How Does The 2023 RAM 1500 Features Compare To The 2022 RAM 1500?

One of the most popular full-sized pickups on the market is the Ram 1500. If you’ve already decided that you want a Ram, one decision you may still be considering is whether to go with the latest 2023 model or to stick with the 2022 version. There are a few minor updates to the 2023 Ram 1500, which may attract your interest. However, if you feel you can do without them, you may find a good deal on a 2022 model. Our truck experts here at Hiley Buick GMC are on hand to help you find your ideal pickup. View our inventory of New GMCs or if you have any questions, give us a call at (817)-632-8800.

What’s the Difference Between the 2022 Ram 1500 and the 2023 Model?

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The main change we expect for the 2023 model year is that the Ram 1500 will get a new digital gauge cluster. It will feature a larger touch screen, making it easier for you to interact with the system. Another likely change is the addition of a new hood scoop. Rumors are also swirling about the possibility of an inline-six engine replacing the current V-6 as the Ram’s base engine.

One thing that has been ruled out for 2023 is any major changes. These are more likely to come in 2024 when Ram brings out its all-electric version: the Ram 1500 EV.

Ram 1500 Engine Options

There are five engine options for you to choose from, and they’re available across both the 2022 and 2023 models. The V-6 we mentioned above puts out 305 horsepower and gets the job done if you’re towing a small trailer. You can upgrade to a V-8 or a mild hybrid system combined with a V-8, both of which put out 395 horsepower and are good for towing heavy loads. You can also opt for a six-cylinder turbo-diesel that cranks out 260 horsepower or the massive 702-horsepower supercharged V-8 offered on the TRX trim.

The Ram’s turbo-diesel engine is the best for fuel economy, returning 32 mpg at highway speeds. The base V-6 achieves 25 mpg, while the V-8 manages 22 mpg. The supercharged V-8’s fuel efficiency numbers are significantly lower at 14 mpg on the highway and 10 mpg on city roads, but it’s not likely that fuel efficiency will be top of your list if you’re considering this high-powered machine.

Ram 1500 Towing Capacity

The Ram 1500’s towing capacity is 12,750 pounds, which you can achieve with the hybrid V-8 setup. The turbo-diesel engine also has a strong towing capacity at 12,560 pounds. The other V-8 engine gets you a maximum of 11,560 pounds, while the base V-6 achieves 7,700 pounds. While this latter figure is considerably less than the Ram’s top towing numbers, it should do just fine if you only plan to pull lighter loads.

Another advantage is that the smaller engine gets the best cargo hauling numbers at 2,300 pounds, which is significantly above the 1,970 pounds that the V-8 offers and 2,090 pounds that you get with the turbo-diesel.

Ram 1500 Cargo Bed and Cab Options

There are two main cargo bed options for the Ram 1500, and they’ll be staying the same for the 2023 model. The longer of the two options is 6 feet, 4 inches in length, while the shorter one is 5 feet, 7 inches and is paired with the largest cab. A longer bed of 8 feet, 2 inches is available with the Ram 1500 Classic. This model is based on a previous Ram edition and only sold as a work truck.

You can also choose from two cab options: a Crew or Quad Cab. Both cabs have two rows of seating for up to six people, but the Crew Cab has considerably more legroom in the rear row and full-sized rear doors instead of the half-sized ones found on the Quad Cab. The Crew Cab is the best choice if you regularly have adult passengers in the back. The Regular Cab, which provides one row of seats for up to three people, is paired with the long cargo bed in the Ram 1500 Classic but isn’t available in any other configuration.

Ram 1500 Trims and Pricing

For the 2022 model year, the Ram 1500 had a base starting price of around $34,000. This price may increase slightly for 2023, but we don’t expect a major change because there won’t be many new features. The range-topping TRX trim has an MSRP of around $76,000.

There are eight trims for you to consider: the Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. Your choice of trim may depend on the combination of cab and cargo bed you want. For instance, the top three trims come standard with the larger Crew Cab. You can add this cab in the other trims, but it will cost extra.

The base Tradesman is a good option if you’re looking for a work truck. It comes standard with the Quad Cab and short bed, but you can add the longer bed and four-wheel drive if you want to improve its performance.

If you’re more of an off-roading fan, the Rebel trim offers many features, such as a 2-inch lift kit and improved suspension. Finally, if you want a fully loaded Ram with incredible acceleration, you can’t beat the TRX. The supercharged V-8 gives this truck remarkable acceleration, and its luxurious interior features leather upholstery and all the infotainment technology you could imagine.

In summary, many people may be happy with a 2022 Ram, which will share almost all its key features with the latest model year. You’ll get the same towing abilities, interior features, and cargo bed options. If you’d like a larger digital gauge cluster or a new hood scoop, you may want to opt for the 2023 Ram 1500. If you can put off your purchase, you may even be tempted to wait and see what changes come in 2024 when the Ram 1500 EV is set to hit showrooms.

If you need assistance choosing your ideal new or used truck, don’t hesitate to contact us today. At Hiley Buick GMC in Fort Worth, we’ve established a reputation for providing honest and helpful advice to support Texas drivers in deciding which vehicle to buy. Check out our online inventory or stop by our Dallas area dealership to see what’s available in our showroom.