The sounds that pipe into the cabin from the big 5.7-liter V-8 are enough to open new hair follicles. The barrel-chested eight makes 395 horsepower and 407 pound-feet, thanks to both to variable valve timing (VVT) and a cylinder shut-off system, and connects to either a six-speed automatic or the new eight-speed gearbox. Brawny power enables 0-60 mph acceleration as quick as 6.7 seconds as well as the highest towing rating of the lineup--10,450 pounds in long-bed, rear-drive form.
Four-wheel drive is available across the Ram 1500 lineup. On any model, a part-time system is a basic setup, but Ram's on-demand system takes care of the traction all the time, though it's only offered on the 5.7-liter HEMI-equipped versions.
It's not just the HEMI grunt that makes the Ram a joy to drive. Hauling and towing are other strong suits of the Ram, but in the past few years, ride and handling--the truck variety--have won us over, too. The Ram's steering is now electric, and it's quicker than before, with a decent on-center feel. It's not fair to expect much feedback from a huge-wheelbase, four-wheel-drive truck, so don't. It's still about the best you'll find in a full-size truck.