2014 Ram 1500

CHANGES FOR 2014:

-New available 3.0L EcoDiesel V6

-4.7L gas V8 discontinued

Following a refresh for 2013 that brought new interior and exterior styling to Ram's 1500 full-size pickup, the 2014 model loses the 4.7L V8, and gains an optional 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, which makes 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. A 3.6L Pentastar gas V6 makes 305 hp and 269 lb-ft, and the 5.7L Hemi V8 is rated at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. The six-cylinder engines both use an eight-speed automatic; V8 trucks come standard with a six-speed automatic, but can be optioned to the eight-speed. All engines can be had with rear- or four-wheel drive.

Trim lines are ST, SXT, SLT, Outdoorsman, Big Horn, Sport, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Laramie Limited. Lower trims can be had with regular, quad or crew cab body styles, mid-range models come in quad and crew, and the top two are only offered as crew cabs.

ST models come with a vinyl 40/20/40 split bench front seat, air conditioning, front-seat centre armrest with cupholders, cruise control, tilt steering, Uconnect multimedia system with USB input, 3.5-inch electronic vehicle information centre, and 12-volt power outlets. Quad and crew cab models get standard power locks and front windows and rear under-seat storage; crew cab trucks have rear in-floor storage.

SXT trim adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, cloth front bench seat, satellite radio, carpeted floors and floor mats, remote USB port, and chrome grille and front and rear bumpers. Quad and crew cab models add keyless entry.

SLT models add an overhead console, Uconnect with Bluetooth, premium door trim, colour-keyed dash accents, temperature and compass gauges, mini trip computer, and body-colour upper fascia and chrome door handles. Quad and crew cab models add a power sliding rear window.

Outdoorsman models come as quad and crew cabs, and add front and rear rubber floor mats, black painted fender flares, tow hooks, fog lamps, and body-colour grille and black-painted lower valance. 4x4 models add transfer case skid plate, front suspension and steering gear skid plate, class-IV hitch receiver, heavy-duty rear shocks and anti-spin rear differential. Crew Cab models with the 6'4? box add black painted bumpers.

Big Horn trim also builds on SLT, and adds 20-inch wheels, 7-inch configurable cluster display, overhead console with garage door opener, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, overs-zied power-folding chrome-plated heated mirrors, chrome grille and tubular side steps, fog lamps, and dual exhaust. 4x4 models add an electronic shift-on-demand transfer case.

Sport trim also builds on SLT, and adds cloth high-backed bucket seats with accent stitching, 20-inch polished wheels, full-length floor console and LED lighting, 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar, fold-flat rear load floor storage, upgraded Uconnect system, 115-volt power outlet, monochromatic exterior trim, dual exhaust with bright tips, premium halogen projector headlights, and LED taillights.

Laramie builds on Sport trim and adds leather heated and ventilated front bench seat, 20-inch wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, 10-way power driver's seat and six-way front passenger seat, front and rear door accent lighting, memory for driver's seat, pedals and stereo, heated steering wheel, 10-speaker amplified stereo, chrome grille and bumpers, metallic silver fender flares and lower body trim, body-colour/chrome door handles, power-folding multifunction side mirrors, head- and taillights with chrome surround, security alarm, and backup camera.

Laramie Longhorn trim comes only as a crew cab, and includes premium leather bucket seats with laser etching, 20-inch chrome wheels, gold metallic lower body panels, fascias and fender flares, chrome grille with wave-mesh insert, premium door trim and full-length floor console, premium instrument cluster and interior accents, heated back seats, navigation, premium leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, rear park assist, remote start, and spray-in bedliner.

Laramie Limited is also only offered as a crew cab, and adds black leather bucket seats, 20-inch wheels with accent-painted chrome insert, air suspension, luxury door trim and floor mats, wood-trimmed steering wheel, leather grab handle, monotone paint and bright side steps, body-colour fascia and back bumper, keyless enter 'n go, rain sensing wipers, and auto high-beam control.