The Ram 1500 Then and Now: Highlighting the Past Ten Years of Pure Performance

When Ram became its own standalone brand in October 2009, opinions were varied. Many drivers had become accustomed to the “Dodge Ram” moniker and wondered if this change would spell the end for the beloved pickup truck. Others wondered if this meant that the brand would head in an entirely different direction. However, when looking at the highlights of the last decade for the Ram 1500, it’s clear that the brand only grew in power, performance, and popularity. While Ram is always pushing forward, you can still enjoy these older trucks here at Londonderry Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, your Edmonton used Ram dealer.

The Ram 1500 is more than a truck. In fact, it’s more than “just” Canada’s most powerful full-size diesel truck. The Ram 1500 has set the bar for excellence time and time again, meeting Canada’s need for a truck that is capable, reliable, efficient, and of course, fun to drive. Combining impeccable driving manners, sheer brute strength, and a human-friendly cabin, it’s easy to see what helps Ram stand apart from the competition. Since 2013, Ram has had to make many strategic decisions to keep the Ram 1500 in the full-size pickup game, and it’s clear that those choices have paid off. Let’s take a look at some of the important leaps and bounds the Ram 1500 has experienced in the past 10 years.

Starting From Somewhere

The Ram 1500 was already a remarkable truck when the brand split from Dodge. In the early years, drivers appreciated the unique standard features of the “new” Ram, many of which continue to be in production today. A perfect example of this is the RamBox cargo management system, a flexible method of storing cargo in the areas previously interrupted by wheel wells. With innovations like this, Ram spent the early years of its independence building a brand that drivers could trust. This meant introducing the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty lineup, as well as experimenting with different trims and capabilities.

In 2013, the Ram 1500 debuted to the public with a fresh new exterior with an updated grille, quad projection headlamps, and a restyled front fascia. The new 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, paired with a TorqueFlite 8-speed transmission, managed to capture attention with its excellent fuel economy of 11.2 L/100 km. At the same time, the interior featured some of the first multiview display panels, as well as Keyless Enter ‘n Go, technology that today we find quite “normal.”

2014 saw the introduction of the 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel engine. In fact, the 2014 Ram 1500 was the first pickup truck in the segment to feature this type of efficient-yet-hearty technology in modern history. Not only did it break ground in its segment, but drivers quickly found that the EcoDiesel engine lived up to the hype. Allowing drivers to cruise on the highway to the tune of 7.1 L/100 km, this new engine meant that two versions of the Ram 1500 pickup truck now sat in the top seats for economical full-size pickup trucks. But there were still plenty of things brewing behind the scenes at Ram. Big things.

Rams with Attitude: A New Range of Options

Drivers of full-size trucks can be hard to please. Not only do they need trucks that can perform a very specific set of tasks, but the trucks have to be enjoyable enough to drive all day, every day. Ram has understood this particular conundrum from the start, addressing these needs by creating an array of trims that range from “businesslike” to “corner office on wheels.”

In 2015, a very new type of Ram came to market: the Ram 1500 Rebel. While the previous Outdoorsman trim had tapped into the needs of those who enjoy spending quality time in the Alberta wilderness, the Rebel faced off-roading issues head-on. Equipped with off-road bumpers, silver skid plates, Bilstein front and rear shocks, greater ride height, and off-road calibrated steering, it was clear that the 2015 Rebel took its off-road duties very seriously.

In fact, it was the success of the Rebel that led to the 2016 Ram Rebel TRX Concept. While the TRX didn’t make its official debut on the Canadian market until 2021, Ram wanted to see what would happen if it dropped a 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 into a Rebel. The result was 575 hp and speeds of up to 160 km/h. Not bad for a sports car, let alone a full-size pickup.

Ram decided to make Special Editions a tradition starting in 2018 when the Harvest Edition and Limited Tungsten Edition joined the lineup. The Harvest Edition was prepared with agricultural needs in mind, offered in Case IH Red and New Holland Blue colours to mimic the equipment produced by CNH Industrial. The Tungsten Edition included a segment-first suede headliner and premium leather upholstery, giving the Ram 1500 an even brighter touch of luxury.

Canadian drivers got their own special Ram 1500 with the 2019 Sport trim. Featuring a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine and exclusive exterior details in black and aluminum, the Sport is more aggressive in appearance and action, with its 395 hp and 410 lb-ft torque and efficient performance-oriented engineering.

The Modern Ram Experience

Though the Ram brand is barely in its second decade, there has been plenty of movement within the brand as engineering and design catch up with technology and drivers’ needs.

In 2021, the Ram 1500 TRX officially made its entrance into the driving market. Equipped with a no-nonsense 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 engine, the TRX is capable of much more than your average full-size truck. For example, it has the power to go from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.5 seconds and can hit top speeds of 190 km/h, making it the fastest and most powerful mass-produced full-size pickup truck in the world with its massive 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. It’s also decked out with loads of official Mopar gear and a premium sound system, to boot.

For 2022, Ram has introduced the 10th Anniversary Limited Edition. Continuing in the footsteps of earlier special editions, this truck commemorates a full decade since the Limited trim was released. Now considered one of the most luxurious full-size trucks on the market, the Limited trim has made a significant impact on the truck market, marrying concepts that once seemed quite contrary––a luxury vehicle meets a work truck.

Also new for 2022 is the Sandblast TRX, which takes the Ram 1500 TRX and adds exclusive options for the interior and exterior, including colour palette and design offerings. In fact, it could be the most customizable Ram 1500 to date, which leads to greater speculation––could custom full-size trucks be the wave of the future?

A Legacy to Live Up To

Though many drivers feel that the Ram 1500 has achieved full-size truck success, it seems the brand continues to develop and rethink the vehicle to meet ever-changing customer needs. Indeed, driving in the Canadian wilderness versus the streets of Edmonton could be considered two very different experiences, depending on the season. Furthermore, there are efficiency and range issues to take into consideration, especially with many manufacturers adding electric models to their lineup.

Will the Ram “go electric?” Will it become faster, more nimble, and even more prepared to take on the great outdoors? The answer to each of these speculations is likely a resounding “yes,” but in the automotive industry, there are many stops along the road to perfection. And while the Ram 1500 is clearly taking that road, it stands to reason that we might still be at the very beginning of this voyage. After all, ten years isn’t such a long time, is it?