Bucks on Trucks: There are big savings to be had on the Ram 1500

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The experts at Driving.ca regularly combine manufacturers’ incentives from Unhaggle.com with resale value, dependability, and overall ratings to find you the best deal for your money in new cars.

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Today, we look at one truck in particular, the 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4. Check out the deal below.

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Bucks on Trucks: There are big savings to be had on the Ram 1500 Back to video

2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 5’7″ box

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $53,745
Manufacturer Incentive: $10,000
Unhaggle Savings: $2,000
Total Savings: $12,000
Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $2,025
Total Before Tax: $43,770

A couple of years ago, Ram refurbished its half-ton pickup – simply called the “1500” – with lavish interiors, while retaining a dose of aggressive exterior style. The range of available trim levels was broadened and powertrain options were slightly fettled to now include a mild hybrid system on some engines.

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Occupying one step up the Ram 1500 ladder is the Big Horn trim, popular with customers looking to keep a lid on pricing but not look like the hired contractor who drives a base model Tradesman version. The offer shown here applies specifically to the Crew Cab version, which deploys four forward-swinging doors and a back seat area nearly big enough to host a game of rounders.

Also, while a 6’4″ box length is available with the Crew Cab body, the shorter 5’7″ cargo box is the configuration specified for this deal. Yes, such minutiae can make a difference – as can trim levels – so be sure to shop carefully.

Standard under the hood of Big Horn models is the brand’s 3.6L V6 engine, commonly referred to as the ‘Pentastar’ and found in many different products with which the Ram 1500 shares a showroom. This mill makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It is now appended with the company’s so-called eTorque mild hybrid system which helps with auto start-stop duties while adding a bit of extra torque when accelerating from a stop. Optional on Big Horn is the venerable 5.7L Hemi V8, making 395 ponies and 410 units of twist.

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If you’re planning to tow trailers or gear with your 2020 Ram pickup, it’s important to make sure you’re buying a rig capable of hauling the mail. A simple selection of shorter (numerically higher) rear axle gears will juice the V6’s towing capacity to 7,410 lbs on this truck, some 1,000 lbs beyond one not so equipped. Properly optioned, the mighty Hemi is good to haul 11,290lbs of conventional tow-behind trailer. Again, shop carefully to make sure you’re buying what you need.

Despite living just one step away from the base model truck, Big Horn models are hardly the stripped-out pickups of yore. Carpet lines the floors, though a rubber covering is available if you ask nicely. Windows and locks are power operated as you’d expect, and the remote keyless entry means there’s no fighting frozen locks on a cold winter morning and push-button start means there’s no digging for keys after you’re aboard.

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Buttons for cruise control pepper the leather-wrapped steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake. However, infotainment is handled by a sad-sack unit bearing a small 5-inch touchscreen, making its face smaller than that found on a smartphone residing in most people’s pockets. At least there’s a media hub with a pair of USB ports and other inputs. These complaints can be silenced with the $1595 Level 1 Equipment Group that also brings better instruments and a power sliding rear window, plus heated side mirrors and rear glass.

Unlike some other entrants in this category, Ram doesn’t make you step up to a more expensive trim to get certain goodies like bucket seats or a panoramic sunroof. The optional Off-Road group is a good selection at $995, bringing LT-grade tires and stout equipment like skid plates and a locking rear differential.

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Proving once again that there’s no plate like chrome, brightwork adorns the Big Horn’s front and rear bumpers, grille, and door handles. Jumbo-sized Ram badging also glints in the sun. Those are 18-inch all-season Goodyears on bright aluminium wheels, rounding out a package that’ll set you apart from the base Ram used by your friendly neighbourhood repair service.

The 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 Short Box arrives with a $12,000 combined Unhaggle discount, leaving a sticker of $43,770. This price includes freight and PDI along with other mandatory government fees but does not include sales tax.