While car sales haven’t exactly set the world on fire under the Fiat-Chrysler partnership, truck (and Jeep) sales have been going great guns. So it’s not particularly surprising that Ram has made only minor changes for 2017, which perhaps is for the best. Notable, however, is a new 2500 that wears graphics that recall those from one of its earlier – and rather famous — Dodge siblings.
2017 Ram News
1500
Some trim levels add new standard features for 2017, the most notable being the Rebel, which gets automatic dual-zone climate control, Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system, remote start, rearview camera, and rear obstacle detection. All models get a 5-micron cabin air filter. The 1500 continues to offer a 3.0-liter turbodiesel, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 395 horsepower, all mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty
The ¾-ton 2500 adds a new Power Wagon trim level (top) for 2017 that takes on the styling cues of the Dodge Power Wagon offered for 1979-80, which carried similar vertical Power Wagon bed decals. There’s also a 4×4 Off Road Package with hill-descent control, tow hooks, transfer-case skid plate, Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential, 18- or 20-inch off-road tires, wheel flares, and Off Road decals. Engine choices for the 2500 and 1-ton 3500 remain a 383-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8, a 410-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8, and a 385-horsepower 6.7-liter turbodiesel with a stompin’ 900 lb-ft of torque. The 2500 offers an optional air suspension, and the 3500 can be fitted with an optional supplemental air-bag suspension. Ram claims the 3500 tops its class with a 7390-lb payload rating and 31,210-lb towing capacity.
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