Drivers can gain access to the trucks using their phone as a key. Similar to many new vehicles, an app can control many functions remotely, such as unlocking the doors and starting the engine. This gives owners more flexibility, especially when the key fob isn’t available. It’s easy to imagine that this may have particular applications for commercial users, in case a key is misplaced or someone needs access to a truck at a job site.
Once inside, it’s clear that Ram has once again engaged in the infotainment screen wars. There’s a digital driver’s instrument screen, naturally.
The center screen can be 12 or 14.5 inches in the Ram, and it houses the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. In our Ram 1500 test, we appreciated that the screen is highly customizable, responds quickly to inputs, and has big on-screen buttons and programmable shortcuts. But some controls are a long reach from the driver, including the tuning knob, air conditioning button, front and rear defrost, and any icons that are on the right and bottom edges of the screen.
One-upping the competitors, the Ram 1500 REV can be fitted with a 10.25-inch passenger touchscreen that can display entertainment, navigation, and exterior vehicle cameras. To reduce distraction, this screen isn’t visible to the driver. There’s an HDMI port for connecting devices, so a passenger can use the screen to surf the internet or watch a video.
So the driver doesn’t feel left out, there’s an available color head-up display that can show navigation directions, speed, speed limit, gear, and safety warnings on the windshield.
Available dual wireless phone chargers can keep devices topped off when traveling.
Of course, the 1500 REV adds information screens to advise on energy flow (showing charging and consumption), battery level, and consumption history. Plus, that truck can use “one-pedal driving,” a common electric vehicle feature that allows the driver to control acceleration and deceleration with the “gas” pedal, because lifting the pedal causes the regenerative braking to significantly slow the vehicle.
The top Tungsten trim level has a standard 1,228-watt Klipsch stereo with 23 speakers, brushed metal accents, and a suede headliner. To further pamper, the quilted-leather front seats feature 24-way adjustments, memory functions, and massage settings. Plus, they are heated and ventilated.
Various other trim levels feature their own upholstery and accents.
