2012 Ram 1500 Pickup

The new Ram 1500 is a beast of a machine with a powerful new automatic transmission to match.

November 1, 2011
Filed under Trucks For Towing

The 2012 the Ram 1500 comes with a choice of standard cab, Quad Cab and Crew Cab. Available engines include the 390-hp, 5.7-liter V-8, 310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 and 215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 base engine. The Ram 1500 gets the previously offered 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission, upgraded to utilize the “split” second gear, so that all six speeds are accessible to the driver with the newly available “Electronic Range Select” mode. The recalibrated 545RFE is called the 65RFE automatic six-speed and is standard with the 4.7-liter V-8 and 5.7-liter engines. TheV-6 gets the four-speed automatic w/OD.

Electronic Range Select mode lets the driver manually limit the highest available transmission gear, controlling manual upshifts and downshifts based on road speed and engine rpm. It’s especially useful while towing when climbs and descents are closely spaced together. Fourth and fifth gears are overdrives for improved fuel economy.

In full auto-shift mode, the 65RFE behaves the same as the old 545RFE, keeping the split 2nd gear and kickdown behavior. Also added is a new torque converter that's expected to marginally improve fuel economy. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are offered in all cab styles.

The Ram is equipped for towing and hauling. Standard features include Trailer Sway Control, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, 7-pin trailer wiring and a 4-pin connector. Options include Electronic Range Select and a Class IV hitch. Maximum tow rating is 10,450 pounds with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, properly equipped. Trim levels are available: ST, SLT, Big Horn/Lone star, Outdoorsman, Express, Tradesman and Sport. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices range from $21,475–$46,270, depending on trim levels.