2023 Ram 1500 Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos

What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Ram 1500? What does it compare to?

The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup. Compare it to the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500. 

Is the 2023 Ram 1500 a good truck?

Review continues below

It’s an excellent choice among big pickups. A terrific ride, flexible powertrains, and lots of options make the Ram 1500 a must-shop if you need this much capability. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

What’s new for the 2023 Ram 1500?

The Ram lineup mostly sees small tweaks for 2023, including a new Limited Elite package with a suede-like headliner and some additional bed tie-downs. Higher-end with the Off-Road package can (bizarrely) be optioned up with 22-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tires. And an upsized digital instrument cluster is newly optional. 

Ram also offers a version called the 1500 Classic, which is available in limited trim levels. It’s a continuation of the previous body style, and it makes little sense at this point unless you’re a budget-conscious fleet shopper.

Otherwise, the Ram 1500 lineup retains its three-box shape. You’ll only find four-door versions, including a Quad Cab with short rear doors or a full crew cab that can double as a family-friendly choice. Box lengths vary by trim, but include either a 5-foot-7 or 6-foot-4 option. All versions wear relatively sleek lines with little of the big-rig swagger that defined most of the last 30 years for Ram. Base Tradesman versions have blacked-out trim, but chrome or color-matched bumpers and grilles are widely available. Wheel sizes stretch up to 22 inches in top trims. 

Most Rams use either a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 305 hp or a 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8, both of which include a mild-hybrid system that saves a little fuel and provides even more linear acceleration. A twin-turbo inline-6 will eventually replace the V-8, so consider pushing the pause button if you don’t need to buy today. There’s also a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6, but it’s shockingly expensive even though fuel economy impresses. Topping the lineup is the TRX with its off-road suspension and a supercharged V-8 rated at 702 hp. We don’t have to tell you that it’s downright nuts to drive. All models use a wonderful 8-speed automatic transmission. 

Tow ratings increase with power output, though you’ll want to watch rear differential gearing closely. The Ram 1500 lineup tops out at 12,750 pounds, and the optional air suspension makes hauling a comfortable affair from the cab. 

Fuel economy inches up to 26 mpg combined in the turbodiesel. Popular versions nudge closer to 21 or 22 mpg, which is still good by big pickup standards. The TRX is rated at just 12 mpg combined, if you’re wondering. 

The Ram 1500 excels in terms of comfort, with a well-designed, spacious interior outfitted with comfortable seats all around. Ram also offers plenty of storage features, including bins integrated into the sides of the bed, a tailgate that opens in a conventional or side-hinged fashion with two separate widths, and lots of tie-downs. 

The standard 5.0-inch touchscreen gives way to an 8.4-inch unit on most versions. A vertical 12.0-inch display is optional, though it takes up a lot of real estate on the dash.How much does the 2023 Ram 1500 cost?

The Ram lineup starts just south of $40,000 but can quickly double (and nearly triple) from there.

A well-equipped Ram 1500 Big Horn or Longhorn can check in at around $55,000 with four-wheel drive and a few popular options. 

Where is the 2023 Ram 1500 made?

In Michigan.