Pickup Review: 2023 Ram 1500 eTorque Limited Elite

Article content

How much truck do you need for your lifestyle? “All of it,” you say? Well, rev up those chequebooks, because this lifestyle load-out stickers for over $100,000. Introduced in 2019, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 was a strong step for the half-ton segment. Refining the pickup’s ride with independent front and coil-sprung five-link rear suspension, the updated platform afforded an SUV-like ride with the same old pulling power of the 5.7L V8. 

Article content

More recently, Mopar has inched the getup forward with the introduction of 48-volt mild hybridization — branded “eTorque” — to bolster the old engine’s power without hiking its emissions. 

This impressive 1500 Limited Elite is one such-equipped truck, pairing this subtlest of electrified setups with one of the most richly comfortable cabin experiences on the market. 

Power

Article content

The 2023 Ram 1500 eTorque runs an evolution of the long-standing 5.7L ‘Hemi’-branded V8. Delivering 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, it turns through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case offering a 2.64 reduction ratio. Depending on configuration, this in turn feeds differentials geared to 3.21, 3.55, or 3.92 final drive ratios, including a limited-slip rear.

Equipped with this tester’s $1,495 towing package, it affords a 12,750-pound maximum towing capacity on a load-distributing hitch, or a 2,300-pound bed payload. So equipped, a Class IV hitch receiver beneath the bumper teams with the usual four- and seven-pin connectors, a slickly integrated trailer brake controller with at-hand gain adjustment beneath the infotainment display, knob-directed trailer steering assist, and trailer tire-pressure monitoring.

Article content

Compounding this is the addition of full air suspension, replacing the Ram’s springs with air bags. This enables the 1500 to self-level, correcting and steadying its attitude when loaded down with cargo or a trailer. Managed with a toggle beside its trailer controls, it also enables drivers to manually lower the truck for aerodynamic efficiency, raise it for off-road clearance, or bring it right down for easier load-in.

Though capable, this doesn’t mean that completionist shoppers should be rushing to tack air ride onto their build sheet just for the sake of loading up. Air suspension is inherently more complex than the 1500’s standard coil springs, and buyers looking to the long term should factor this into their upkeep and maintenance projections for future budgeting.

Article content

More than this, the Ram 1500’s air suspension also somewhat compromises ride quality. Whereas the forgiving standard springs may get a little bouncy over certain terrain, the air setup may prove harsher than some shoppers will expect. Also notable is an observed tendency to emit a large whacking sound over certain abrupt surface imperfections. This harshness isn’t helped by the showy 22-inch wheels equipped to this unit, which compromise sidewall cushioning and off-road readiness in the name of style. 

Utility

Article content

The Ram 1500 Limited Elite’s lifestyle orientation comes at a cost to its workday utility. The limits of the 5-foot-7-inch short bed are a given, of course, but the all-out Ram Box is another point demanding more attention than just a checkmark for the sake of loading up. 

The Ram Box’s primary selling feature is the integration of lockable enclosed storage compartments built into the sides of the box. These weather-sealed compartments wrap around the wheel wells, allowing for secure storage of small tools, straps, or other items. The drawback, however, is that they stretch the boxes’ inner walls in as far as the normal wheel-well humps. It will fit a standard four-foot palette loaded dead-straight, but with just 1.25 inches’ clearance on either side, you’d better trust your forklift operator. 

Article content

The impressive 1500 Limited Elite pairs the subtlest of electrified setups with one of the most richly comfortable cabin experiences on the market.

The top-flite Ram Box adds further feature-content complexity with a split tailgate, as well as the sturdiest pop-down step offered by any of the Detroit Three. The upgraded tailgate opens downward as a complete assembly; or splits barn-door-style if required, introducing a good breadth of load-in versatility. Hard-wearing users should note that both release modes are servo-operated. 

If hard work is in the cards, the available EcoDiesel engine delivers 480 lb-ft of torque and a combined fuel economy figure of 9.0 L/100 km. As equipped with the 5.7L eTorque, NRCan-reported figures stand at 13.5 L/100 km city, 10.5 highway, and 12.1 L/100 km combined.

Cabin comforts

Article content

The Ram 1500 Limited Elite is one of nine trims on offer for 2023. Configured here as a crew cab with a short 5-foot-7-inch bed, it offers an unusually spacious interior at the expense of cargo capacity. 

Front seating is as broad and comfortable as should be expected of such a sprawling vehicle, with ample shoulder room and stretch-out space across the broad centre console. The configurable centre bin is laid out well, and the inclusion of a pop-up divider effectively keeps items fore or aft of the sliding tray. 

Steering controls are many, and combined with a versatile digital cluster and head-up display, easily keep the driver’s attention up and forward. Advanced driver assists are well advanced from their state just a few years ago, but the Ram’s adaptive cruise and lane-keeping are not as refined as Ford’s. 

Article content

Its massive 12-inch central infotainment display runs Stellantis’ strong and responsive UConnect system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto projection supported across the display’s upper half. Hard buttons surround the screen, but their odd vertical arrangement isn’t the most intuitive. Even after several weeks in different Rams using this layout, I still default to on-screen climate controls before even remembering the dark physical buttons that we reviewers so often ask for.  

Included below this in the Limited package is one of the better wireless smartphone charging implementations currently offered. Even with a large OtterBox case installed, the secure base grips easily, with further space for a second phone alongside. Cut-outs for direct cords are a welcome inclusion down below. 

Article content

The crew cab’s rear passengers sit across a typical bench with the freedom of impressive, flat-floored legroom before them. Available heated and ventilated rear seating further this comfort, along with a 110V outlet and abundant USB-A and USB-C charge ports. Handily functional with plenty of room for activities, this stands out as one of the nicest rear-passenger experiences around.

As a workhorse, then, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 offers heaps of potential with an attractive breadth of available comfort and utility-oriented options. Though this particular trim falls toward that former lifestyle crowd, the Canadian market continues to look promising for Ram.