Those who are considering a standard size truck but want some of the performance features found in larger vehicles should be sure to look into the 2020 Ram 1500 series, the fifth generation of the durable Ram 1500 trucks. Let’s take a quick look at some of the drivetrain features that the 2020 Ram 1500 offers.
Engines
According to the sales staff at Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, there are four engines available under the 2020 Ram 1500.
The base engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. This engine makes use of Ram’s eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system and is rated at 20/26 mpg city/highway for standard rear-wheel-drive models and 19/24 mpg for the 4WD versions.
Next up are a pair of V-8 engines, each of which is rated at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. The first is the 5.7L V8 Hemi with multi-displacement operation (MDS) and variable valve timing (VVT). It offers 15/21 mpg in 4WD configuration. The second 5.7L V8 Hemi engine couples with the eTorque mild hybrid setup and is rated at 15/22 mpg.
For diesel enthusiasts, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 model puts out 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, and offers up 22/32 mpg in two-wheel-drive trim and 21/29 mpg for four-wheel-drive models.
Transmission
All the engines available in the 2020 Ram 1500 DT are mated with the 850RE 8-speed transmission. Manufactured by Germany’s ZF corporation, the 850RE is a brand new transmission design with just four planetary gear sets and five shift elements, designed to minimize the drag loss and increase transmission efficiency. Inside each 850RE is a completely integrated electronic transmission control unit that allows for lightning fast shifts. According to ZF, the 850RE was designed from the start for full hybrid compatibility on the basis of parallel hybrid configurations. This allows the transmissions to easily be coupled with the Ram V-6 and Hemi V8 power plants.
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
The 2020 Ram 1500 trucks come equipped with an anti-spin rear differential on the back wheels. What this means is that if a rear-wheel starts to slip, the other rear wheel will engage and deliver traction. This option is good not only in snow and ice but in wet weather as well. This is an especially good option for trucks like the Ram 1500s since sometimes the backs of pickup trucks can be lighter and therefore tougher to manage on slippery surfaces.
Rear Axle Ratios
The standard 3.21 axle ratio for the Ram 1500 truck is chosen to balance performance and fuel economy. By selecting a final drive ratio such as this, engine rpm is lowered when on the road and this allows manufacturers to more easily meet government mileage standards. By contrast, two optional “higher” axle ratios are available. These 3.55 and 3.92 provide more towing capability by increasing the amount of available torque delivered to the axles. Which is the best rear axle ratio for you? The folks at Ram recommend that truck shoppers look at the towing and payload tables on the official Ram websites. They’re there to help customers select the right drivetrain options for their specific needs.