Deciding which make and model to buy for your next vehicle involves a combination of factors: capabilities, price, appearance, availability and that undefinable “gut feeling” you get when you lay eyes on the right vehicle for you. Only you have the power to weigh all these factors and figure out which vehicle you’ll be driving off the lot in when the time comes.
However, it doesn’t hurt to add a little third-party validation into the mix, too. The various awards and accolades that certain vehicles have won reveal a lot about what they can do — and what experts are heralding as their most notable features.
Have you been considering which pickup truck to get next? Here are the recent awards won by Dodge Ram pickups worth checking out.
J.D. Power 2020 Performance Award Winner: Ram 1500
J.D. Power has long been a trusted name in the industry. The 2020 Ram 1500 came away on top in terms of performance for a light-duty pickup truck according to this source. This award considers the following factors when scoring models:
- Quality
- Reliability
- The driving experience
- Resale value
- The dealership experience
Contenders for this award, besides the Ram 1500, included the GMC Sierra 1500, Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500 and the Toyota Tundra.
U.S. News and World Report Best Truck Brand 2021: Ram
U.S. News & World Report ranked Ram the top truck brand for 2021, particularly the aforementioned Ram 1500 — whose ride is “far smoother and more cushioned than you might expect from a truck,” according to the award announcement. Comfort level is definitely a consideration for people looking for not only a capable utility vehicle, but also a pleasant everyday ride around town.
Cars.com Luxury Car of the Year: Ram 1500 Laramie/Longhorn Limited
When you think about pickup trucks, your mind may not automatically jump to luxury first. But this luxury award reminds us that what’s inside the cabin can be just as impressive as the payload capabilities out back — as higher trim levels offer increasing levels of design, technology and functionality.
Even if you are not looking for something in the upper trim levels of a truck this time around, the takeaway here is that comfort is absolutely an important consideration when you’re picking out the truck you’ll drive for the next couple years or beyond. Or, if you are aiming to get “more truck” than you might be able to afford in full, a Dodge Ram lease could help you accomplish this goal — as you’ll only have to pay for depreciation during your contract rather than repaying the entire price tag.
Popular Science 2020 Best of What’s New: 2019 Ram 2500
We’ve touched on some of the recognition received by the light-duty Ram 1500. But what about the brand’s heavy-duty offerings? Popular Science awarded the Ram 2500 a “Best of What’s New” award.
As the magazine points out, the Ram uses coil springs rather than leaf springs — an engineering choice that helps the ride stay smoother for passengers. The towing capacity on the diesel engine also surpasses 35,000 pounds, or “three elephants.”
Edmunds Best Full-Size Truck: 2020 Ram 1500
Calling it “the truck to beat,” the experts at Edmunds called out the combination of rugged appearance with interior comfort when placing this model at the top of the category. They also noted there is an EcoDiesel V6 engine option for those drivers seeking to maximize fuel economy while still hauling/towing.
Looking up awards won by the manufacturer and model of the vehicle you’re considering can help you learn more about its best features — and how it stacks up against the competition.
