2011 RAM 1500

The RAM 1500 Crew Cab model is only available with a 140.5-inch bed, can seat up to 6 passengers, and is offered in four distinct trim levels. The RAM 1500 Crew Cab range starts with the base ST model which gets 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl upholstery, air conditioning, split-folding front bench seats, vinyl floor covering, and a 6-speaker stereo system with a CD player. Next in line is the SLT model which adds some luxuries like cruise control, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, and 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome trims to improve the look. 

As its name suggests, the Sport trim adds a more powerful V8 engine and styling to match, including 20-inch chrome wheels, dual exhaust, front bucket seats, touchscreen infotainment, power-adjustable driver’s seat, under-seat storage, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. Sitting at the top of the range is the Laramie, that offers plenty of luxury with features like dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory functions, heated front seats, and steering wheel, remote engine start, and an upgraded interior with wood-grain trims.

Which trim should you buy?

Out of all four trims, the SLT offers the best value, including a lot of luxuries and features over the base ST model including 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome design elements, keyless entry, cruise control, comfortable cloth seats, and more. The more powerful V8 engine is also available as a $1,310 option. 

With no major updates to the powertrain, the base models of the 2011 RAM 1500 Crew Cab continue to get a 3.7L V6 engine as standard, which is limited to just 215 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. The engine struggles to move this behemoth and feels underpowered in almost all scenarios. The V6 engine also gets an outdated 4-speed automatic transmission instead of the 5-speed on the higher trims, which is rather slow in moving through the cogs and is rather unpleasant in the city. 

The upgrading to the 4.7L V8 is rather mandatory, and comes standard with the 4WD models. With the V8, the RAM produces a respectable 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. For even more performance and towing capacity, a 5.7L HEMI is standard on the Sport and Laramie trims, producing 390 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for a full-size pickup truck, allowing you to waft along with minimal effort. The 5.7L engine also maximizes towing capacity at 10,250 pounds. 

With the 4.7L V8 option, the RAM 2500 takes just 7 seconds to reach 60 MPH and crosses the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds, which is respectable for a 5000-pound pick-up truck. Unfortunately, there are no hybrid or diesel engine options, both of which are gaining traction in today’s market, and are offered by some competitors. The engine responds well regardless of the V8 engine you choose and picks up speed quickly. However, the 5-speed transmission is a limiting factor on the HEMI models, and you’ll be craving an extra gear when cruising on the highway.

With the latest generational update last year, RAM replaced the regular leaf spring suspension at the rear with an advanced coil spring five-link setup. This has dramatically improved handling and ride compared to competing pickup tricks, making the RAM 1500 the most comfortable pickup on the market. However, the bias towards comfort has limited handling somewhat. The light steering with minimal feedback further hampers dynamics. 

The controlled ride is evident when cruising on the highways, and when hauling a trailer. The regular model gets a RWD setup as standard, with a 4WD system available as an option. For better off-road capability, the outdoorsman model is recommended with a standard V8 powertrain, all-terrain tires, and more.

With capable V8 engines across the board, performance is broadly similar with all four pick-up trucks. The Ford F-150 gets a more advanced 6-speed automatic transmission and slightly edges out the competition in terms of acceleration. Both the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 share the same powertrain and get an age-old 4-speed automatic, limiting their performance. 

Surprisingly, while the smaller 3.7L V6 may seem like a more efficient option on paper, it delivers just 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway, which is comparable to the bigger V8 engines. Speaking of which, both the 4.7L and 5.7L V8s deliver 1 MPG less on the highway, and a further 1 MPG drop is expected with the 4WD powertrain. Unlike its rivals, the 2011 RAM 1500 doesn’t offer any hybrid or diesel powertrain, which may hamper sales. 

Efficiency is surprisingly similar across the board with all three pick-up trucks including the RAM 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 returning a combined figure of nearly 16 MPG. However, the Ford F-150 with its capable V6 powertrain is the most efficient option here, returning an impressive 19 MPG combined. 

On the inside, the RAM 1500 tops the class in terms of quality and space. Plenty of wood grain and chrome elements are provided to uplift the ambiance, and it reflects the supple ride quality. In fact, the range-topping Laramie model gets the best interiors in its class, filled with luxuries like dual-zone climate control, leather seats, power-adjustable front bucket seats, heated front seats, and a lot more. 

The base ST and SLT models get a standard 6 seater configuration, with 40/20/40 split-folding bench seats at the front. Upgrading to either the Sport or Laramie model will switch them out for comfortable bucket seats with a wide center console. Passenger space is adequate for adults in both rows with an impressive 40.3-inches of legroom at the rear. Like most modern pick-up trucks, the interiors are well equipped and all the controls are placed intuitively for easy reach. 

The RAM 1500 is also equipped with plenty of clever storage spaces around the cabin including two glove boxes, a wide center console, and storage under the rear seats for the Sport and higher trims. It can also be optioned with RAMBox storage which includes two lockable compartments at either side of the truck bed. Speaking of cargo, the maximum capacity stands at 50.3 cubic feet, which can be further extended by folding the seats as required. 

All four pick-up trucks get a 6 passenger layout as standard with bench seats at the front. But, the RAM 1500 offers the most space, and also includes some clever storage options like RAMBox. Cargo capacity is limited though, and the Ford F-150 trumps the others with 55.4 cubic feet on offer. Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Power-adjustable front seats with memory 
• Heated front seats and steering wheel 
• Leather upholstery
• Dual-zone climate control 
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

What’s there to keep you entertained?

With the base ST and SLT models, the infotainment system in the 2011 RAM 1500 is pretty basic with features like a CD player, AUX port, and satellite radio. However, the higher trims offer a much more comprehensive system with a touchscreen display and features like a DVD player, HD radio, USB, Bluetooth, and a 30 GB hard drive. 

The Laramie models also add a subwoofer, increasing the total speaker count to 7. In addition to all this, RAM also offers some optional features like a rear-seat entertainment system with head-rest mounted displays and a navigation system with real-time traffic info. Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• CD/DVD player with MP3 playback
• Satellite and HD radio
• 30 GB hard-drive
• Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity
• 7-speaker audio system with subwoofer
• Rear-seat entertainment system (Optional)
• Built-in navigation with real-time traffic (Optional)

With no revisions to the overall design, the 2011 RAM 1500 Crew Cab still somehow manages to stand apart from a sea of similar-looking pick-up trucks with its unique crosshair grille at the front flanked by sharp headlights, flared wheel arches, and a curvy overall design. Depending on the trim, there are plenty of colors and even two-tone options available, along with varied wheel sizes from small 17-inch steel rims to massive 20-inch chrome wheels. The adventurous Outdoorsman model also gets some unique design elements like underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and more. 

In terms of size, there’s nothing that differentiates all four pick-up trucks. But that being said, the RAM 1500 is limited in terms of bed sizes, and the standard model is already a few inches short in terms of wheelbase. Among competitors, the Ford F-150 is the only option that offers a longer bed option. Some of the standout exterior features are as follows:

• Chrome bumpers
• Dual exhausts
• Dual-tone paint options including accent flares
• 20-inch chrome wheels
• Quad halogen headlights

Fortunately, the 2011 RAM 1500 passed the IIHS safety tests with flying colors, scoring a “Good” overall rating. But, because of the stringent safety regulations that came into effect in 2011, it managed to secure only 3 stars overall in the NHTSA safety tests. To put your mind at ease, the RAM 1500 is equipped with all the features including dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitor, and more. Optional features like rear park assist, trailer brake control, and a backup camera are also available. Some notable standard safety features include the following:

• Dual front and side airbags
• Anti-lock brakes
• Electronic stability control
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Hill-start assist
• Trailer sway control
• Electronic roll mitigation

Despite the minimal updates, the 2011 RAM 1500 continues to be the best full-size pick-up truck in the market. Thanks to the coil spring suspension setup and a well-tuned chassis, it retains its remarkable ride quality. Crew Cab models also offer plenty of space on the inside, offering luxury and class with the range-topping Laramie trim. If you’re looking for a comfortable pick-up truck that can double as a family hauler and a work truck, the 2011 RAM 1500 Crew Cab is a no-brainer. However, some compromises have been made in terms of practicality, making it less versatile than some of its competitors with just one-bed size on offer and a lethargic base engine.