by Michael Satterfield - Photos via Stellantis - 03/10/2024
The 2023 Ram 1500 Limited is a truck that exudes luxury, power, and technology. As a big fan of Ram trucks, I was thrilled to take this ultra-luxury model for a week of testing. I've driven the high-performance TRX variant before, but it has been a while since I have driven the luxury-focused version of the 1500. The last one was powered by the now-discontinued EcoDiesel. After spending a week driving it, I can confirm that it deserves all the awards it has won.
The Ram 1500 Limited is a far cry from the utilitarian farm trucks of yesteryear. Today, trucks are all about luxury, comfort, and technology, and the Ram 1500 Limited checks all the boxes. With its tried-and-true V8 power plant and stylish design, this truck is excellent in nearly every way, especially in terms of luxury and comfort.
Of course, trucks are not cheap these days, and the Ram 1500 Limited is no exception. However, considering how spacious and versatile it is, some might view it as a bargain compared to similarly equipped vehicles. Our Limited test vehicle is priced at just under $80,000 with options. The four-wheel drive 1500 is available in seven trim levels, with each offering a suite of standard features that include best-in-class rear legroom, Ram's Uconnect 5 infotainment system, in-floor storage (crew cab models), and the largest brake rotors in its class.
Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX are the seven trim levels. The Tradesman is the base model. It has a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque, an LED trailer hitch light, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The Big Horn has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a chrome grille surround, front and rear bumpers, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Laramie has heated and ventilated 10-way adjustable leather-trimmed front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Rebel comes with a 12-inch digital gauge cluster display, all-terrain 33-inch tires, and a coil suspension with a 1-inch lift and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Limited Longhorn has a genuine wood, metal, and leather-trimmed interior, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, and full LED bifunctional projector headlamps with adaptive front lighting.
The Limited features an active air suspension, premium leather bucket seats, and a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The TRX "super-truck" has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, full-time four-wheel drive, and 35-inch all-terrain tires (Check out our review of the Hennessey Mammoth 1000 hp version of the TRX).
The Ram 1500 has gotten more expensive in recent years, but it's still packed with premium amenities, luxurious features, and loads of space and comfort. It's award-winning for a reason, but whether you deem the Limited to be a good value will depend on your preferences and budget.
Ram's warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles of limited warranty and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain warranty. Ram does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Performance-wise, the Ram 1500 Limited is a joy to drive. It's responsive, handles well, and will keep you super comfortable, especially with its cozy air suspension. The 5.7-liter V8 may be an oldie, but it's still a goodie. Fire up the truck, give it some throttle, and you'll remember why. Coupled with a small electric motor that provides instant torque, this powertrain is rated 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. That's plenty to hustle around with, and it certainly feels as punchy as its throaty exhaust note suggests. Towing tops out at 12,500 pounds.
Considering its heft and large V8 under the hood, the Ram 1500 Limited achieved decent fuel economy. In our week of combined testing, we recorded just over 20 mpg. On longer commutes, we averaged just over 23 mpg. The 8-speed automatic transmission is excellent. Its shifts are smooth and intuitive. The four-wheel drive selection was as easy as pressing a button. All the tuning works so well together that it's easy to take this truck's goodness for granted.
If you're looking for a full-size truck that is fun and easy to drive, the Ram 1500 Limited is an excellent option. Motor Trend clocked its 0-60 mph time in just 5.9 seconds. Handling is superb, and the steering feel was nicely weighted and easy to maneuver. Braking was likewise excellent in its feel, responsiveness, and power. The Ram 1500 Limited is also equipped with automated emergency assist braking and other safety systems like rear-cross traffic alerts for those times you might need to slam on the brakes.
The Ram 1500 Limited's interior is truly indulgent. So much so that you'd think you were in a full-blown luxury vehicle, not a workhorse pickup truck. From premium leather to expensive feeling and looking trim pieces, Ram has nailed the inside of this truck.
The seats are supremely comfortable, front and rear. The front seats feature heated and ventilated functionality, are perfectly cushioned, and have acres of space for legs and shoulders. The rear seat is probably the most spacious in a crew-cab we have tested, and there is more than enough room for three adults.
After a week of living with it, it has to be said that the 2023 Ram 1500 Limited is an excellent truck that truly checks all the boxes. It's not cheap, but it's worth the price considering its spaciousness, versatility, and luxurious features. Plus, with 2025 models on the horizon, you might be able to score a deal from your local retailer. If you're looking for a full-size truck that is fun and easy to drive, the Ram 1500 Limited should be at the top of your list.
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