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While loyal Hemi engine owners were able to convince parent company Stellantis to keep its throaty 5.7-liter V8 for a time, the new twin turbo powerhouse has proven to be quicker and more economical.
Our top-of-the-line RAM 1500 Tungsten Crew Cab was outfitted with the new 3.0-liter Hurricane high output inline-six cylinder mated with a smooth shifting eight-speed tranny
The posh Tungsten is a full-size pickup featuring a 540-horsepower engine with 520 pounds per foot of torque in its High Output version. A Standard Output makes 420 ponies and 469 pounds per foot of torque -- take your pick.
The zero to 60 miles-per-hour time from a dead stop at our independent test track was a disappointing 6.6 seconds for the Hemi compared with our Hurricane's 4.3 seconds. The Standard Output is reported to complete the same test in 4.9 seconds.
There are 10 trim levels to choose from this year starting with the base Tradesman in the low $40s. From there, select from Express or Big Horn pavement dwellers.
Off-road and performance trims include the Warlock, Robel, RHO, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited and Tungsten approaching six figures.
Our Tungsten trim tester was decked out with high-end luxury appointments including available power running boards for easy entry and exit, front and rear seats quilted leather seating, 20-way power front seat adjustments, heated, ventilated and massaging treatment with reclining rear seats for added comfort.
Available larger digital screens include a private passenger side HDMI-equipped screen to entertain while watching your favorite movies or game challenges. Our tester also included a 23-speaker Klipsch premium sound system for the audiophile amongst us.
For its large size, the RAM delivers a smooth, quiet and compliant ride with effortless acceleration. Its air suspension does an excellent job of absorbing pavement imperfections while keeping cabin noise to a minimum.
Rear seat space is class leading with 45 inches of leg and head room, exceeding that offered in premium SUVs.
On or off road, the RAM's ground clearance handles anything you can throw at it. So, you can take the expensive Tungsten off road if the need arises or take the family on a lengthy road trip with massive cabin space, a smooth ride thanks to its four-corner air suspension system and 22-inch all-season tires.
A $1,345 off-road package in our tester included a full-size spare tire, front and rear heavy duty shock absorbers, electronic locking rear axle, skid plates, raised ride height and steel standard hood.
It'll rival your favorite easy chair while cornering with ease defying its 5,900-pound weight. With large windows all around, visibility is good although due to its height, nearby objects can be blocked.
Numerous drive assist items are included in the Tungsten trim including adaptive cruise control, lane management, blind spot and cross path detection, pedestrian emergency braking, active noise-control system, Class IV receiver-hitch and 33-gallon fuel tank.
Consider test drives in the new RAM along with rivals' Ford F-150 Platinum, Toyota Tundra Capstone, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country and GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate.
(Contact independent automotive columnist Len Ingrassia at editor@ptd.net)
2026 RAM 1500 Tungsten Crew Cab 4×4
ENGINE: 3.0-liter Hurricane, twin turbo, inline six-cylinder, 540 horsepower
MSRP/AS TESTED: $88,800/$93,875
EPA MILEAGE: 15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
ASSEMBLED: Sterling Heights, Michigan; Canadian parts content -- 55%. Major source of foreign parts -- Mexico -- 39%; engine -- Mexico; and transmission -- U.S.
CRASH TEST RATINGS: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the Ram 1500 Tungsten with four stars out of a possible five for overall safety, four stars for frontal crash protection, five stars for side crash safety and four stars for rollover protection. In partial testing, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, awarded the RAM 1500 "Good" ratings, its highest, in small overlap front and pedestrian front crash protection and Marginal to Good in moderate overlap protection.
WARRANTY: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper to bumper; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain. No complimentary maintenance.