2018 Ram 1500 review
Ram 1500 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- All engine choices offer ample power and good refinement
- Stylish interior remains among the top in the pickup class
Cons
- Outright towing capacity not as high as some of the competition
- Its age means it lacks the latest driver assistance features
Mileage (EPA estimate)
15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $28,998 - $29,998*
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2018 Ram 1500 is a solid all-round full-size pickup
Ram nailed it when it introduced this generation Ram 1500 in 2009, and continual improvements mean that it's right at the top of the pile among 2018 tough full-size light-duty pickups. It drives with an uncommon sophistication that's due to the fitting of coil springs at the rear, which settle down the traditionally fidgety ride of pickup trucks. There's a slight trade-off—the Ram 1500 doesn't have quite the towing capacity of leading rivals—but, really, if you need more towing ability than this, you'll be better served by a heavy-duty truck. Model choices are extensive, with rear- and four-wheel drive, four cargo bed lengths, three cabs that can seat from three to six people, and a choice of three engines.
All Ram 1500s come standard with an automatic transmission. The base 3.6-liter V6 is powerful and smooth enough for most buyers, but if you need a bit more power for towing, there's a V6 turbodiesel choice or a 5.7-liter V8 above that. Trim choices range from an entry-level model for those wanting a working truck, right up to fully loaded luxury levels of equipment. The Ram 1500 reveals its age, though, in its lack of sophisticated driver aids. That the 2018 model ends this generation of the Ram 1500 as one of the top light-duty pickups means you should still consider it if you want a well-rounded, capable truck.
All Ram 1500 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ram 1500 generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2018 Ram 1500?
- The 1500 is available in a new trim called the Harvest.
- The Outdoorsman trim has been discontinued for 2018.
- 1500 trims have been upgraded with Adjustable Suspension, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The Bighorn trim now comes with Remote Start as standard equipment.
- The Night trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Long Bed as standard equipment.
- The SLT trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The Tradesman trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The Express trim now comes with Rear View Camera, Satellite Radio Ready, and Tow Hitch as standard equipment.
- The HFE trim now comes with Rear View Camera and Running Boards as standard equipment.
2018 Ram 1500 trims
Curious how Ram 1500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesTradesman
Includes 17-inch steel wheels, locking tailgate, heavy-duty vinyl 40/20/40 split-bench seat, six-speaker audio system, rearview monitor, and more.
Express
Adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, body-color grille, front and rear floor mats, carpeting floor coverings, and more.
Big Horn/Lone Star
Adds 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, LED bed lighting, cloth 40/20/40 bench seat, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and more.
Harvest
Adds 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, tow hooks, high-back bucket seats with full-length floor center console, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.
Sport
Adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, Sport LED taillamps, and more.
Night
Adds 20-inch black semi-gloss aluminum wheels, black Ram tailgate badge, black grille surround with black mesh insert, rearview auto-dimming mirror with microphone, instrument panel with bezels, and more.
Rebel
Adds fold-flat load floor storage, 17-inch unique Rebel aluminum wheels with matte black pockets, black powder-coated front and rear bumpers, rear parking assistance system, performance hood, and more.
Laramie
Adds 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, bi-functional projector chrome headlamps, chrome grille with chrome wave inserts, six-way power-adjustable passenger seat, 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer, and more.
Laramie Longhorn
Adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with accent-color inserts, leather bucket seats, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual rear exhaust with chrome tips, heated second-row seats, and more.
Limited
Adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with gray inserts, air suspension system, chrome wheel-to-wheel side steps, luxury door trim panels, rear-window defroster, and more.
Ram 1500 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Ram 1500
1. Many body styles and bed lengths
Whether you need a full-size pickup to transport your work crew or family, the 2018 Ram 1500 offers multiple body styles and bed lengths to cater to your needs. Base models start with a Regular Cab with seating for three passengers and the choice of a standard six-foot-four-inch or an extended eight-foot bed for larger loads. 2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab and Quad Cab models both feature six-passenger cabins, but you'll get more legroom in the latter with 40.3 inches versus 34.7 inches in the Quad Cab. The Crew Cab also offers the choice of a six-foot-four-inch bed or a shorter five-foot-seven-inch bed for smaller loads, while the Quad Cab is equipped with the standard six-foot four-inch bed.
2. Cushioned ride
Unlike other full-size trucks that use a leaf-spring suspension for the rear axle, the 2018 Ram 1500 is equipped with a sophisticated rear coil spring suspension, which delivers car-like handling for lasting passenger comfort. The Ram 1500 also offers an Active-Level™ Four-Corner Air Suspension System (standard on Rebel and Limited; optional on all other trims), which provides a plusher ride, especially when the bed is empty or when the truck is driving over rugged terrain.
3. Powertrain options
The 2018 Ram 1500 offers three potent engine options to suit a range of performance requirements. The base is a 305-hp 3.6L V6 or you can opt for a 395-hp 5.7L V8, which is standard on Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims or optional on all other models. The V8 is especially useful for big jobs with an estimated 10,620-lb towing capacity, when properly equipped.
If you log a lot of miles on the road, the optional 420-hp 3.0L V6 turbodiesel returns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. Regardless of the engine you choose, all 2018 Ram 1500s use an eight-speed automatic transmission with 2WD or 4WD.4. Off-road capability
The Ram 1500 has a reputation of being a workhorse around the job site, but it's also a skilled off-roader. The 2018 Ram 1500 Rebel embraces less-traveled roads on 17-inch aluminum wheels. A standard Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension System has a one-inch height increase, allowing the truck to climb over challenging terrain with confidence. Equipped with a 3.6L V6 or a 5.7L V8 with 2WD or available 4WD, the 2018 Ram 1500 Rebel also includes an anti-spin rear differential to provide more grip in low traction conditions.
5. Top tech
The Ram 1500 is more than just a full-size truck for tackling large jobs—it delivers the latest technology to enhance your drive. The 2018 base model includes a six-speaker audio system, USB port, and auxiliary input, but stepping up to the Lone Star/Big Horn unlocks Uconnect® 4C with an 8.4-inch display. Harvest, Laramie, and Longhorn models add even more feature content with a navigation system. For an immersive audio experience, the 2018 Ram 1500 includes a 10-speaker sound system with a subwoofer and 12-channel amplifier on Laramie and higher trims (Quad and Crew Cab models). Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility are available as packaged content.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2018 Ram 1500, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size truck with standard V8 power. 2017–2021 Tundra SR and SR5 trims use a 310-hp 4.6L V8 with 327 lb-ft of torque while Limited and higher models gain a 5.7L V8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. If you haul toys or equipment, the 5.7L delivers strong performance with an estimated towing capacity of 10,200 lbs when properly equipped.
Standard features on the 2017–2019 Tundra SR include:18-inch styled steel wheels
40/20/40 split fold-down front bench seat
Rearview monitor
The 2017–2021 Ford F-150 is a versatile half-ton truck that is available in Regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew body styles with 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8- foot bed lengths. The standard engine is a 3.3L V6 on 2018–2021 models. Optional engines include a turbocharged 2.7L V6, a 5.0L V8, a 3.0L turbodiesel V6, a turbocharged 3.5L V6 on 2018–2021 models, as well as a new hybrid powertrain on 2021 F-150 models. Standard features on the 2017–2021 F-150 XL include:
17-inch steel wheels
Manual-folding sideview mirrors
Black vinyl flooring
Redesigned in 2019 for its fifth generation, the RAM 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup that can handle punishing jobs. 2019–2021 models use a 410-hp 6.4L V8 that can tow an estimated 17,580 lbs when properly equipped or an option turbocharged 370-hp 6.7L V6 diesel that can tow an estimated 19,780 lbs when properly equipped.
2017–2021 models also offer an available auto-level rear air suspension system, which adapts to shifting loads and undulations of the road. Standard features on the 2017–2019 RAM 2500 Tradesman include:17-inch steel wheels
Vinyl 40/20/40 front bench seat with manual adjust
Rearview monitor (2018–2021)
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.4 out of 5
38 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 28 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 3 |
RepairPal gave the Ram 1500 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ram 1500 3rd out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ram 1500Ram 1500 features and specs
Curious how Ram 1500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Tradesman 2WD 2D Regular Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Cruise Control
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Vinyl Seats
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Transmission
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Heated Mirrors
- Long Bed
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.6L
Horsepower
305
Torque (ft-lbs)
269
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
32
Wheelbase
140"
Overall length
231"
Width
79.4"
Height
74.4"
Leg room
F 41"
Head room
F 39.9"
Front tires
P265/70SR17
Rear tires
P265/70SR17
Seating capacity
3
Max towing capacity
483/4830 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Ram 1500 FAQ
The Ram 1500 was fully designed in 2019 for its fifth generation. Notable enhancements for the 2019 model include the addition of a mild hybrid power system on the 3.6L V8 and 5.7L V8. The 2019 Ram 1500 also boasts a lighter overall weight with increased towing and payload capacity.
All 2018 Ram 1500 models have six airbags, including multistage front airbags, supplemental front-seat side-mounted airbags, and side-curtain airbags.
The 2018 Ram 1500 Big Horn features a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a 40/20/40 front bench seat with premium cloth upholstery, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a power lumbar adjuster. This trim also comes standard with 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, a chrome grille with chrome billet inserts, and LED bed lighting on the exterior.
The 2018 Ram 1500 comes standard with a six-speaker audio system. 2018 Ram 1500 Sport and Night trims include a seven-speaker audio system, while Laramie and higher trims include a 10-speaker audio system.
More about the 2018 Ram 1500
Exterior colors:
Blue Streak Pearl
Bright Silver Metallic
Bright White
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl
Delmonico Red Pearl
Flame Red
Granite Crystal Metallic
Maximum Steel Metallic
Pearl White
True Blue Pearl RV Match
Walnut Brown Metallic
Interior colors:
Black
Canyon Brown
Canyon Brown/Frost
Cattle Tan
Diesel Gray
Frost/Indigo
Light Frost Beige
Radar Red/Black
Interior details
2018 Ram 1500 Regular Cab models provide seating for three passengers, while Quad Cab and Crew Cab models seat up to six passengers. Vinyl upholstery comes standard on Tradesman and Express trims and all other trims include cloth upholstery, except the Laramie Longhorn and Limited, which feature leather-trimmed seating. Laramie Longhorn and Limited models include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with genuine wood accents and audio control buttons. The 2018 Ram 1500 interior also provides 41 inches of front-seat legroom, while Quad Cab and Crew Cab models provide generous rear-seat legroom with 34.7 inches and 40.3 inches, respectively.
Child seat details
The 2018 Ram 1500 Quad Cab and Crew Cab models can fit up to three car seats in the rear row. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. Rear-facing convertible and infant seats are easy to install and provide plenty of room in the second row without moving the front seat forward.
Performance
The 2018 Ram 1500 offers three powerful engines: a 305-hp 3.6L V6 (standard on all trims except Laramie Longhorn and Limited), a 395-hp 5.7L V8 (standard on Laramie Longhorn and Limited; optional on all other trims), and a 420-hp 3.0L V6 turbo diesel (optional on all trims). All models pair to an eight-speed automatic transmission with 2WD or 4WD. The 3.0L turbo diesel with 2WD delivers the highest gas mileage with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.
If pulling power is a top priority, the Ram 1500 can tow an estimated 10,620 lbs with the 5.7L V8 when properly equipped.Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the 4WD 2018 Ram 1500 5.7L engine's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 527 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the 2WD 2018 Ram 1500 5.7L engine's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 513 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the 4WD 2018 Ram 1500 3.6L engine's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 475 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the 2WD 2018 Ram 1500 3.6L engine's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 450 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the 4WD 2018 Ram 1500 3.0L engine's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 465 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the 2WD 2018 Ram 1500 3.0L engine's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 448 grams per mile.
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