As seems to be a growing trend among trucks, the 2010 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 fails to see either of the new engines it was scheduled to receive this year – a hybrid and a diesel in this case. Still, fresh from a redesign for the 2009 model year, the Ram 1500 has plenty to wow consumers with its new interior and exterior design, increased features, and more powerful engines.

The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6 that delivers 215 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, plus an EPA-estimated 14/20 mpg rating with its four-speed automatic transmission. For 95 additional horses and lb-ft of torque, a 4.7-liter V8 is the initial eight-cylinder offering, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission for a 14/19 mpg rating in RWD formation. Four-wheel-drive (4WD) examples will see a 1 mpg penalty in both city and highway driving. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 offers 390 hp as well as 407 lb-ft of torque, and with Chrysler's Multi Displacement System cylinder deactivation, is capable of a 14/20 return in RWD, with 4WD dropping to 13/18. This engine is also paired with the five-speed automatic, but all come equipped with Chrysler's Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off, which cuts fuel delivery when decelerating. Maximum towing capacity is 8,950 pounds.

Despite being a smaller engine than GM’s 5.3 or Ford’s 5.4, Dodge's 4.7-liter V8 provides performance that leaves it competitive with its rivals, and the 5.7-liter improves enough on its little brother to make a dramatic difference in both power and delivery. Additionally, the 4.7 is capable of running on E85 gasoline, and all engines require nothing more than regular-grade fuel.

Two of the Ram's biggest improvements last year were in the suspension and the interior. With the inclusion of a coil-spring rear suspension, the Ram became the only full-size pickup truck to utilize this setup as opposed to the more traditional leaf-spring configuration. This has improved its on-road ride substantially, vaulting it past its rivals. Available in ST, SLT, and Laramie trims, the Ram had a significant and long-awaited overhaul of its interior for 2009, which reflects an overall effort on Chrysler’s behalf to improve its much maligned interiors. With fully redesigned controls, accents, improved seating and upholstery, it has so far been a success.

The Ram Pickup 1500 is available in Regular, Quad, and Crew Cab designs, with a 5-foot, 7-inch; 6-foot, 4-inch; or 8-foot box length. While standard drivetrain layout is RWD, all Rams have an available 4WD system – STs and SLTs with a part-time option that cannot be left engaged on dry pavement, and Laramies with a full-time, although both have a low-range gear for off-road use. The NHTSA did not rate side impacts for the 2009 or 2010 Ram 1500, but frontal impacts were awarded five stars, while the Ram 1500 earned a four-star rating for rollover.