Over the final 15–20 years, Ram Trucks haven’t earned the perfect repute for reliability. Repair Pal’s reliability score for the 1500 is 3.5/5, 2.5/5 for the 2500, and solely 2/5 for the 3500. Thankfully, as with most producers, there are all the time mannequin years that appear to buck that development. Ram produces some distinctive vehicles; it simply takes just a little digging to search out the gems.

As Repair Pal’s general rating would suggest, the 1500 appears to be essentially the most dependable throughout the board, however given not all customers are out there for a half-ton, we have opted to incorporate some 2500 and 3500 fashions on account of their unimaginable towing capabilities. After all, towing and payload capability signify important data for the potential truck purchaser.

To make this checklist as goal as doable, we have used rankings from Cars.com and J.D.Power to kind the rating. It’s essential to notice, nonetheless, that a lot consideration was given to the widespread issues reported on CarComplaints.com in an effort to advocate essentially the most succesful vehicles with the best chance of dependability.

In order to provide the most recent and correct data doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Ramtrucks.com, Caranddriver.com, CarComplaints.com, and Repairpal.com. Each automobile is ranked with consideration given to towing capability and reliability.

10 2017 Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins

Reliability Score: 76/100 (J.D.Power)

If you do not purchase vehicles merely for each day driving duties, you will doubtless need some critical functionality. With 800 lb-ft of torque and an almost 18,000 kilos towing capability, you would be hard-pressed to search out your self wanting extra on this Cummins-powered behemoth. Fortunately, although sustaining trendy diesels may be fairly pricey, the 2017 Ram 2500 has the bottom annual working value (for 2500s) at $839, in keeping with Repair Pal.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

Though J.D.Power solely offers the 2017 Ram 2500 a 77/100 for reliability, the 2017 mannequin 12 months is the least problematic 12 months of the fourth-generation Ram, in keeping with CarComplaints. There are some points reported with the ABS, however the points are minimal in comparison with the 2018 mannequin 12 months, which had the best recorded stage of complaints between 2012 and 2023. Ultimately, although nonetheless pricey in comparison with a smaller truck like a Tacoma or perhaps a Ram 1500, the 2017 2500 is actually a stable alternative.

9 2020 Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins

Reliability Score: 4.0/5.0 (Cars.com)

While the 2017 Ram 2500 has practically the identical towing and payload capability because the 2020 Ram 2500, the 2020 mannequin 12 months advantages from being a part of the newest technology of Ram pickups. The earlier technology was launched in the beginning of the Obama administration, so understandably, the inside was a bit dated. Not solely does the design of the newer Ram seem extra trendy, however Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are provided by Chrysler’s extremely regarded UConnect infotainment system.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

Though it’s tough to find out reliability early in a automobile’s life cycle, customers at Cars.com have rated its reliability at a wholesome 4.0/5.0. There are just a few remembers any potential consumers ought to be certain that have been taken care of, together with one in regards to the high-pressure gasoline pump, in keeping with Car Complaints. That mentioned, there do not look like any main powertrain points reported right now. The projected reliability, together with the mix of kind and performance, offers the 2020 Ram 2500 good justification to seem on our checklist…and possibly yours too.

8 2018 Ram 1500 5.7L

Reliability Score: 81/100 (J.D.Power)

If towing a small moon is not in your checklist of necessities, choosing a 1500 fitted with the 5.7L Hemi would doubtless be the most affordable route. The Hemi might not be as robust because the Cummins, however with a towing capability of over 10,000 lbs, it stays loads succesful for the typical shopper. The 2018 mannequin 12 months, particularly, stands out as the primary 12 months with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

When it involves reliability, the 2018 mannequin 12 months is the least problematic of the earlier technology Ram, in keeping with Car Complaints. Now, it actually will not be as low-cost to run as a Toyota Camry, however Repair Pal studies 2018 to have the bottom annual restore value of all years from 2011-2019 at solely $539. It might not be cutting-edge, however a great mixture of recent facilities and reliability makes 2018 a fairly protected wager within the used truck market.

7 2019 Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins

Reliability Score: 4.1/5.0 (Cars.com)

Okay, so possibly you do must tow a small moon. With the power to comfortably tow greater than 30,000 lbs, why not go for a truck with a four-digit torque quantity? 2019 is the primary 12 months of the newest technology. Usually, we advocate staying away from the primary mannequin 12 months, however given the powertrain is basically a carryover from the earlier gen, the chance appears to have been mitigated considerably. Like with the 2020 Ram 2500, you will be bathed within the newest tech, however not like the 2500, the 3500 would not get coil springs within the rear. Instead, you get good old school leaf springs. The journey may be a bit bumpier, however the trade-off is the next payload.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

Though Repair Pal would not but supply knowledge on yearly operating prices, the 2011-2017 common is $1,270 yearly, so we might count on 2019 to be in that vary. According to Car Complaints, the 2019 mannequin 12 months is among the 3500’s least problematic years, making it an excellent alternative for the customer who requires such immense functionality.

6 2017 Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins

Reliability Score: 4.2/5.0 (Cars.com)

2017 appears to be a great 12 months for Ram vehicles, with this 3500 Cummins showing because the fourth entry on this checklist from that 12 months. 2017 was the second to final 12 months of fourth-generation Ram pickups, and automotive producers are inclined to have ironed out the kinks by the tip of a technology. Despite this 2017 mannequin showcasing comparable towing, payload, and torque specs to 2019, it lacks Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a few of the newest tech options that could be important for the possible purchaser. That mentioned, being an older, barely easier machine may need some advantages for reliability.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

The 2017 Ram 3500 Cummins would not initially look like the least problematic on Car Complaints, however a more in-depth look reveals that 2018 had over 300 studies of ABS-related failures by the NHTSA, whereas 2017 solely had 84. Additionally, the 2017 mannequin 12 months can also be reported by Repair Pal to have the least costly annual upkeep prices at $1184. Naturally, that’s nonetheless some huge cash, however in return, you recover from 30,000 lbs of towing capability and a truck with fewer issues reported than different 3500’s barely newer or older.

5 2023 Ram 1500 Classic 5.7L

Reliability Score: 88/100 (J.D.Power)

If you need your truck to have its underpinnings courting again to when Taylor Swift was only a nation singer, the 1500 Classic is for you. For these not intimately acquainted with Ram’s lineup, the Stellantis-owned producer sells each the brand new fifth-generation Ram 1500, which got here out in 2019, they usually promote the fourth-generation Ram 1500, which got here out in 2009.

This means the 1500 Classic begins at beneath $40k for a 4×4 outfitted truck in comparison with practically $48k for a brand new 1500. Given that the Classic may be bought with the 5.7L Hemi for simply $2,500 extra, you are taking a look at practically 400 hp and an virtually 11,000 lb towing capability for lower than a brand new RWD V6 Ram 1500.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

Aside from the specs and low-cost barrier to entry, the 1500 Classic scored a really spectacular 88/100 for reliability on J.D.Power. There are little to no issues talked about in Car Complaints, however that does not imply there will not be. That mentioned, the 1500 Classic advantages from its age, because it’s extra doubtless that issues from earlier years can have been sorted out by 2024. If you desire a extra old-school truck, however model new, it actually is tough to disregard the 1500 Classic.

4 2022 Ram 1500 3.6L

Reliability Score: 4.5/5.0 (Cars.com)

At the other finish of the spectrum to the 3500 6.7L Cummins, the 1500 outfitted with the three.6L Pentastar V6 is a stable alternative with a 4.5/5.0 reliability score on Cars.com. The 2020-2023 Ram’s already are typically rated increased with respect to reliability, however with a smaller engine sometimes comes smaller restore payments as effectively.

This is not all the time the case, however house owners have had optimistic issues to say about their V6 Ram expertise. There is not any knowledge on annual restore prices obtainable but, however we suspect it is going to be barely much less to function, keep, and restore in comparison with a comparable late-model Ram outfitted with the 5.7L Hemi V-8.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

The V6 seems to be the precise alternative for truck consumers trying to make the most of the truck’s utility and never essentially for towing. However, the 7,730 lb towing capability is definitely greater than you will get from different naturally aspirated V-6 mid-size vehicles just like the Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, and even the Chevy Colorado. Additionally, these different vehicles additionally can’t be outfitted with an 8′ mattress, whereas the 1500 can, giving it extra utility than its rivals.

3 2017 Ram 2500 5.7L

Reliability Score: 4.6/5.0 (Cars.com)

The 2017 Ram 2500 is a good center floor between the 1500 Hemi and the 2500/3500 Cummins. The ubiquitous Hemi V8 will not assist you to tow fairly as a lot at just below 12,000 kilos, however with the 2500 chassis the payload capability is elevated to over 3,000 kilos relying on the way you spec the truck. Not solely do you continue to get such spectacular numbers, however with a 4.6/5.0 for reliability on Cars.com, the fuel is 2500 slots above its diesel counterparts in terms of upkeep prices.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

If towing is not a typical requirement, this Hemi-powered 2500 actually is a good compromise that features the elevated functionality of the HD chassis in addition to the cheaper upkeep prices of the 1500 collection.

2 2017 Ram 1500 5.7L

Reliability Score: 4.6/5.0 (Cars.com)

The 2017 Ram 1500 is not a lot completely different from the 2018 featured at quantity 8, but it surely does signify the final 12 months the 6-speed automated was provided and lacks the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2017 does have a barely increased annual upkeep value at $568, in keeping with Repair Pal, however appears to have fewer reported electrical and gasoline system issues, in keeping with Car Complaints.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

The remaining years of the fourth-generation Ram 1500 appear to signify the candy spot for reliability, tech, and functionality. The 2017 Ram 1500 has its professionals and cons, like every truck included on this checklist, however with a 4.6/5.0 reliability score from Cars.com, it is price inclusion on anybody’s checklist.

1 2023 Ram 1500 5.7L

Reliability Score: 4.8/5.0 (Cars.com)

With a reliability score of 4.8/5.0 on Cars.com, the newest Ram 1500 seems to have numerous points sorted out. Given it is nonetheless new, we might count on no much less, however up to now, 2023 is shaping as much as be a stable 12 months for the half-ton American pickup.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Ramtrucks.com)

Being the newest Ram means it will get all the newest goodies with respect to tech and passenger consolation, however extra importantly, 2023 represents the tip of an period. After the 2024 mannequin 12 months, the Ram 1500 is dropping the choice for the 5.7L V8 and might be changing it with the three.0L Hurricane inline-6. While the brand new I6 is extremely potent and sounds beautiful, reliability hasn’t been confirmed but. If you desire a confirmed old-school V8, get the Hemi when you nonetheless have the prospect.

Important data earlier than buying a Cummins Diesel:

Many Cummins fashions have been beneficial on this checklist. Cummins was just lately hit with a 1.675 Billion greenback settlement for allegedly knowingly installing emissions defeat devices of their vehicles. According to MotorTrend, 630,000 vehicles between 2013-2019 have been fitted with such units whereas one other 330,000 2020–2023 fashions might also have been affected.