Ram 1500 wins Motor Trend's Half - Ton Shootout

Ram 1500 wins Motor Trend's Half - Ton Shootout

Yup, there it is ... WINTER.

Good time to talk trucks.  

Three days before Thanksgiving, the editors of Motor Trend announced that the Ram 1500 had won their 2015 Half-Ton Truck Shootout (and Barnett Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep is pleased to announce we have 1500s on hand, right here, right now).

In the Half-Ton Shootout, three contenders were put through a broad array of testing designed to evaluate the core uses of a truck owner. In addition to the 2015 Ram 1500, the judges examined America's other two top-selling full-size trucks: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and 2015 Ford F150. 
 
Motor Trend's judges took the three competitors on a 260-mile drive through eastern California and western Arizona. Each truck's performance was measured in a number of exercises, including:

1. Standard testing (without load): 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip.
2. Limit handling (without load): closed-course cornering, braking and acceleration.
3. Tow testing with 7,000 pound trailer
4. Payload testing with 1,000 pounds
5. Fuel economy testing
   
The judges were particularly impressed with the performance of the Ram 1500's EcoDiesel V-6 engine as well as its eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a combination that boasts best-in-class 28 mpg fuel economy.
 
Just five years after becoming its own brand, Ram Truck has nearly doubled its market share and earned best-in-class titles in fuel economy, torque, payload and towing.
  
Motor Trend's Real MPG testing proved V-6 turbo nor V-8 gas-powered engines can match the EcoDiesel's efficiency. Judges observed fuel economy of 22 mpg during 1,000-pound loaded testing over 260 miles. Motor Trend's Real MPG testing last year returned frugal stats: 19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined for the Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 with a 3.92 rear axle and an even more notable 18/28/22 for the Lone Star Crew Cab 4x2 with a 3.55 rear axle.
 
"Our comparison of the latest half-ton pickup trucks was as exhaustive as it was comprehensive, because this segment is so important and so competitive. We evaluated every aspect of these trucks we could and debated long and hard over their merits," said Scott Evans, Motor Trend Magazine Associate Editor. "In the end, the Ram EcoDiesel's excellent ride quality both loaded and empty, torquey engine, smooth and intelligent transmission, ease in towing, comfortable and refined interior, and best-in-test fuel economy proved the winning combination."
 
The Ram's optional air suspension system also contributed to the win, as it delivered a compliant ride and commendable handling no matter the terrain. In terms of design, the Ram 1500 impressed with its style, packaging, and interior ergonomics. The variety of the lineup was another compelling factor. Whether outfitted as a basic workhorse or optioned up to a near-luxury hauler, the Ram 1500 provides all of the capability needed in a truck.

Moving into 2015, Ram continues to beat the competition in the two most sought-after titles, fuel economy and towing capacity:  

• Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel - 28 mpg with Ram 1500
• Best-in-class towing capability - 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500
• Best-in-class payload - 7,390 pounds with Ram 3500
• Best-in-class torque - 865 lb. ft. with Ram 3500 equipped with Cummins engine

Test drive YOUR new Ram 1500 here at Barnett Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake.

Plus, there's the exclusive MILLION MILE Warranty on any new vehicle purchased from us at Barnett. Ask about the details when you stop by.