Ram has been a consistent holder of many titles, including things like Motortrend’s “Truck of the Year.” This is no small feat, as every year, manufacturers scramble to one-up each other when it comes to engineering, comfort, towing ability, safety, and just about every other category that relates to the automotive industry. This speaks less of recent improvements with the Ram and more to the consistency that Ram has maintained throughout the years as one of the best domestically produced trucks. If you’ve ever thought about getting your hands on Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Ram, then it’s time to take a trip to your local Certified Pre-Owned Ram dealer. Simple, right? It might be an easy decision to make, but your choice of the Ram truck that best suits your needs might be more difficult than you realize. We’ve chosen some of our favorite models from recent years, and we hope this helps narrow down the long list of impressive Rams that would look great in your driveway.
2018 Ram 1500 Rebel
Two years before earning the distinction that would set it apart, Ram was already asserting their dominance of the open road. The 2018 Ram 1500 is a dependable workhorse that takes little in the way of slack and moves the earth so you won’t hurt your back. Clever rhyming schemes aside, the 2018 Ram placed emphasis on creature comforts for the model year. The Rebel trim offered customers a chance to upgrade to an available leather interior because why should only luxury sedans have a comfortable place to seat yourself?
The name of the game in 2018 was versatility and variety. To accomplish this feat, the Ram 1500 Rebel came equipped with three different engine options, each one geared specifically towards the type of personality and workload of each individual owner. These engines include:
The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: This engine is the perfect balance of power and economy for those looking to save money at the pump and carry a heavy-duty workload. The diesel’s 240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque, and average 27 MPG on the highway are a combination that seems too good to be true. But this is Ram; defying expectations is the norm for them.
If Ram’s diesel motor isn’t quite up to your standards, then there’s a solution. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 offers a sizable dose of power and still doesn’t drain your bank account during fuel-ups. An average 25 MPG on the highway, 305 horsepower, and 269 lb-ft of torque are numbers that any worker bee will be happy to see.
Three options are better than two, and Ram was there to be in your corner for you. For those who crave more power than the rest, the 5.7L HEMI V8 put the competitors in their place and satisfied the needs of drivers everywhere. 395 ponies and 410 lb-ft of toque get the job done, and 22 MPG on the highway gives you an economic edge over your coworkers.
2020 Ram 2500 Tradesman
2020 was quite the year. With the pandemic in full swing and life turned upside down, anything involving hitting the open road was going to be limited, to say the least. 2020 was also the year that the Ram Heavy Duty took home the accolade “Truck of the Year” from Motortrend. There’s a reason for that, and if you’re going to take advantage of a Certified Pre-Owned Ram, then the Ram 2500 Tradesman is a truck that you know means business.
In 2020, we were all worried about staying safe, so Ram made Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Steering available on all trim levels, including the Tradesman. Add that to a powerful engine, and you will have the perfect work companion. Depending on what you need to accomplish, there are two available engines that bring nothing short of nuclear power to the table.
If you heard the stories your Grandpa told you about the glory days of the HEMI; you now have a chance to add a chapter to the history book with a 6.4L HEMI V8. Equipped with an eight-speed transmission, this is the type of power that Ram had years ago, only reborn with a new purpose. This allows the Tradesman to pull well over 15,000 lbs, and 410 ponies of horsepower will satisfy the appetite of many.
Speaking of the history books, the diesel engine has been getting a renaissance in recent years. The 2020 Tradesman helps write this new legacy with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. This is a diesel that goes the distance, with an expected life span of 350,000 miles. Plus, 850 lb-ft of torque will help you get up to an exceptional max towing capacity of 19,680 lbs.
2019 Ram 1500 Laramie
So, this model wasn’t quite at the point that it could be released as an electric vehicle, but that doesn’t mean that Ram is completely ignoring making more efficient engines. Leaps and bounds have been made by everyone involved to lower emissions and make more options available and affordable, and Ram joined the game with an eTorque mild hybrid system on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 5.7L HEMI V8 engines to help improve overall fuel efficiency. We definitely recommend finding a 2019 Ram Laramie model with one of these engine systems included to get amazing power and better fuel economy.
With a maximum payload of 2,300 lbs and a towing capability that exceeds well over the 12,000 lbs range, the Laramie proves that you can be environmentally friendly and still have the performance and capability you depend on. Carrying the heavy load for workers and lightening the overall weight, this Ram is over 200 lbs lighter than its predecessors and equipped with a new body frame that still increases its durability. This makes the 2019 Laramie a perfect fit for off-roaders, especially with an available package that gives drivers a 1” lift. With a 5.7L Hemi V8 that still boasts 395 horsepower, this is one engine that not only goes the distance but establishes a new boundary for the rest of the world to catch up to.
Advantages of Ram’s Certified Pre-Owned Program
When you choose to do business with a Certified Pre-Owned Ram dealer, you’re not only getting a Ram to take home and call your own; you’re getting expertise, engineering, and workmanship that’s been trusted for generations. Certified Pre-Owned isn’t the same as used. It’s a benchmark of quality that allows you to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that you’ve had your eyes on.
All CPO Ram models have been through a rigorous 125-point inspection by certified technicians. These models also come with extensive warranties like the 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. One of the longest warranties in the industry, this ensures that your Ram will keep its horns sharp and ready for anything. The 3-month/3,000-mile Maximum Care Warranty covers over 5,000 parts of your new Ram. This warranty covers elements from one bumper to the other.
There are a lot of benefits and perks that come from buying a new Ram truck, but that isn’t always a financially feasible option. Choosing to get a Certified Pre-Owned Ram will allow you to still tailor your selection quite a bit, will give you excellent warranty coverage, and will cost less. It’s an all-win situation when you choose to shop for one of our favorite Ram models, or you find a different model that suits you more.
