ge5299411699075649543
ge4689716959575733885
ge5605035339961154539
ge5483445211035709812
ge4641809752979284008
Mike Sinclair14 Dec 2013
REVIEW

Ram EcoDiesel Longhorn 2014 Review

Big Yankee truck gets a dose of European sophistication

Ram EcoDiesel Longhorn
Quick Spin

What we liked:
>> Euro turbo-diesel refinement
>> Spacious cabin
>> Doesn't steer like a boat

Not so much:
>> Brokeback graphics and leather
>> They didn't skimp on the chrome, did they!
>> No right-hand drive

The Chrysler Fiat tie-up has already had one unexpected benefit -- the gentrification of Ram.

At least that's the conclusion yours truly has drawn from a (very) short drive of the truck that garnered favour almost from the first turn of the wheel and has just won a number of US awards, the Ram 1500.

Powered by the same VM Motori 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel as Aussie-market Jeep Grand Cherokees, the Ram 1500 is also equipped with the latest eight-speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox. And the result is a very civilised, quiet, full-size pick-up that can reach single-figure fuel economy on the open road.

Our test Ram 1500 was a Longhorn top-spec dual-cab model that arrives with everything bar the kitchen sink (though it does have a 110-volt household socket on the dash). Along with high-spec navigation and audio, there are heated seats and a steering wheel (a hit in -12 degrees C) and lots and lots of chrome.

Inside, saddle leather clad seats and dash padding is featured. Alas, it also gets cowboy and flame-themed detailing that would be a big hit on Brokeback Mountain. The belt and buckle seatback pockets take the theme even further. Can you say OTT?

But it’s the basics we're interested in and they're good. Even at a lower spec level, this would still be one hell of a hauler.

Given the 1500’s generous external dimensions it's probably no surprise there's truckloads of room in the cabin. At the front the bucket seats are big enough for those packing some pounds and it's a measure of the width of the Ram that the centre console looks like it could swallow a small child...

In the rear there's width for three burly blokes and legroom that's at least a match for Australia's homegrown large sedans. And still the tray looks like it will pass the acid test Stateside -- swallow a full-size sheet of ply.

And the drive, never a strong point in US-built full-size pick-ups, is also worth writing home about...

While the steering is too light, it's very definitely connected to the front wheels and the 1500 Longhorn is easy to place on the road, offering some reasonable feedback regarding what the wheels are doing.

It doesn't wander on road grooving like many pick-ups and overall the ride is excellent. Pedal modulation and the braking performance is good too, and wind and road noise are also well isolated.

And in place of the clattery truck diesel of previous generations is the 'new' VM Motori V6 that so impresses in the Grand Cherokee. In the 1500 it is willing and smooth and a great match with the eight-speeder.

Acceleration away from the lights is spirited and in our (very) short freeway run, 130km/h cruising was effortless.

Overall, the refinement (there I used the word) of this truck is in another league from the Ford and Chevrolet products I've driven previously -- albeit examples from a generation about to be or already replaced.

Would it work in Australia? With some caveats (including proper re-engineering for right-hand drive), I'm pretty sure it would go down a treat -- not just with commercial users but also with the horsey and boatie sets.

Fuel economy in real-world testing by US media has the 1500 returning 24 miles per US gallon -- around 9.7L/100km. And towing capacity and perhaps more important, capability, would easily better existing favourites.

Alas, there are no plans to add Ram to the local line-up. But you can fix that... Just walk into your local Jeep Chrysler Fiat dealer and tell them you want to get Rammed or better still email mike.manley@chrysler.com.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Don't forget to register to comment on this article.

Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a tradie car?Get the latest advice and reviews on tradie car that's right for you.
Explore the Tradie Hub
Tradie
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.