2022 RAM 1500 5.7L eTorque 4X4: A Close Look
This RAM has all the optional goodies!
TRUCK FRONT
The Ram sales numbers keep going up, so the factory must be doing something right. We were sent a new 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 to test for a week.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
PRICE SHEET
A base RAM starts at $38K. As can be seen, this one jumped to $63,470. There are some options here that make driving more pleasant. First is the air suspension, which provides a smooth ride, as well as many adjustable heights. The 3:92 rear axle is needed for better pulling ability. A large 33 gallon tank extends range, but is pricey. The eTorque system adds horsepower, with claimed improvement in fuel economy.
ENGINE
The base RAM gets a V-6 putting out 305 horsepower. There are two 5.7 V-8s offered. The standard puts out 395 hp, and 410 lbs./ft. of torque. Fuel economy is claimed to be 15/22 mpg, with an average of 17. We got the eTorque system shown here. It has an electric/motor system that can boost horsepower up to 411, and torque to 540. That compares to their 3.0 diesel at 480! The fuel economy is claimed to improve at 18/22/19. We put 400 miles on the clock to find out.
eTorque
You can spot the 5.7 with the eTorque option by seeing this large box on top.
SUSPENSION
The air suspension has five ride heights: 6.7, 8.2, 8.7 normal, 9.7, and 10.7 for maximum off-roading.
FOOT STEP
Stepping into this bed is easy if you have this foot step. It folds up out of the way when not in use.
RUNNING BOARDS
Fixed running boards are not popular with many taking a truck off road due to potential damage. But with a ride height that can be raised, this was not an issue.
SHIFTER
The gears are changed by turning this knob. All the controls for 2WD, 4WD, 4WD-low, and all-wheel drive for the street are here.
LOWER CONTROLS
Selecting ride height is done at the press of a button. Other controls for towing are here as well.
SCREEN
The optional infotainment screen is huge. Most controls and functions are easy to operate.
GAUGES
The gauge cluster is well designed and has plenty of menu functions that will take time to learn.
STREET DRIVING
With an extra 60 lbs./ft of torque over the RAM diesel engine, this truck pulls like a tractor when driving up steep hills. Passing power on the freeway is effortless. Drivers who are in the habit of towing or hauling heavy loads will love the eTorque system.
OFF ROAD
Driving over rough dirt roads is a breeze with the air suspension. It glides over imperfections with ease. While not cheap to buy, its performance is worth the cost.
ECONOMY
In the real world, we observed a fuel economy of 15/19 mpg. This is no better than the standard 5.7 V-8s we have driven. On the other hand, it was no worse. Getting an increase in horsepower and torque without a fuel economy penalty makes the eTorque system an engineering feat, and is an option worth having. With a max tow rating of 12,500 pounds, every bit of power you can get under the hood helps.
