The 2020 Ram 1500 lasts around 250,000 miles with some relatively minor touchscreen and spark plug issues reported. At $32,990 to $58,499, it’s a decent value for a large truck with a luxurious cabin.
Is the 2020 Ram 1500 a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Ram 1500 series since it’s reasonably reliable with a nice cabin. Owner reviews praise the reliability improvements, large touchscreen, along with the smooth suspension at highway speeds.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are more luxurious than other full size trucks, the seats are very comfortable, two bed lengths are also offered.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread mechanical problems found on the 2020 Ram 1500. Avoid models from 2012–2015 which all have engine issues. Models from 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the base engine, while the V8 offers great performance although the towing capacity is lower than the competition.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2020 Ram 1500 is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera, while adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, along with automatic braking are all optional.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, giving 598 miles of range from the 23 gallon tank. Gas costs are $50 cheaper than average at $232 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2020 Ram 1500 series is cheaper than other large trucks with slow depreciation, giving it a high overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ram 1500?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Ram 1500 series offers more room than other full size trucks with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Ram 1500 at 3.6/5, praising the strong diesel engine, but doesn’t like the lack of safety tech on entry-level models.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Ram 1500 a 4.4/5, enjoying the very smooth air suspension, but owners don’t like the lower towing capacity than other large trucks.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Ram 1500 Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Ram 1500 include the touchscreen freezing, the engine lagging on acceleration, along with the key fob dying quickly. Overall, these problems are similar to other full-size trucks, leading to average repair costs as the Ram 1500 ages.
The touchscreen freezing is the most widespread complaint from Ram 1500 series owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates for the Uconnect system which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install the updates for free, while some charge around $50.
The engine lagging on acceleration is another issue reported on Ram 1500 trucks at around 10,000 miles. Often the problem is caused by excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs. Removing and cleaning the spark plugs fixes the issue most of the time, costing around $100.
The key fob dying quickly also shows up on some Ram 1500 models in the first 20,000 miles. There is a small coin-style battery used in the key fob and some of them simply wear out fast. Replacing the battery costs around $3 and is something you can do at home by separating the two halves of the key fob.
There are 11 recalls on the 2020 Ram 1500, which is more than other full size trucks from the same year. The most serious recall covers a high pressure fuel pump failure which can cause the engine to stall. Dodge will replace the fuel pump in affected models for free. Other recalls include air bags, the windshield wipers, along with the tailgate opening while driving.
How Long Will the 2020 Ram 1500 Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Ram 1500 can last around 250,000 miles, which is over 50,000 less than the long-lasting Toyota Tundra. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other large trucks according to data provided by Repair Pal at $641 per year.
As a used 2020 Ram 1500 series reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the brake master cylinder for $380, a park assist camera costing $640, along with the water pump which costs $950.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay on base models with a standard 5-inch touchscreen display. Optional upgrades include larger 8.4-inch and 12-inch touchscreens, along with more powerful stereo systems.
Standard safety technology is basic, only offering a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Hands-free parking assist
- Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive cruise control
Is the 2020 Ram 1500 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Ram 1500 is a good value since it’s cheaper than some other full size trucks while still having a lot of capabilities. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $32,990 to $58,499, making it less than a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado. When new, the price range was $32,145 to $57,515. In current market conditions the Ram 1500 doesn’t really depreciate, although in normal times we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ram 1500?
There are seven models of the Ram 1500 offered in 2020, from the base Tradesman all the way through to the very luxurious Limited model. The Ram 1500 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Tradesman is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Steel Wheels
- Vinyl Seating
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Push-Button Start
- Tow Hooks
- Trailer Sway Damping
- Six-Speaker Stereo System
HFE is a step up, adding:
- 20-Inch Chrome Wheels
- Side Steps
- Tonneau Cover
- Carpeted Floor
- Cloth Seats
- Front Bucket Seats
Big Horn adds upgrades including:
- 18-inch Aluminum Wheels
- Fog Lights
- 60/40-Split Fold Rear Seat
- Optional 8.4-inch or 12-Inch Touchscreen
Rebel is the off-road focused model with:
- Raised Suspension
- Off-Road Tires
- Electronic Locking Rear Differential
- Underbody Skid Plates
- Unique Exterior Styling Panels
Laramie has some more features such as:
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- 4-Inch Touchscreen
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power Mirrors and Rear Window
- Leather-Trimmed Front Seats
- Heated Seats
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
Long Horn offers more items including:
- Premium Leather Bucket Seats
- Leather-Wrapped Wood Steering Wheel
- Spray-In Bed Liner
Limited is the flagship model which adds:
- 12-Inch Touchscreen
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Four-Wheel Air Suspension
- Upgraded Leather Seating
What Engines Come In the Ram 1500?
There are three engine choices offered in the 2020 Ram 1500 Series:
- The base engine is a 3.6L Pentastar V6: This engine produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque and features a mild hybrid system that enhances fuel efficiency and low-end torque while getting up to 23 MPG.
- A stronger option is the 5.7L HEMI V8: This powerful engine generates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, offering a more robust performance for towing and hauling and gets up to 19 MPG. It’s also capable of towing up to 12,750 pounds.
- The most efficient engine is the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: This diesel engine delivers 260 horsepower and an impressive 480 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent fuel economy at up to 26 MPG.
What Colors Does the Ram 1500 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ram 1500?
The 2020 Ram 1500 is renowned for its exceptional comfort, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience for both drivers and passengers. This full-size pickup truck features a refined interior with high-quality materials and an array of available options that cater to various preferences. The spacious cabin offers ample legroom and headroom, providing a comfortable ride even for taller passengers. The seats are supportive and plush, with available features such as heating, ventilation, and power-adjustability, further enhancing the comfort level for occupants.
One of the key contributors to the Ram 1500’s comfort is its sophisticated suspension system, which effectively absorbs road imperfections and minimizes vibrations. The available air suspension, a standout feature in the segment, allows for a customizable ride height and delivers an impressively smooth ride quality. Furthermore, the truck’s well-insulated cabin effectively reduces road noise, ensuring a quiet and serene atmosphere inside. With its combination of a well-crafted interior, advanced suspension system, and noise insulation, the 2020 Ram 1500 sets a high standard for comfort in the full-size pickup truck segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ram 1500 Have?
The 2020 Ram 1500 is a versatile pickup truck that offers impressive storage capacity, making it an ideal choice for those who require ample space for cargo or equipment. This full-size truck comes with a range of storage options, providing users can carry a variety of items with ease. The RamBox Cargo Management System, an exclusive feature available in selected trims, provides two lockable, drainable storage compartments on either side of the bed, offering 7.3 cubic feet of additional storage.
The 2020 Ram 1500 offers two bed-size options to cater to the diverse needs of pickup truck enthusiasts. The first option is the shorter 5-foot 7-inch bed, which is well-suited for those who prioritize maneuverability and ease of parking in tighter spaces. This bed size is commonly found on Crew Cab configurations, providing ample passenger space while maintaining a balanced approach to cargo capacity. The second option is the longer 6-foot 4-inch bed, which is ideal for individuals who require additional cargo space for work or recreational purposes.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Ram 1500 came out for the 2019 model year.
2015: New R/T model introduced with a sportier driving experience.
2016: Additional exterior color choices offered along with an upgraded center console.
2017: Both the six-speed automatic transmission and Outdoorsman models were discontinued.
2018: Updated 8.4-inch touchscreen stereo system, standard rearview camera across the lineup, Tungsten model launched.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new engines, exterior styling, interiors, along with a higher towing capacity.
2020: New optional 3.0L EcoDiesel engine offered, Night Edition package added.
2021: High-performance TRX model introduced, optional head-up display added.
How Does the Ram 1500 Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Ram 1500 is a nice full size truck, although you do trade some of the long-term reliability ratings for a nicer interior and a smoother ride.
The Ford F-150 is another large truck which is available for around $3,000 more. Off-road performance is better on the Ford F-150 models, while the Ram 1500 offers a nicer interior for the money. We recommend the Ford F-150 since they last longer, although both are decent trucks for the 2020 model year.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a popular competitor offered in the same price range. Towing performance is a little better in the Chevy Silverado, while the Ram 1500 series offers a larger touchscreen. We recommend the Chevy Silverado, although both are very similar regarding overall quality, making it worth testing both to see which you prefer.
