Billed as ‘America’s longest-lasting pickup,’ the 2017 Ram is estimated to run smoothly for about 250k miles and up to 17 years, despite 10 recalls and reported problems with the cruise control. Its fuel-efficiency and longevity means you can expect to pay around $30k for a used model today.
2017 Ram Pickup: Quick Overview
- The 2017 Ram pickup introduced a host of tech upgrades to the truck, including an 8.4″ multimedia system and backup camera and parking sensors.
- Despite 10 recalls, the truck maintains a low number of complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at just over 300, and a modest annual repair bill of around $568.
- Three engines are offered: a 3.0L EcoDiesel for the long haul, a 3.6L PentaStar V6 for the daily driver, and a 5.7L Hemi V8 for the dedicated work truck.
- Your mileage may vary based on your options, but a 3.6L gets 16/23 mpg city/highway, a 3.0L EcoDiesel averages 20/27, and a Hemi should do around 15/21.
- The 2017 Ram 1500 has a safety rating of four (out of five) stars with the NHTSA, and mostly “Good” ratings with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but no Top Safety Pick award.
- Differences between the Ram, Tundra, Silverado, and F-150 are marginal enough that you may as well go with whatever you like. But the Ram’s superior fuel efficiency does make it the preferable daily driver.
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What Problems Does the 2017 Ram Pickup Have?
The 2017 Ram Pickup suffers from three major problems: potential rollaway when parked without the parking brake, transmission stall thanks to an issue in the powertrain control module, and poor build quality, with various issues like bolts in the exhaust manifold coming loose and door latches popping open.
There have been 10 recalls, with the most recent (and most worrying) launched in May 2018 over an issue with the cruise control failing to cancel in nearly five million Chrysler vehicles. The majority of the 2017 Ram 1500’s recalls are equally serious and include multiple recalls over both vehicle rollaway and a tailgate that may unexpectedly open. Additional recalls cover malfunctioning side curtain airbags that may rupture, and an intake manifold susceptible to potential combustion that can lead to a fire.
Despite its recalls, overall, the truck is less problematic than many full-size pickups, with fewer than 400 complaints across more than 500,000 units sold.
What are the Prices, Models, and Specs?
The 2017 Ram 1500 pickup truck debuted with a sticker price of around $42,900. Today, you can expect to find them for around $30,000, on average, with a five-year depreciation rate estimated at 46%, which is worse than others in its class.
Compared to its competition, the Ram’s depreciation value is higher than the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tacoma, which both reportedly depreciate by 39% after five years.
- The Tradesman is the standard work truck/fleet variant. It’s basic, with vinyl seating and power windows. But it’s also deeply customizable, with all three engine options available and any cab/bed configuration you like.
- The EcoDiesel HFE Tradesman is a Tradesman packed with an EcoDiesel engine. The biggest difference beyond that: the HFE badge.
- The Express is available with a 3.6L or a 5.7L Hemi engine, and adds fog lamps and carpet floors.
- The Big Horn is available with all three engine options, and adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, and Bluetooth command to the Express deal. This is where you want to start if you’re looking for a daily driver.
- Sport models come packed with either a 3.6L V6 or a 5.7L Hemi, adding heated seats and steering wheel, a rearview camera, and some styling upgrades to the Big Horn, like body-color rear bumper and grille.
- A Night model is basically a Sport model but styled differently, with black badges and black 20-inch aluminum wheels.
- Rebels are available with the 3.6L or the 5.7L, and upgrade the Sport with black and red interior, sport LED taillights and rear park sensors.
- The Laramie is available with all three engines. This trim also upgrades the Sport package with dual-zone climate control; lots of extra woodgrain and leather trim, and a chrome grille and mirrors for the exterior.
- With a Laramie Longhorn, you’re getting the 5.7L or the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine, everything that’s in the Laramie, premium leather interior, a seven-inch driver-information display, Uconnect, and LED bed lighting.
- The Limited is your top-shelf luxury trim level. All the same features as in a Laramie Longhorn, plus Limited leather seats, four-corner air suspension by Active-Level, and lots of unique cosmetic upgrades like a Limited tailgate and premium wood and leather steering wheel.
How Long Will the 2017 Ram Pickup Last?
Advertised as “America’s longest-lasting pickup,” the 2017 Ram is estimated to run for about 200,000 to 250,000 miles, with most making it 13-17 years before they become too costly to keep running.
You should expect to spend around $568 a year on repairs and maintenance, which is almost $100 cheaper than an F-150.
I haven't had any trouble with my truck I have owned for just over 2 years and this is my 2nd ram and would buy another if needed.
I have never had a problem. I choose this vehicle for its reliability. Having kids I needed something I could count on.
My ram 1500 big horn is a super reliable truck. I have not had a single issue out of it since owning it for the past 17 months.
No problems yet except for the too many recalls. Easy oil changes and air filter changes and ample room to work on vehicle under the hood.
Yes. I have not had any problems with it yet. I would recommend this vehicle to someone else. Buy one today.
It is reliable and I haven't come across any problems. There are always notifications if there is something that should be checked out.
No I have not had any problems with it I love this truck. I've had two of them trucks but none of them come to this one
Haven't experienced any so far. Had almost a year. It has a lot of power and drives smooth. It's my first truck
What Technology and Safety Features are Included?
- The Tradesman comes with a six-speaker audio system and AM/FM radio with a 3.5″ driver-information display.
- The Big Horn adds Uconnect and Bluetooth, and the Rebel features an 8.4″ touchscreen. There are no technology packages, so you’ll have to take what the trim level offers.
- All of the basic safety features, like electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, are included. Rearview cameras are added in the Big Horn and up, and you’ll find ParkSense parking sensors in the Rebel and higher.
What Engine Options are Available?
With a full-size pickup, you expect a generous range of engine options. The 2017 Ram 1500 delivers with three distinct choices.
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: Delivers 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque; estimated at 20/27 mpg, city/highway by the EPA. The EcoDiesel’s selling point is its 754-mile range. You can get from Washington to Florida with this engine on just three fill-ups.
- 5.7L Hemi V8: Offers 395 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque, and an mpg estimate of 15/21 city/highway. This is the powerhouse, the workhorse. If you’re going to be pulling trailers full of lumber in a dedicated work truck, this is the one you want.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: Provides 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque at 16/23 mpg. This is your daily driver engine that is efficient and lean, but tough enough for the occasional tow job.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the 2017 Ram Pickup?
The Ram is offered with three box options (5’7″, 6’4″, and 8′) and three cabs:
- Regular: Simple one-row work truck setup. Roomy for a couple of adults, but not a great family car.
- Quad: Will seat two adults and three kids comfortably,
- Crew: Comparable to a mid-size SUV with five comfortable, roomy seats.
All the boxes include the Rambox, which lets you tuck your tools safely into 8.5 cu. ft. of rainproof storage.
The beds are each 51 inches across on the inside, and 21 inches deep. The F-150 is a touch wider, but you won’t really notice the difference. And with the Rambox, you can carry the groceries no matter the weather without having to stack anything on a passenger seat.
How Does the 2017 Ram Pickup Compare to Other Full-size Pickups?
Comparing the 2017 Ram to its competition, the Ford F-150 remains America’s best-selling truck for over 40 years, and the 2017 model continued to innovate with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers more torque and horsepower, and an improved driving experience.
Likewise, the 2017 Toyota Tundra debuted with more than four dozen possible configurations and a towing capacity of up to 10,500 pounds.
However, while the Ford F-150 comes with tons of options for maxing out your towing capacity, the 2017 Ram 1500’s EPA numbers look a bit better than those of the 2017 F-150 or Tundra, making it the best of the three if you’re looking for a daily-driver, while still being more than powerful enough for typical work-truck duties.
Is the 2017 Ram Pickup a Good Truck?
Yes, the 2017 Ram 1500 is a good pickup truck. The tie-breaker between the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 may be the fuel economy. Also, the Rambox storage system has always been an awesome feature.
However, the Ram’s technology features, though adequate, are underwhelming for a 2017 model, and there are a lot of trim levels here that don’t really add anything to the overall package.
Overall, the 2017 Ram 1500 pickup truck illustrates why so many drivers swear by the brand. It’s undeniably a durable, reliable, affordable, and customizable full-size that can function as a daily driver or a dedicated hauler and tower.
Photos: Stellantis
