The right stuff in the right amounts: it's what the Ram 1500 has been shooting for since day one

You know a pickup truck is made of the right stuff when it starts off as just another model in a lineup and then peels off to start its own brand. And a successful brand, at that. Ram made the official split from Dodge back in 2009, when the "Dodge Ram 1500" exploded in popularity. It was never a subtle truck, even when it was under the cover of its parent brand (then again, Dodge isn't very subtle, either) and sporting a gaudy charging sheep at the front of its hood. But when the Ram 1500 stepped out as its own, standalone model in a brand-new lineup, it fully embraced the rugged, roguish, and robust personality that truck drivers seemed to love.

The new Ram 1500 is no less brash, no less loud, and no less substantial than any other boastful vehicle that Dodge makes. But because its constantly looking to find that "right stuff" for its target drivers, it actually makes bravado look good.

An unchanging design that compliments the modernization of the pickup truck

Yes--that phrase doesn't really make that much sense. How could a design that isn't changing reflect an industry, a body style, and an overall vehicle personality that's changed more in the last decade than it has since the first truck rolled over the dirt? It's because the original style that Ram adopted back for the very first model followed Dodge's lead of creating timeless designs. Say what you will about the Challenger--it's maintained a look and feel that is largely the same as its original body. The Ram 1500 can say the same. Of course it offers updates, new features, and improvements to mechanics year over year, but the basic skin is the same as the 2010 Ram 1500.

Based on sales numbers, it's safe to assume that the unchanging design is a smart move on the Ram brand's part.

Want hundreds of potential combinations? Ram has you covered

If you've been generally satisfied by a basic range of choice in other competitive trucks, then prepare to be a little bit overwhelmed by the Ram 1500's far-reaching selection of available configurations and options. Ram offers enough options on the 1500 to make you wonder how they're possibly able to produce this many different types of light-duty truck, but if you really want to customize the look and feel of a truck without expensive post-purchase upfitting, Ram likely has what you're looking for. Trim level options include basics like the Tradesman, 1500 Express, Big Horn, Rebel, Sport, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited; you can occasionally find special-edition or local runs like the Ram 1500 Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Night, or HFE. The body style is offered in Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab, with the rear stretch offering a choice of short bed (5'7"), regular bed (6'4"), and long bed (8.0'). Not all trims/cabs/beds can be mixed and matched.

You might be thinking: that doesn't sound like that many combinations. But you haven't begun to factor in exterior colors (Red Pearl, Flame Red, Luxury Brown, Black Forest Green, True Blue, Bright Silver Metallic, Granite Crystal Metallic, Maximum Steel Metallic, Brilliant Black, Pearl White, and Bright White), special-edition exterior colors (like Blue Streak, Inferno Orange, and Sublime Green), drivetrains, engine options, package options, and alternate interiors. It's options on the verge of excess--but that's how Ram drivers like it.

Can the engines keep up with brawny pickup performance?

Engine performance and towing power are for light-duty pickup trucks today what they used to be for heavy-duty pickup trucks of yesteryear. That means that your basic, run-of-the-mill full-size truck is capable of pulling heavy boats and trailers that the average driver doesn't own, and accelerating and handling like a sports car, even as its two- to three-ton weight. The average pickup truck driver doesn't need that kind of power--but it doesn't mean they don't want it. And Ram gives the people what they want.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine--an FCA favorite--comes standard on most of the Ram 1500 trucks, and is a pretty practical choice overall. It makes 240 horsepower, a good amount of torque, and it offers a towing range of about 4,170-7,470 pounds. That's well within the general needs of the type of truck buyer that usually buys a Ram 1500: the commuter who occasionally does home improvement projects on the weekend, doesn't want to get the inside of an SUV dirty, and may need to drag around a cargo trailer once or twice a year.

But for drivers who genuinely need a higher tow rating for daily work or for vacations--or who just want to shell out for a loud, snarly engine--the Ram 1500 can accommodate. An available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 can be equipped on a few different models, and boosts maximum tow capacity to a range of about 7,750-8,890 pounds. It's also riding on the fame of being the first light-duty diesel truck engine, but it should be picking up some competition soon. Last, and most expensive, is the undeniably impressive and undeniably fun 5.7-liter HEMI V8. It's big, it's loud, it sucks down gas like it's a cold beer on a Southern porch, and its towing range is about 6,760-10,690 pounds depending on the configuration of the truck.

What's it actually like to drive?

This is one area where the Ram 1500 is genuinely impressive, and can't be poked at for fun. Thanks to a standard five-link coil spring rear suspension, an available air suspension, and a standard eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, this is one pickup truck that actually drives well. Whether you're driving a few minutes to the store, or hauling a trailer cross-country, you might forget that you're not in an SUV. The Ram 1500 is consistently praised for its ability to feel like a vehicle half its size, and it's one of the reasons that this vehicle in particular has been steadily making its way up the rankings.

It's not the cheapest, the most powerful, or the most fuel-efficient. But if you're looking for a truck that you'll really want to drive all day, you might want to consider one of the well-equipped 1500 models.

Final thoughts

The Ram 1500 is the trust-fund jock that's easy to pick on--for constantly trying to toe the line between high-class riches and down-and-dirty grit--but that you always have to, begrudgingly, respect for its talents. Pickup trucks aren't typically known for being comfortable, stylish, and fun to drive. But the Ram 1500 is. Trucks also aren't usually able to hold onto the same design for nearly a decade without losing some steam. But the Ram 1500 can. You may not like the hyper-masculine, overwhelming, and preened full-size pickup. But you have to admit that it's doing something right.

* Stock#: H1673; MSRP $32,600; NEW 2017 RAM 1500 TRADESMAN Reg CAB; Includes: Retail Consumer Cash $2750, Non-Prime Retail Bonus Cash $1500, Military Cash $500, 2017 Retail Bonus Cash $1000, Select Inventory Retail Cash $1000, Ram 1500 Returning Lessee Loyalty Retail Bonus Cash $2500, $2,762 LHM Discount; Sale price: $22,188. Dealer retains factory rebates. Buyers may not qualify for all rebates. On approved credit. All prices plus tax, title, license, fees, and $499.95 dealer doc fee. Vehicle image for demonstration purposes only. See dealer for details. Offer Ends: 10/2/2017