2018 Ram 1500 4WD Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Ram trucks seem to be everywhere you look, and there is a good reason for that. Not only do they tend to be some of the more affordable trucks on the market, but they're built to give rugged performances. The 2018 Ram 1500 4wd is no exception. This truck has a lot of the bells and whistles as well as the power to perform. While it could use a few more driver assist features and a better towing capacity to put it at the front of the pack, the Ram 1500's quiet and sophisticated cabin and powerful 8-speed automatic transmission add a lot of flair to this vehicle.

What's New for 2018?

A few important changes have been made to the 2018 Ram 1500 4wd for the model year. The most notable alterations are an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, a standard rearview camera, and a leather interior included on the Rebel. Also, the Ram 1500 is now available as a Harvest or Limited Tungsten edition.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Ram 1500 4WD – The Pros

1. Off-Roading Feels Superb

The 2018 Ram 1500 4wd is a top-notch off-roading truck. If you opt for the EcoDiesel engine, you get plenty of torque to maneuver around on winding pathways. Also, the 1500 4wd has a superior coil-spring suspension that sends the right amount of power to all of the wheels.

2. A Quiet Ride

For being a big and powerful truck, it isn't that boisterous. In fact, the interior is well-insulated from wind and road noise. Also, engine noise keeps to a hum until you get the truck up to full-throttle on the highway.

3. The Luxurious Cabin

The cabin on the 2018 Ram 1500 4wd is surprisingly luxurious. The color options are all stunning, and the paneling throughout the cabin looks like it is made of high-quality materials. There are no noticeable gaps or flaws in the paneling or in the seating.

4. A Smooth Ride From the Suspension

Air springs can be substituted in, and doing this gives an incredibly smooth ride. The 1500 can handle any bump or jagged road surface with ease and elegance, creating a comfortable ride for all occupants.

5. The 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

The standard 8-speed automatic transmission shifts between gears in a way that is so fluid that the driver will struggle to detect exactly when it is shifting. Shifting on the diesel engine is especially smooth since its high amount of torque makes up for any minor RPM jump.

6. 11 Trim Levels to Choose From

With 11 trim levels to choose from and multiple stand-alone features and optional packages that can be added, it is safe to say that the 2018 Ram 1500 4wd is one of the most customizable trucks on the market. There is something for everyone, whether you're looking for a powerful workhorse or a more luxurious cruiser.

7. Superior Steering and Handling

Steering and handling are both excellent on the 1500 4wd. Steering feels straightforward at all times, and even under the pressure of a heavy load, feedback to the driver is excellent. The truck handles corners with ease, and there is minimal body roll.

8. Well-Cushioned Seats

The seats on the 1500 4wd are all generously cushioned. Even the rear seats on the crew cab are packed with comfort. There is plenty of lumbar and lateral support for the driver, and the front seats are easy to adjust. The driver shouldn't have any problem finding a comfortable driving position, which is often difficult to find in such a large vehicle.

9. Easy-to-Use Controls

All of the physical controls lining the center stack and steering wheel are easy-to-use. They're all well-marked and perform functions as expected. The steering wheel controls are on the smaller side but are all well-aligned and make sense.

10. The Uconnect Infotainment System

Last, but certainly not least, is the revamped Uconnect infotainment system. The new 8.4-inch touchscreen has a user-friendly interface and comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone app integration.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Ram 1500 4WD – The Cons

1. Lacks Driver Assist Features

One of the few downsides to the 2018 Ram 1500 4wd is that it doesn't have any driver assist features, which can be found as options on most competitors' trucks. Adding a few of these features would certainly make the 2018 Ram 1500 4wd a little bit safer to drive and would likely win over a few more customers who value their safety.

2. Subpar Towing Capacity

Unfortunately, the 1500 4wd doesn't have the same max towing capacity as some of its competitors. The EcoDiesel option will get you a nice 9,000-lb max towing capacity, but it still doesn't put this vehicle at the front of the pack for towing.

3. The Expensive Diesel Engine

The diesel engine option is expensive. While you get a lot more torque for the price, anyone who is shopping on a budget might have a hard time justifying making this upgrade. However, the EcoDiesel does provide the best performance within the lineup and might be worthy of consideration for those who need a workhorse.

4. Slow Acceleration

Even with its awesome amount of torque, the 1500 4wd is a little sluggish to accelerate. The truck can only get from 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds. It is built for towing, not winning races.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Ram 1500 4wd vs. 2018 Ford F-150

The 2018 Ford F-150 is a bit lacking in terms of fuel economy and ride quality, but, when properly equipped, makes for an excellent off-roader. Also, the F-150 has a great maximum towing capacity of 10,800 pounds, which certainly bests the Ram 1500's 9,000 pounds.

2018 Ram 1500 4wd vs. 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is another top contender for the model year. The Silverado 1500 looks a bit cheaper on the interior and doesn't have a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, as it is only an option on higher trim levels. However, the Silverado 1500 has a lot of customization options and gets a good amount of acceleration from its V8 engine.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2018 Ram 1500 4wd has a lot to offer. While it cannot top the Ford F-150 for towing or the acceleration on the Silverado 1500, the Ram has a massive amount of torque and a fantastic suspension that give the truck an incredibly smooth ride quality.