2022 Ram Limited Hemi V8 eTorque 4x4 pick-up

Pickup trucks these days have been designed to have broad appeal than their historical utilitarian roots. Not only are they still big and bold, but they’re more capable than ever.

With softer rides, more technology, convenience and safety features, it’s easy to see why pickup trucks are now often used as family vehicles.

There is perhaps no better example of this than the 2022 Ram 1500 Limited Hemi eTorque pickup truck that is in this review.

A myriad of options and combinations have transformed the industrial-use vehicle (which you can still buy today) to a comfortable, luxurious vehicle with impressive capabilities.

What’s in a name?

Dating back around 40 years, the first-generation Ram trucks and vans were introduced in October 1980 on Dodge vehicles. Dodge used “150” to indicate a half-ton truck, 250 for a three-quarter-ton truck, and 350 for a one-ton truck. An extra zero was added to these delineations starting in the second-generation Ram, which incidentally was a sales success thanks in part to being prominently featured as the hero vehicle in the film “Twister”.

Now in its fifth generation and simply known as “Ram Trucks”, the Ram 1500 drops pounds, raises the bar for clever interior packaging, improves fuel economy (even without the diesel engine option), and provides surprising levels of luxury, comfort, and refinement.

Let’s take a closer look.

eTorque mild-hybrid for fuel economy savings

Ram was one of the first manufacturers to offer their light-duty pickup with a diesel engine way back in 2014, offering customers with a variety of engine choices depending on personal requirements.

They’re back at it again, with their smooth 395 horsepower / 410 ft-torque 5.7-litre V8 Hemi engine, now available with the mild-hybrid eTorque system. Not only does this system ensure smooth stop-start operation from idle, but it can also power the truck for short durations without compromising the air-conditioning.

The Hemi's eTorque electric motor provides 16 horsepower and 49 lb-ft of torque, and is optimized for a high assist rate of 130 lb-ft. The 48-volt, 0.4-kWh lithium-ion battery and DC-DC converter are used to both charge up the truck's 12-volt electrical system, as well as run it. Stellantis says that installation of the eTorque air-cooled battery does not take up any interior space since it is fitted behind the rear seat.

Adding just 90 lbs of weight, the system is totally imperceptible and offers up just the right amount of power. In my testing, it all but guarantees a smooth start and stop, without sacrificing any powered amenities. The eTorque system fitted with the tried and tested combination of the 5.7-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission still makes for a seamless, quick and enjoyable drive, along with a pleasant V8 exhaust note.

How does it drive?

The Ram is surprisingly agile for a truck this size. It takes corners with restrained body lean and its steering action is quick. There is an overall high sense of confidence and precision, unthinkable for a truck from just a decade ago.

The eTorque system evaluates the vehicle’s power demands every 5 milliseconds and determines if it should supply added torque or charge the battery. The only difference between regenerative braking and friction braking that can be noticed, is when the brake pedal is at the top of its travel, in between the transition point.

Full-time four-wheel drive is now available on more trims, and the Ram’s transfer case can be kept in automatic 4WD mode indefinitely. This convenience means extra traction is available as the driver needs it, without having to select. Considering the inclement weather in British Columbia, this system is a welcome feature to have year-round.

The Ram’s powertrain and NVH teams have done a great job as the truck is whisper quiet most of the time. Even under heavy acceleration, the Hemi V8’s engine note is relatively muted from the inside.

Towing capacity with the Hemi V8 eTorque is the same as the EcoDiesel equipped Rams, a max of 12,560 pounds. With the assist from the eTorque system, the Hemi V8’s low torque peak paired with the quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission make light work of keeping up with traffic.

Aided by my Limited-trim truck’s standard air springs lowering the truck by 0.6 inches above 80 km/hr for better aerodynamics, my observed fuel economy was around 15.5 litres/100 kms.

Luxury car levels of refinement in a truck?

With so many choices in pickup trucks on the market today, it’s easy and tempting to buy more machine than you’ll use.

As with most full-sized pickup trucks, the Ram’s interior still has bits and pieces of hard plastic, however good use of different materials makes it look better dressed and more upscale than its competitors.

Equipped with the four door crew cab configuration, automatic four-wheel-drive, the smooth-riding height-adjustable air suspension system, full-leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, my Limited-trimmed test truck seemed to be best suited for those who want a full-size truck to haul the family in comfort, potentially while towing a boat or hauling mulch or manure home from the garden centre.

No other full-size pickup truck rides as comfortably as the Ram partly because of the unique coil spring rear suspension, and also partly due to the air suspension that elevates ride comfort to almost luxury sedan levels.

The handsome 21” wheels looked absolutely stunning but clearly have their compromises on bad roads or if you want to leave the tarmac. The tires’ low sidewalls and the large wheels also mean that curb rash is easy if one is not careful when parking. After all, this is still a wide and long vehicle and has its inconveniences when parking in tight city parking spots.

Ram has made this easier with its available front and rear surround view camera system equipped with decent quality cameras all around the vehicle. The Tesla-like 12-inch infotainment screen makes it easy to see the live video feeds during parking maneuvers.

Powered by FCA’s Uconnect5 infotainment system, the large screen seems a bit daunting at first, but the interface is perhaps one of the best in the industry in terms of user friendliness. It feels natural after you get the logic behind the menus, and even the GPS Navigation system was designed by TomTom.

What other standout features are on offer?

On the tech front, in addition to the giant infotainment screen, my Ram pickup truck tester was also equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blindspot and cross-traffic detection, automatic LED high beams and foglamps, lane-keeping assist, AC household power sockets, and even a panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 and newer Rams are also available with the Trailer Reverse Steering Control, similar to Ford’s. This system is designed to give newer trailer drivers a better driving experience. A convenient in-cab directional control knob is part of the Trailer-Tow Group package and allows for easy reversing.

It works by taking cues from the truck's camera system to help determine the position of connected trailer, and then adjusting the angle of the steering wheel as needed. This optional package also includes trailer tire pressure monitoring, trailer light check, and trailer brake control; once you input a few measurements, you can simply rotate the dial right or left to turn your trailer in that direction.

Out back, there is the available RamBox cargo management system, and the unique Multi-function barn-door tailgate with the cargo divider system.

The RamBox system have been around for a few years now, but in its latest iteration, these segment-exclusive cargo management boxes are more clever than ever. Weatherproof, lockable, drainable, and lighted, these two boxes run almost the length of the pickup bed and are as wide as the wheel well, creating a total of about 8.6 cu.ft of space. I also love how they lock in tandem with the truck’s central locking system.

These side bins are large enough to hold items such as backpacks, golf clubs, helmets, beverage cans and ice, or even fishing rods.

Ticking the RamBox option also includes a cargo rail system with sliding adjustable cleats for infinitely adjustable tie-down versatility, as well as a adjustable bed divider/extender that fits on the lower tailgate and adds an additional 2 feet of additional length to secure loads.

I found this bed divider to be extremely handy when paired with the Multi-Function Tailgate, whose party trick is that it can open up both 60/40 barn-door style or like a traditional tailgate.

When used in the latter position, the bed divider allows allowed me to create a pocket of usable and easily accessible space for cargo items without having to lean over the tailgate to reach for said items.

Overall, it seems like a much simpler, perhaps more elegant solution than GMC’s MultiPro tailgate, and can swing out up to 88 degrees for easier access to the bed.

While there is no fancy retractable built-in step and handrail, like with the Ford F-150, Ram does allow you opt for a smaller retractable centre step. This is a boon for accessing the bed while a trailer hitch with a tow hitch tongue attached.

Drop the Ram’s Multi-Function tailgate like a regular tailgate and you’ll find that it can still support 2,000 pound.

After testing the system for a few days, I’m convinced that it’s worth the option’s price as well as the 75 pound weight difference between the standard gate. In case you’re wondering, there is built-in damping when you drop the gate vertically, and the side-hinged doors have detents to prevent them from swinging out too far.

Closing thoughts

The Ram pickup range may not be as popular as the mainstay trucks the likes of General Motors and Ford in terms of sales, however the current models are impressive.

While competition is always looming close by with GM’s recently refreshed Sierra and Silverado, as well as Ford’s latest F-150, the RAM 1500 trucks especially stand out with their comfortable rides, inviting cabins and an array of features that make work and leisure easier.