By: Joshua Lee
October 4, 2023
Trucks aren’t just for the workforce anymore. They have become a good alternative for family vehicles since they’re extremely versatile. We often see SUVs as the top pick for families, but with busy schedules and increased after-school activities, sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be enough space. When you do get a chance to be “kid-free”, don’t you want to be in something that takes you out of chauffeur mode?
The 2023 RAM 1500 is a favourite of ours and has been awarded “Best Large Pick-up Truck in Canada for 2023” by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). We reviewed the off-road-capable Rebel G/T last year and found it to be a perfect balance between performance and functionality. This time, Stellantis provided us with their top-of-the-line luxury trim, the RAM 1500 Limited Elite Edition.
A 5.7L HEMI V8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission powers this crew cab truck, making 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Like the Rebel G/T, this engine has the eTorque mild hybrid system that replaces the alternator with a belt-driven motor generator, improving fuel economy and increasing performance with 130lb-ft of launch torque. Our full-size 4×4 is extremely capable of towing up to 11,500 pounds and is fitted with the optional $1495 Trailer Tow Group to help make things easier. The RAM 1500 has an incredibly smooth ride, and the handling for such a large vehicle feels confident.
The Red Pearl exterior finish is rare to see on a luxury truck but looks very extravagant with the chrome accents. The front grille is distinctive, blending into the LED headlamps, while the truck wears 22-inch polished aluminium wheels. Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension is standard, offering an additional two inches of ground clearance in its highest setting.
Our Limited Elite is equipped with a power-release multi-function tailgate that can be opened the traditional way or split in a 60/40 configuration for closer access to the bed. A retractable centre-mounted bed step under the rear bumper helps you climb into the bed with ease. The RamBox Cargo Management System is featured on this truck as well, with lockable storage bins on each side of the 5’7 bed.
The Elite Package shines on the inside with 12-way powered, premium quilted leather-faced bucket seats. The Indigo interior with Sea Salt seats provides a nice contrast and makes you forget that you’re sitting in a truck. There is a jewelled rotary shifter, suede headliner, Mopar bright pedal kit, and genuine wood trim that adds to the luxury aspect of this truck. Both rows of seats are heated and ventilated, while a large panoramic sunroof makes the cabin feel more expansive. New for 2023 is a 12-inch digital instrument cluster with full-screen navigation that provides easy access to the most-used information. A 12-inch touchscreen display Uconnect 5 infotainment system is easy to use and provides good video quality when using the 360-degree camera view or the Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. The $5995 Limited Level 1 Equipment Group features a head-up display, 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, digital rearview mirror, wireless charging pad, pedestrian emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist.
According to Energuide, the RAM 1500 is rated at 13.5L/100KM city and 10.5L/100KM highway, for a combined 12.1L/100KM. The RAM 1500 features cylinder deactivation, which saves a little bit on fuel when cruising. Even with RAM’s mild hybrid technology, the truck is still thirsty, as we averaged 13.5L for the week.
The RAM 1500 Limited Crew Cab starts at $83,545 with many optional packages for you to add on. Our tester came to a total of $104,035, including taxes and delivery. The Elite Package itself is a $1995 add-on.
You probably won’t find the RAM 1500 Limited Elite on a job site, but its functionality allows it to do many things. A luxury truck isn’t a new idea, but RAM has perfected this vision, offering loads of comfort and technology fit for families. The RAM 1500 is effortless, and with such a luxurious interior, we were always pampered. The split-folding tailgate and lockable cargo boxes are extremely useful in everyday situations, while the towing capacity lets you know it’s always weekend-ready. Paying six figures for a truck is eye-watering, but we think the Limited Elite is worth every penny.
