Specifications of RAM 1500 3.6 Pentastar V6 eTorque (305 HP) Automatic

General characteristics of RAM 1500 3.6 Pentastar V6 eTorque (305 HP) Automatic

In true full-size truck fashion, the Ram 1500 varies greatly depending on your chosen configuration, with three wheelbases available to choose from. A 140.5-inch wheelbase measurement accompanies the Quad Cab models with an overall length of 228.9 inches, while on Crew Cab derivatives you choose either a 144.6-inch wheelbase with the short box or a 153.5-inch wheelbase with the long box. Overall length on the Crew Cabs stands at 232.9 inches and 241.8 inches respectively. As for box sizes, there are two available options. A 5'7" box is only available on Crew Cab derivatives, while optional here and standard on the Quad Cabs is a 6'4". Some dimensions remain the same across the lineup, such as the 82.1-inch width, although heights vary by trim and suspension setup, ranging from 75.9 inches to 79.6 when equipped with air suspension in off-road mode. In this form, you also get the best off-road measurements, with approach and departure angles of 23.3 and 27.2 inches respectively as well as a healthy 10.8 inches of ground clearance without the presence of a skid plate.

While many of these dimensions are typical of the modern full-size truck, the Ram 1500 dwarfs rivals when it comes to curb weights, ranging from 4,805 lbs in its lightest configuration to 5,448 lbs in its heaviest form.

Four powertrain choices lie in wait for 1500 shoppers, with all trims packing a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild hybrid technology as the base engine. This base motor churns out 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, but the real hero is the 9 kW electric motor that adds an additional 90 lb-ft of torque down low to get things moving. For those who need more power, you can up the ante by forgoing the V6 in favor of a HEMI V8 measuring 5.7 liters in displacement and producing 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. All trims - with the exception of the HFE (High Fuel Economy) - get access to additional engine choices, with the V8 able to be supplemented by an eTorque motor adding a further 130 lb-ft of launch torque down low, while the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine is even more of an attractive proposition for 2020 thanks to some fine-tuning that sees 8% and 14% increases in power and torque respectively, now producing 260 hp and 480 lb-ft - the highest number of any half-ton diesel truck. Regardless of engine choice, an eight-speed automatic gearbox manages gears.

The last time we tested a 2019 Ram 1500, it was powered by the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 without the electrical assist. We were enamored with the HEMI's grunt and fabulous exhaust note but the cost for this herculean power plant was a poor 13 mpg combined rating during a week of driving. For comparison, we managed to achieve 21 mpg with the EcoDiesel equipped with 4WD. As a sacrifice for this efficiency, the EcoDiesel doesn't offer the same aggressive sound as the V8 nor does it pin you back in your seat when the throttle is mashed. Instead, it offers smooth and effortless passing power without the pantomime. We were shocked by how quiet and refined this new Gen 3 EcoDiesel was under normal conditions. With the radio turned to a medium volume, we could barely hear the engine at all. Aside from some occasional jerkiness from the eight-speed transmission when maneuvering down a tight parking lot, the Ram's drivetrain is pretty much flawless.

The benefits of diesel are hard to ignore when hauling heavy loads, as in addition to the mountains of torque, the oil-burning engine produces the 1500's best gas mileage estimates of 22/32/26 mpg in 2WD guise and 21/29/24 mpg with 4WD city/highway/combined. The base 3.6-liter V6 follows closely behind - albeit without the same towing ability - achieving 20/26/23 mpg in 2WD-only HFE form and dropping to combined figures of 22 and 21 mpg in 2WD and 4WD applications respectively. The big V8 is naturally the thirstiest powertrain of the lot, with best claimed figures of 17/23/19 mpg in 2WD form with the eTorque motor, while in its worst, non-hybrid 4WD configuration you'll see claimed figures of 15/21/17 mpg. Fortunately, with such varied figures, Ram also makes multiple fuel tank sizes available, with a 26-gallon tank doing standard duty while a 33-gallon item is an option for increased range.

With the 33-gallon tank and a 2WD configuration, Ram says you will be able to drive more than 1,000 miles on a tank. That would get you from Disney World to Houston, Texas. In our week of testing, we averaged 21-mpg combined. While not at all in the same competitive class, we'd just like to point out that these figures exceed the fuel economy we observed in much smaller vehicles like the Lexus RX (which uses a V6) and the Acura RDX (which uses a turbocharged four-cylinder).

The two cargo box sizes available for the Ram 1500 ensure ample levels of versatility, with the 5'7" short box measuring 67.4 inches long, 51 inches wide between the wheel horses, 21.4 inches deep, and 66.4 inches wide at its widest point. It's host to 53.9 cubic feet of cargo space and, depending on configuration, can haul payloads of up to 2,000 lbs. The 6'4" box, standard on Quad Cab derivatives and optional on the Crew Cabs, shares many of the same dimensions, but with a length of 76.3 inches, it sees an increase in capacity to 61.5 cubic feet with maximum payload figures rising to 2,300 lbs. The 1500 is a master of versatility though, with available options including the multi-function tailgate that can either fold down or split in the middle for a double swing-door effect, as well as the innovative RamBox Cargo Management System, which equips the bodywork with lockable, well-lit, drainable storage boxes.

Interior storage is equally as versatile, with large cubbies and cup holders throughout the cabin, while if you specify seating for five, the center console comes equipped with a gargantuan storage bin beneath the armrest. Seriously, you could fit a medium duffel bag in there. The rear seats can be equipped to fold up, while Crew Cab models get in-floor storage bins as standard in the second row.