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2021 Ram 1500 Infotainment Driveway Test | Bigger IS better

The 2021 Ram 1500 comes standard with a simple 5-inch touchscreen, while the 8.4-inch version found on most versions as standard equipment is the same user-friendly unit found elsewhere in the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram line up. Unlike all those other brands in the North American Stellantis empire (ugh), however, the Ram offers a unique take on the Uconnect: a 12-inch vertically oriented touchscreen. While other cars offer similarly tall screens, such as the Subaru Outback, Ford Explorer and every Volvo, none do such an exceptional job of taking advantage of the orientation and size. The same can be said in comparison to the Ford F-150's new jumbo touchscreen.  My full review of the system is in video form and can be watched above. I've also included a few pictures below to dig deeper and touch on some areas I missed in the video. Here's what the screen looks like when you just want a colossal map. Sadly, the map graphics are pretty low-fi and Garminy.  As I mention in the video, one of my favorite things about this system is the ability to choose what is displayed on top and what's displayed on the bottom. That the Ram's screen is basically the size of two normal screen definitely helps in this regard. I especially like that you can see Apple CarPlay at the same time as radio controls.  I also like how prominently placed and easily reached the radio preset buttons are in this full-screen media layout (utilizing the full-color logos of satellite radio stations is a nice touch, too).  One thing I didn't touch on in the video is the redundant control knob that's appreciated for scanning playlists or contacts. There are USB-A and USB-C ports up front. Note, however, that there are really only two outlets — each is just split between the different formats and you can only use one at a time. There's another unit like this in the back seat, as well as another USB-A port under the center armrest. This is a clever bit of design. The wireless charger is on the left and utilizes a holster-like element to press your phone against it, thus saving space versus the usual flat pad. That holster then extends to the right to hold in place phones without wirelessly charging them.  This and so many other thoughtful details are big reasons why the Ram 1500 interior has been so universally lauded. It's not just fancy leather, better-than-average plastics or even that gigantic "hey look at me!" screen. There's also tons of substance.   

Jeep, Ram tease SEMA builds, and one looks like a Ram 1500 TRX PHEV

SEMA is back this year, and shows no signs of cancellation. And that means a whole new crop of custom builds from not only aftermarket companies, but OEMs such as Jeep and Ram. The two brands released teasers of their modified trucks for the show, and there are a couple of seriously intriguing ones. And the most brow-raising is the silver Ram 1500 TRX that could be a plug-in hybrid. What makes us say that? Well, take a look at the badging. The "RAM" badge in the grille is bright blue. And the front tow hooks are blue, too. Those cues are signatures of the Jeep 4xe plug-in hybrid models. And Jeep isn't the only one to utilize blue badging for electrified models. Ram 1500s with the 48-volt eTorque hybrid assist get blue-highlighted badges. So it seems like a slam-dunk that the wide-bodied desert-stomper in the teaser has a hybrid powertrain. We'd bet on it being the 375-horsepower turbo-four from the Wrangler, but maybe Ram put something unique together. The next curious model is what's quite clearly a variant of the military M715 truck. It's undoubtedly this year's restomod, as Stellantis brands are wont to build. Looking closer, it has a very high roof and center-mounted spotlight. Those are cues shared with the M725 ambulance. We wouldn't be surprised if Jeep took one of the old ambulances and turned it into one beast of an overlanding rig. We're excited to see what sort of other upgrades have been done, such as what engine will be powering it. Then we come to the interior of a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. At first glance, there doesn't seem to be much going on, at least until you look at the roof. The cargo area has a significantly raised section. And there are safari windows letting light in. It will be interesting to see what it looks like from the outside. Finally, we have teasers of what's probably a Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and a Ram 1500. The Wrangler shot is of the front fender, and the Ram is of the rear. They don't show much except what seem to be Mopar accessories. As such, we suspect these are show pieces for the Mopar catalog, and they might each have a couple of concept parts, but are otherwise a bit tame compared to the Jeep and Ram one-offs. All of these trucks will be revealed and on display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The show will run Nov. 2-5. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2019 Ram 2500, 3500 Heavy Duty get the Lone Star treatment

Just like with most other pickup trucks, the 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty and 3500 Heavy Duty models are getting a Texas-only special edition. It's called Lone Star, like its 1500 counterpart, and it's a midlevel trim roughly analogous to the Big Horn available in the rest of the country. What distinguishes it as a Lone Star are standard chrome door handles, bumpers and grille surround. The dead giveaway, though, will be the Lone Star badges that dot the exterior. The truck also gets some towing goodies such as a standard Class V tow hitch, electronic trailer brake controller and power trailer mirrors. Inside, buyers can choose from four color combinations including black and gray, black and brown, black and beige, and all-black with either bench or bucket front seats. There's also the option to have a door over the passenger side dash cubbie, and that door will feature the Lone Star badge. The Lone Star trim is available in just about any 2500 or 3500 configuration you desire. Regular, Crew and Mega Cabs are all available, as are both standard and long beds. The 6.4-liter gas engine is standard with the midrange Cummins diesel an option on the 2500, and the high-output Cummins diesel with its 1,000 pound-feet of torque an additional option on the 3500. Four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive are both available. The Lone Star Ram Heavy Duty models will go on sale in Texas during the second quarter of this year. The 2500 starts at $39,340 with destination, and the 3500 starts at $40,790. That's a price increase of about $4,000 over the base models.