2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that was first introduced in 1981. It has been redesigned and updated every few years, with the most recent redesign coming in 2011. The most notable changes to be made to the Ram 1500 were in 2003 and 2010, when a 4.7L V8 engine was added and then bumped up to 5.7L, respectively.
In 2018, Dodge upgraded much of Ram’s interior machinery as well as added new exterior paint options and wheels designs while keeping its trademark rugged style intact. This model also includes increased sound dampening materials as well as improved onboard computer systems for improved visibility inside and out.
The Dodge Ram 1500 is powered by a 3.0L V6 naturally aspirated engine that is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, in 2010, the Ram 1500 was upgraded with an 8.4L V10 engine that was shared with the 2011-2012 Dodge Charger and Challenger models. This new engine produces nearly 280 horsepower.
The 2017 model year will see several changes to this vehicle including refreshed exterior paint schemes, interior restyling, aluminum wheels, and new grade-point seat belts among others.
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2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Features
- Uconnect infotainment with an 8.4-inch screen: The new Uconnect infotainment system used in the 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 comes equipped with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and driver-assist technology such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Automatic dual-zone climate control: The 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 adds a new feature to help keep you comfortable on the road: automatic dual-zone climate control. The dual-zone climate control, which features a manual mode, lets you choose one, or both, of the vehicle’s climate systems from either the driver’s seat or from within your favorite smartphone app.
- Anti-spin differential: The anti-spin differential is a type of traction control used on pickup trucks. Anti-spin differentials are primarily used on four-wheel-drive pickup trucks, though some rear-drive models also make use of them. Anti-spin differentials work by forcing the wheels to drive at the same speed relative to each other, preventing one wheel from slipping or spinning freely when accelerating or turning.
- Premium gauge cluster: The 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 comes standard with a premium gauge cluster that offers an all-digital display with an eight-inch screen. Not only does this new cluster offer increased visibility, but it also provides improved responsiveness. The system is compatible with the Uconnect infotainment system and comes equipped with a rearview camera.
- Rear park assists: One of the most frustrating aspects of driving a full-size pickup truck is trying to maneuver it into a tight parking space. However, the 2017 Dodge Ram 1500’s rear park assist feature makes reversing into those small spaces a snap. The system comes equipped with sensors fitted to the vehicle’s rear bumper that can detect obstacles up to six feet away.
2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Specs
- Engine: V6 Flex Fuel 3.6 Liter Pentastar
- Trim: Tradesman 2WD Short Bed Regular Cab
- Class: Full-Size Pickup LD
- Horsepower: 305 @ 6400 RPM
- Transmission: 8 Speed Automatic Mode Select with Manual Mode (845RE)
- Body Style: Truck
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Fuel Type: Unleaded Regular
- Seating Capacity: 3 persons
2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Safety Features
In 2018, Dodge is offering a few new safety features for their Ram trucks. When equipped with the 3.6L V10 engine and front-end collision mitigation feature, the Ram will now warn of potential crash hazards should the driver choose to cross a shallow distance over the median without slowing down.
A similar feature has been available since 2010 on Trucks equipped with the 5.7L HEMI or the 4.7L Pentastar V8 engines but had not been offered in conjunction with “front-end” collision mitigation until this year’s model change.
The other new safety feature is Blind Spot Information System (BSIS). This feature can detect the presence of a vehicle in either of Ram’s blind spots and will alert the driver with a light bar atop their side mirrors should such a vehicle be detected.
The Dodge Ram 1500 has a crafty design with a great finish and is sure to turn heads. The interior of the truck is loaded with details that will make the trucker feel comfortable and safe, such as auxiliary switches for running devices, heated seats and steering wheel, Uconnect Bluetooth, 6 speakers, and many other amenities.
The exterior of the Truck is much larger than it appears from the inside with its 4-door crew-cab design. Its wheels are black, matching its trim color scheme that includes aluminum wheels or chrome wheels on some models.
2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Fuel Efficiency
The 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 is rated at 17 City/25 Highway by the EPA. This is slightly lower than Ram’s prior fuel efficiency rating of 18 City/26Hwy for the 2016 model year.
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Conclusion
There is not much to complain about with the 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 considering the price to performance ratio; however, there have been a few issues with certain details within the truck, including problems with lights and other minor malfunctions. However, despite these problems, the truck is a great value for truckers considering its affordability and ability to perform in all types of road conditions.
The Ram 1500 holds its concerning build quality and has good resale value as well making it a good investment for anyone looking for a reliable workhorse that will hold up under even the harshest weather conditions.
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