Jim Stansbury - 2016 Dodge Ram 1500
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2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Review
The 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 was Dodge’s full-size pickup designed to take on the big boys of Detroit. Built on a proven platform, the Ram 1500 packed a punch with powerful V8 engines and a muscular stance.
This Ram had some tricks up its sleeve, like an available EcoDiesel V6 that proved it could pull like a diesel without the complex, expensive technology. This ’eco-friendly’ diesel gave the Ram strong towing and hauling abilities at a lower cost of ownership.
Though far from luxurious, the Ram offered good value and style for its segment. The interior was spacious, comfortable, and capable of handling demanding truck owners and their gear. Available features like a perimeter alarm, bed lighting, heated/cooled cup holders, and a class-exclusive RamBox bed storage system showed Dodge was thinking of real-world truck use.
2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Features
2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Performance
The Ram 1500 offers three engine options for different needs. A base 3.6-liter V6 makes 305 horsepower and 269 torque. It sends power to rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive through an eight-speed transmission. This V6 gets 20 to 21 mpg and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds.
A 5.7-liter V8 produces 395 horsepower and 410 torque. It connects to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The manual gets 15 mpg combined, with slower acceleration. The automatic improves fuel economy to 17 mpg but reduces power, 7.1 seconds from stop to 60 mph for heavy-duty four-wheel drive.
For heavy towing or hauling, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6. It provides 240 horsepower and 420 torque. Depending on the drivetrain, an eight-speed automatic handles its power and 23-24 mpg. However, acceleration is not quick, 8.7 seconds to 60 mph from a stop for a crew cab EcoDiesel. Despite lackluster acceleration, the engine’s torque gives a feeling of quickness.
Towing and hauling capability depend on the engine. The V6 can tow 7,610 lbs and haul 1,890 lbs. The V8 increases towing to 10,640 lbs but reduces payload to 1,800 lbs. The EcoDiesel provides 9,210 lbs of towing and 1,600 lbs of payload, less than the V8 but capable of light and mid-duty needs.
2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Interior
The 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 interior is inviting and rugged. Picking up the bare aluminum pedals or the steel-cut dashboard gives it an industrial feel. The seats are wrapped in durable cloth or premium leather and stitched with red accent threads that match the exterior color.
The center stack integration of the 8.4-inch touchscreen, climate controls, and the audio system allows for an uncluttered cabin. The Ram's interface is simple and intuitive, featuring three soft buttons below the screen.
An available heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and seat memory provide comfort and convenience. The spacious cabin and trunk offer plenty of room for passengers, cargo, and outdoor gear.
The Rambox cargo management system adds lockable storage boxes, bed dividers, and concealed tie-downs to the truck bed. An 8-inch digital center screen allows multi-screen navigation, audio, video, diagnostics, and more viewing. A surround sound audio system from Harman Kardon or Alpine envelops occupants in a visceral soundstage.
2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Exterior
The 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 offers a striking exterior. Its bold grille prominently features Ram’s head logo.
Broad light bars extend from the side of the front bumper up and over the headlights. The sleek hood has defined power bulges, making it look like a muscle car ready to burst forth.
Aluminum running boards with rubber non-slip pads line the truck's sides for easy access. Available 20-inch wheels with Dakar aluminum premium clad wheels or optional 23-inch forged wheels that look rugged yet upscale.
The Ram has a modern yet masculine profile with flowing character lines that emanate from the wheel wells to the truck's rear. An integrated spoiler on the tailgate adds downforce for stability at high speeds.
Bright LED bed lighting allows for confident loading and unloading of cargo at night. Outlined cargo boxes, tool boxes, bed dividers, bed rumble strips, and storage bins help keep gear organized.
2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Comfort and Handling
The 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 cabin offers spacious comfort. Short overhangs provide an open feeling. Eight-way power-adjustable seats keep drivers comfortable. The Ram handles winding roads with confidence. Its solid rear axle provides stability at high speeds while independent front suspension soaks up bumps.
The Ram steering delivers effort and feedback, though it proves slightly numb. The Ram can steer lazily at low speeds or become dirty at the extreme ends of its lock-to-lock range. Its braking power comes from vented disc brakes at all four corners. The Ram stops straight and strong, albeit with a touch of dive under hard braking.
The new eight-speed automatic dial shifts smoothly and helps the Ram 1500 maintain highway momentum or climb steep grades efficiently. Manual shifting gives control but lacks the satisfying engagement of a true manual transmission.
The 2016 Dodge Ram comfortably hauls five passengers and their gear with strong performance and capable handling. While not ideal for twisty driving, the Ram proves a solid, stable truck with a smooth and relaxing ride over long distances.
2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Safety
The 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 packed a punch regarding standard safety gear. Anti-lock brakes prevented the wheels from locking up during hard stops. Multiple airbags included frontal, seat-mounted side, and knee airbags for both front seat passengers.
Electronic stability control ensured the Ram didn't tip over during evasive maneuvers. Rollover mitigation took action if the vehicle started to roll, reducing injuries. Traction control prevented wheel spin on icy or slick roads.
The backup camera and rear parking sensors helped maneuver the sizable truck without fear of collision. A solid steel construction all around provided a protective cocoon in a crash.
Every Ram was built to prevent accidents in the first place thanks to a smooth, stable, and surefooted ride and a responsive hydraulic steering system.
Where to Buy 2016 Dodge Ram 1500
The 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 is available from dealers across the United States, whether you prefer shopping in local showrooms or browsing online. With thousands of Dodge dealers nationwide, from large regional chains to single-location independent lots, there are many places to find the Ram 1500 that suits your needs.
However, we highly recommend visiting Hartland Automotive Sales for those in the Elkhart, Indiana area. They are a highly-rated Dodge dealership located right in Elkhart, offering new and used models at very competitive prices. With over 20 years of experience, Hartland Automotive Sales is committed to excellence and stand behind every vehicle they sell.
In addition to the 2016 Ram 1500, they also have other Dodge trucks like the Ram 2500 and 3500. You can also get Chrysler, Jeep, and Ford models. Their sales team will help you find the perfect truck for towing, hauling, or everyday driving. And with great financing and leasing offers available, now is the ideal time to get behind the wheel of a new Dodge.