The 2026 Ram 1500 has once again been named to Car and Driver’s prestigious 10Best Trucks and SUVs list, and honestly, it comes as no surprise. For years now, Ram has quietly perfected the formula for what most Americans actually want out of a half-ton pickup: real-world capability, everyday comfort, and the kind of refinement that makes you forget you’re driving a truck at all.
While headlines have focused heavily on powertrain debates and engine lineups, the truth is the Ram 1500 didn’t land on the 10Best list because of one engine or one feature. It made the cut because it continues to be the most livable, well-rounded full-size pickup on the road.
Yes, the HEMI® V8 is back, and for longtime Ram owners, that matters. The familiar 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 delivers 395 horsepower and the unmistakable sound and feel that many buyers still associate with a proper American truck. But this award wasn’t about nostalgia. Ram’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE I6 remains the workhorse of the lineup, offering up to 540 horsepower in high-output (H/O) form while delivering strong towing and smooth power delivery. In plain terms, buyers get real choice—without compromise.
Where the Ram 1500 truly separates itself is in how it drives. Thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension—something Ram introduced years before competitors—the truck rides more like a premium SUV than a traditional pickup. Optional air suspension takes that comfort even further, soaking up rough roads, broken pavement, and long highway stretches with ease. Steering is predictable, body roll is well controlled, and daily driving feels effortless, even for those who don’t tow or haul on a regular basis.
Capability is still very much part of the story. Properly equipped, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,610 lbs. and handle payloads of up to 2,360 lbs. That’s more than enough for boats, campers, trailers, and weekend projects—exactly the kind of real-world use most owners actually demand.
Inside, the Ram 1500 continues to set the standard. Lower trims offer durable materials that are easy to clean after a hard day’s work, while upper trims deliver true luxury with premium leather, large touchscreens, and thoughtful storage throughout the cabin. You can still spec a front bench seat, turning the truck into a six-passenger cruiser—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in the segment.
Then there’s the RHO. While the HELLCAT-powered TRX may be gone for now, the RHO steps in as a high-performance off-road truck with long-travel suspension and 540 horsepower. It’s fast, aggressive, and unapologetically fun—proof that Ram hasn’t forgotten how to build trucks that stir emotion as much as they move cargo.
In the end, the 2026 Ram 1500 didn’t earn its place on Car and Driver’s 10Best list by chasing trends or overpromising technology. It won because Ram stayed focused on what matters most to truck buyers. Comfort. Capability. Confidence. That balance is exactly why the Ram 1500 continues to stand tall as the benchmark in the half-ton pickup segment.
Notably, the 2026 Ram 1500 is the only Stellantis product to earn a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2026. The full feature can be found in the January/February 2026 issue of Car and Driver.
2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Night Edition Crew Cab 4×4 Off-Road:
