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Photos by Perry & Cindy Mack
2014 Dodge Ram 1500
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Photos Perry & Cindy Mack
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Photos Perry & Cindy Mack
Story and Photos Perry & Cindy Mack
The 3.6L Pentastar was introduced into Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles in 2011 but didn’t make it into Ram until 2013. One of the newer crop of V6 engines trying to perform like a V8 but with better gas mileage. We test drove the new 2014 with the 3.6L in the Outdoorsmen trim - crew cab, short box.
We picked our test vehicle up in Richmond, BC and drove down to Steveston – a fishing village on the coast and several events in the lower mainland. After a few days of big city driving, we drove east up and over the Coast Mountains into the interior of BC – to our hometown and off-road playgrounds. We drove it like we stole it.
For 2014, most controls like windows and mirrors remain on the driver’s side handset similar to previous years, which make them easy to use, especially if you’re a Ram guy. Infotainment, cruise and manual shift buttons are all on the steering wheel front and back. Although you can't see the stereo controls as they are on backside of the wheel, from experience I can tell you repeated use makes them second nature with the safety bonus of never having to remove your eyes from the road or your hands from the wheel.
The digital LCD screen at the centre of the dash cluster is actually quite easy to navigate without resorting to the manual and will provide you with more information than you need.
Just as easy was connecting our Blackberry through the Bluetooth and connecting our iPod via the USB port under the centre armrest console. Both phone and iPod can be stored here connected, always charging and out of sight of thieves. Centre dash on the passenger side has an 115V 150W AC plug.
The 'dial a gear' was unusual but easy to get used to and would be our preferred choice as a driver. A flick of the wrist gets you into gear you need. The infotainment system is intuitive to navigate - as it should be. Analog buttons and dials back up what is available as touch screen navigation.
The air suspension system is height adjustable front and back at the touch of a button - rising either 1.2” or 2" (OR1 or OR2) from Normal Ride Height (NRH) for improved off-road ground clearance, or down .5" (Aero mode) for better fuel efficiency from improved aerodynamics. Although you can push the buttons manually, your speed and load influences the settings, in other words you can’t drive down the highway in OR2 (Off-Road 2” up) at 110 kph, the truck automatically takes you down into Aero.
This air suspension option does make the Ram the class leader with up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance, an approach angle of 23.9, a departure angle of 27.8 degrees and breakover angle of 24.2 degrees in a 4x4 crew cab shortbox – if you choose the right trim level/tire-wheel combination.
We threw up massive clouds of dust hammering down the Forest Service Roads (FSR) giving the suspension a thorough workout. For a stock truck, it is a solid performer. Except the seats, which in the Outdoorsmen are uncomfortable - easily the worst of all the half tons tested. Bad on the long drives and worse down rough roads.
The interior rear seating provides adequate legroom and the seat bottoms fold up to reveal small storage compartments (again as in previous years) resulting in a very uneven cargo floor and smaller space than what is provided in the GM or Ford equivalents. We do use these compartments in our 2004 Ram for ratchet straps, hitch accessories, flashlight, emergency kit etc. but quite often I would be happy to trade these little storage cubbies for a large flat open interior cargo space. Rear passengers also get a 12V power outlet.
Speaking of storage, the RamBox bedside storage boxes are handy and lock/unlock from your keyfob (along with all your doors). You don’t lose much bed space as they will safely store smaller items like tools and hitch accessories without sliding around and you still have enough width for a 4x8 sheet of plywood.
Interior styling, options and features are virtually unchanged from 2013 including lots of RAM logos and my own pet peeve – the four spoke steering wheel. Yes, I’m supposed to be driving with my hands at ‘10 and 2’ but I don’t. On a long haul, one hand at the bottom centre of the wheel is a comfortable position – unless you’re in a Ram where there’s barely room for a thumb drive.
Exterior styling also remains relatively unchanged and I personally prefer the Ram styling to the other brands but that’s a personal choice. ‘nuf said.
The Pentastar 3.6L V6 is not a Hemi and doesn’t perform like a V8. Off the line it feels sluggish and when passing you better leave yourself lots of time. The eight-speed transmission is designed for fuel economy not performance – which is the theme for this powertrain. It’s the lightweight of light duty trucks and for some drivers – it’s exactly what they need – good looks and good fuel economy for a light duty, short haul pick-up driving in the city.