2015 Full Size Pickup Truck Wars – RAM Wins Again

MT gives the 15 RAM the nod ahead of the brand new 2015 Ford F-150 with its aluminum technology.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Nov. 24, 2014



2015 RAM 1500 with the 8’ Bed and 3.0L EcoDiesel - $31,410 to start incl. D&H while offering owners an easy to achieve 20/28 mpgUS city/highway rating.



Fresh off our own lengthy drive of this class-leading 2014 RAM 1500 full sized pickup in the 2014 RAM 1500 EcoDiesel Heads West drive, this morning MT declared the Ram 1500 the winner of their 2015 half-ton truck shootout.



More impressive was that this shootout covered the much anticipated all-new aluminum bed 2015 Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost, the Chevrolet full sized pickup lineup with a variety of drivetrains, and the aforementioned RAM 1500 with the EcoDiesel.



According to the release, MT judges took the three competitors on a 260-mile drive through eastern California and western Arizona. Each truck’s performance was measured in a number of exercises, including:

1. Standard testing (without load): 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip.


2. Limit handling (without load): closed-course cornering, braking and acceleration.


3. Tow testing with 7,000 pound trailer


4. Payload testing with 1,000 pounds


5. Fuel economy testing

After the shootout data was disseminated, the winner was chosen by comparing the drives scores and drive impressions of each truck.



When the curtain was opened, the Ram 1500 was declared the winner of Motor Trend’s 2015 half-ton pickup shootout.

2014 RAM 1500 with the EcoDiesel





Meeting with Chicago area auto journalists. Just as impressive to these folks as well.

The MT editors were as expected impressed with the performance of the Ram 1500’s 240 hp and 420 lb-ft. of torque 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 and its smooth shifting and wide ratio eight-speed AT.



Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO of the Ram Truck Brand:

Quote:

“Just five years after becoming its own brand Ram Truck has nearly doubled its market share and earned best-in-class titles in fuel economy, torque, payload and towing. Winning MT’s half-ton shootout validates that we have the top truck in the segment."

Fuel Economy Results



Although I do not have any of the competitors results or even the entire list of competitive measures, an area where MT found the RAM with the EcoDiesel dominates is the fuel efficiency. These are the kind of guys that use both pedals at the same time and yet they still achieved 22 mpg during the 1,000-pound load testing over 260 miles.



MT:

Quote:

“In the end, the Ram EcoDiesel's excellent ride quality both loaded and empty, torquey engine, smooth and intelligent transmission, ease in towing, comfortable and refined interior, and best-in-test fuel economy proved the winning combination."

The Ram’s optional air suspension system also contributed to the win, as it delivered a compliant ride and commendable handling no matter the terrain. In terms of design, the Ram 1500 impressed with its style, packaging, and interior ergonomics. The variety of the lineup was another compelling factor. Whether outfitted as a basic workhorse or optioned up to a near-luxury hauler, the Ram 1500 provides all of the capability needed in a truck.



Given the 2015 Ford F-150s somewhat middling EPA results we reported late last week -- Fords 2015 F-150 EPA Numbers Are Out, it was no surprise the 15 RAM did so well while saving at the pump.



If anyone has access to a MT mag with the results breakout, I am sure the Ford and Chevrolet surely took wins in some of the challenges. I just do not know what they are or by what margins may have been discovered.



Spending a few minutes within a few 15 Ford F-150s at the LA Auto Show Press Days, another area where I thought Ford should have spent a little more $s is the interior materials. It appeared to uses some of the same harsh plastic as its predecessor with little in the way of a new design. Many work truck buyers may not care but if I were living out of a truck, I am sure glad RAM provides a more comfortable car like presence and leaving the work detail for the exterior hardware.

2015 Ford F-150 mid trim interior





Notice the center display and radio bezel and control knobs. A bit archaic in this day and age.

2015 Full Size Pickup Truck Wars – RAM Wins Again