in regular cab configuration. A 6-foot, 4-inch bed is standard on regular and quad cab models, shrinking to 5-feet, 7-inches long on roomy crew cabs. As is standard practice in the segment, all cab and bed choices are available with a choice of rear or four-wheel drive.

Bodystyles: TruckEngines: 3.7L V-6, 4.7L V-8, 5.7L v-8Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic Models: ST Regular Cab, ST Quad Cab, ST Crew Cab, SLT Regular Cab, SLT Quad Cab, SLT Crew Cab, TRX Regular Cab, TRX Quad Cab, TRX Crew Cab, Sport

The 2010 Ram 1500s receive several features not available on 2009 models. Added options include an integrated trailer-brake controller, folding and power trailer-tow mirrors, electro-chromic mirrors, and iPod control with a glove-box connection. Long-wheelbase models fitted with the 5.7-liter Hemi and a 3.92 rear-axle ratio get their GVWR increased to 15,500 pounds and all models get a deceleration fuel-cutoff feature to improve fuel economy.

Even in base ST trim, the Ram looks brawny and almost downright mean. Big Horn and Laramie models get coated in chrome and can be had with chromed 20-inch wheels. Other models get 17s.

Ram Crew and Quad Cabs can seat up to six, the latter with a generous 40.3-inches of leg room for rear-seat passengers. A booming 506-watt, 10-speaker stereo is offered, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

While the Ram's 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the headline-grabber -- with 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque to work with why wouldn't it be -- the smaller 4.7-liter V-8 and its 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet can get the job done as well. The underpowered 210 horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 will struggle, however. Both V-8s get a 5-speed auto, the V-6 a 4-speed.

Ram 1500s come standard with dual front airbags and side curtain airbags. Stability control with hill-start assist, brake assist, and trailer sway control is standard. A back-up sensor system and a rear-view camera are optional equipment.

3.7L: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway4.7L RWD: 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway4.7L 4WD: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway5.7L RWD: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway5.7L 4WD: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway

• Aggressive styling
• Smooth ride
• Roomy cab

• Underpowered V-6
• Dated nav system

Brawny, inside and out

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