Driven: 2022 RAM 1500 Limited 10th Anniversary Edition
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We’ve spent time with the current-gen RAM 1500 pickup, but never one as luxurious as the RAM 1500 Limited. We drove the tricked-out 10th Anniversary Edition, fully-loaded with the V8 HEMI eTorque engine, Tech and Towing packages, and more – all gleaming in the sun under a blanket of Patriot Blue pearl coat paint.
The RAM 1500 is our favorite 1/2-ton pickup on the market, thanks to its smooth and comfortable ride, outstanding interior design, and mix of carrying cargo and towing features. In Limited trim, the RAM becomes a luxury vehicle too. It rides on beautiful polished aluminum 22" wheels and has a shiny chrome grille, bumpers, body trim, badging, and even chrome tow hooks. The Crew Cab 4x4 model we drove has a 5-foot, 7-inch short bed, which came equipped with a handsome retractable tonneau cover for keeping cargo dry and out of the elements.
One distinguishing feature available on RAM 1500 pickups is the great Multi-Function tailgate, which can be opened in a traditional flat method or like a pair of swing-out doors. This makes loading and unloading items in the bed easier without reaching over the tailgate since you can get closer to its contents. There's also a deployable step under the back bumper for accessing the bed without having to step on the bumper. This combination of features makes the cargo bed extremely versatile - though hauling 4x8 sheet goods in any short bed means letting them hang past the end of the truck and tying them down.
Our truck came with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with the eTorque option. This 48-volt belt-starter generator and battery pack system keep the RAM's battery charged, improves responsiveness when resuming from fuel-saving Start/Stop mode, and functions as a mild hybrid system, boosting torque and smoothing transmission downshifts. The result is faster acceleration, increased payload capacity, and a modest improvement in fuel economy.
With 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque on tap, plus the eTorque's added torque boost, this big truck accelerates smoothly and powerfully. And if you plan on bringing along your outdoor toys like a boat or an ATV, it can tow up to 11,320 pounds. Ride quality is excellent, in large part thanks to a great 4-corner air suspension that is equally comfortable on smooth or rough terrain. It also helps keep things sorted whether you're driving with an empty or full cargo bed.
Inside is where the RAM 1500 Limited's luxury really comes to light. The materials used are exquisite. The open-pore black argent wood on the dash, console, and steering wheel looks like a pinstripe suit. The quilted leather seats are incredibly comfortable and have heat and ventilation - which was necessary when parking the truck outside on a 106-degree day here in Oklahoma. The center console is the best in the business, with a versatile sliding cupholder unit that grants access to a cavernous storage cubby.
We also like the double-decker glovebox setup, which provides a second storage area higher up in the dashboard and shows off more of that elegant wood trim. And just look at the premium materials used on the door. This is the kind of styling and panache you'd expect from a $150,000 Mercedes-Benz, not a highly-capable pickup truck.
Like other RAM 1500 Crew Cab models, the rear seats fold towards the back wall, opening up a large flat storage deck for interior cargo. There are tie-down points at the corners of the loading deck, storage under the rear seat, and hidden storage bins beneath the floor mat. Legroom and headroom are outstanding for back seat passengers when the seats are in use.
The RAM 1500 Limited also comes standard with an enormous 12" center touchscreen display, running Stellantis' stellar UConnect 5 system and providing centralized access to navigation, media, climate, and vehicle controls. There are times when the big, tablet-like screen can be overwhelming and a bit distracting at times, especially surrounded by so many buttons and knobs. Tech and gadget geeks will love the big screen, though.
The 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates 10 years of RAM's luxury pickup production. An embossed metal emblem on the quilted leather armrest commemorates the occasion and further distinguishes this special edition truck. The package also adds a smooth suede headliner, bright metal pedals, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (which sounds fantastic), ventilated seats for second-row passengers, and a schmancy jewel-faceted shift knob, among other features. The aforementioned tailgate and rear step are also part of the package.
As we said before, the RAM 1500 is the best 1/2-ton pickup on the market today, and we stand by that opinion. In 10th Anniversary Limited trim, it's in a different class when it comes to materials, style, and creature comforts. Sure, it's a little too fancy for an everyday work truck, but it sure makes a nice reward if you've managed to climb the ladder and become the boss. The 2022 RAM 1500 Limited starts at $62,460. Our loaded 10th Anniversary truck came in at $72,740, including a $1695 destination charge.
