2023 RAM 2500 vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 RAM 1500 presented a robust and stylish appearance, available in both quad cab and crew cab configurations. The crew cab offered a choice between a 6-foot, 4-inch bed and a 5-foot, 7-inch bed, as seen in the Limited trim model reviewed. This trim was near the top of the eight available levels, which included Tradesman, Big Horn, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. The Limited trim featured a $3,895 Night Edition package, which replaced the usual chrome with a stealthier look, complemented by 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the Limited trim was luxurious, with leather upholstery, contrasting stitching, and open-pore wood on the dash. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen added a unique touch to the interior, alongside practical features like chunky volume controls and a Ram logo on the dash.

In contrast, the 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel shared a similar aggressive appearance to the Power Wagon but with a cleaner design, featuring an aluminum sport hood and 20-inch wheels. The Rebel came with a Rebel-specific grille and a crew-cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. It offered a standard 6.4-litre V8 engine, with an optional 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel inline-six. The base price was set at $79,195, with additional packages like the Safety Group and Towing Tech Group available. The interior of the Rebel was luxurious, with quality materials and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The 2500 Rebel also benefited from new features for 2023, such as a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and enhanced towing capabilities, making it a versatile and capable choice for heavy-duty needs.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel engine. The TRX trim featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine. The eTorque system provided up to 130 lb-ft of supplemental torque, enhancing fuel economy and performance. The V8 engine delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 1500 had a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kilograms and a payload capacity of 1,043 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The truck's ride was smooth, thanks to a coilover setup and available air suspension. The 14.9-inch brake rotors provided confident stopping power, and the steering was accurate with a quick ratio.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel came standard with a 6.4-litre V8 engine producing 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. An optional 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel engine offered 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 engine provided a maximum towing capacity of 7,652 kilograms and a payload capacity of 1,455 kilograms. The Cummins engine was more fuel-efficient, with observed fuel consumption of 12.3 L/100 km on highways. The Rebel featured a robust frame, 20-inch wheels with 33-inch off-road tires, and a sophisticated five-link rear suspension. It was capable off-road, with a locking rear differential, skid plates, and a rear air suspension option.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered ample interior storage, with numerous cubbies and a two-tiered centre console. The front seats were heated and cooled, with eight-way adjustability, and power-adjustable pedals were standard on the Limited trim. The crew cab provided generous rear legroom of 1,148 millimetres, with reclining rear seats and a flat floor for easy cargo loading. The multifunction tailgate could open in a 60/40 split or traditionally, and the optional air suspension lowered the tailgate height to 83.3 cm. The RamBox storage system offered secure, lockable storage in the rear quarter panel.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some effort to enter and exit, with large handles on the roof pillars for assistance. The interior featured premium Natura Plus leather and bucket seats, with heated and ventilated options. The Mega Cab back seat was spacious, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. The truck offered ample storage, with hidden dashboard compartments and various bins. Cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner, LED lighting, and a deployable step for easier access. The available RamBox storage bins provided secure, lockable storage.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured a new 12-inch gauge cluster, though it was not available on the test model. The truck offered a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, capable of running two functions simultaneously. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though there was some lag with Apple CarPlay. The optional Equipment Group 1 added a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The truck had multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and power outlets for device charging.

The 2023 RAM 2500 introduced a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, with gauge and menu tile display configurations. The truck featured enhanced exterior camera systems and trailering technologies, including blind-spot cameras and a digital rearview mirror. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control option allowed for easier trailer maneuvering. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The system was intuitive, though glare was an issue for the digital panel. The voice-recognition system worked well for common queries.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring available as options. The NHTSA gave the crew cab a five-star safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered several advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The systems proved effective on highways, though crash-test ratings were not available for the 2500.