Though the Ram 1500 just had major upgrades, another refresh is due in 2017, to deal with the new F-150s and a possible Chevrolet Silverado update.

So far not much is known about these trucks, except that they will likely include the Pentastar engine upgrade , might include the rumored 5.7 Hemi V8 upgrade , and are likely to have undergone weight reduction therapy with more high-strength steel and aluminum.


JackRatchett made numerous subtle changes based on various tips Allpar has gotten. The headlights and fog lights both have LEDs; and the headlights are narrower than the current model. Both hood and grille are lower, the better to slip through the air with. The Prowler look is courtesy of Jack.

We’ve been told that Ram may well expand their wheelbase, which is a significant change. That could signal the end of the regular cab, which is no longer particularly popular despite being dominant not many years back, or an application of “cab forward” design to pickups. A longer wheelbase could help Rams’ handling and ride.

We also suspect a new tailgate setup, based on patent applications .

With the major pickup makers now competing on the basis of towing, payload (with some using questionable numbers), and fuel economy, Ram is likely in a dilemma over what to emphasize. While the diesel helps, by 2017, it seems likely that competitors will also have diesels — Nissan Titan certainly will, with the golden Cummins name attached to it. By then Ram will not be the sole eight-speed, either.