You can save more than $8,000 on a new Ram 1500 this month

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Graeme Fletcher regularly combines 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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This week, we look at one truck in particular, the new Crew Cab Ram in the Big Horn trim. Fletcher spells out the hot deal below.

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You can save more than $8,000 on a new Ram 1500 this month Back to video

2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $53,045
Ram Canada Incentive*: $7,500
Unhaggle Savings: $1,000
Total Savings: $8,500
Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $2,005
Total Before Tax: $46,550

The fifth-generation Ram 1500 was introduced last year, so heading into 2020 there is minimal change. The cabin is thoughtfully laid out with a ton of storage space in the centre console and under the rear seats. The key is the five-link independent rear suspension sees the Ram waft past its competitors in terms of ride comfort. The bonus is the comfort does not hurt the working side of the truck.

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The Big Horn is pretty basic in terms of amenities. As such it requires the Big Horn Level 1 package to get, among other things, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with the sharper 8.4-inch Uconnect screen (a five-incher is standard).

In the same way, getting blind-spot monitoring, which carries an option cost of $500, requires the Big Horn Level 2 package be purchased first — that adds $2,995. In most cases it requires one of the two Big Horn packages to get some of the more desirable equipment. Myopic thinking at its worst!

The featured Ram 1500 arrives with a 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The plus is the 48-volt-based eTorque mild hybrid system not only helps fuel economy, when pulling away it contributes up to 90 hp and 130 lb.-ft. of torque at low rpm, which helps acceleration and improves the low-end towing punch.

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The optional 5.7L V8 Hemi costs $1,900, but ups the power to 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. If heavy towing is required it is the better engine, as it bumps the tow capability from the V6’s 3,506-kg to 5,783-kg. The downside is the posted average fuel economy also rises — 11.1 L/100 km for the 3.6L V6 4×4 to 12.8 L/100 km for the 5.7L V8 4×4.

As mentioned, the independent rear suspension works wonders for ride quality. It also helps the handling. Unlike Ford and Chevy with solid rear axles, the multi-link design reduces the tendency for the back end to washboard out thanks to the added wheel control.

The Verdict

The 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn gets Good crash test ratings in all disciplines, including the tough small front offset test. It has a Marginal score for headlight performance and a Superior for forward collision prevention, but only with option packages on the Big Horn model. Ironically, the top-line Ram 1500 is Top Safety Pick+ thanks to its LED projector headlights and standard safety features.

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There is one recall (#2019263) on the Ram 1500. It says, “An internal error in the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) could cause the airbag system to turn off. If this happens, the airbags would not deploy in a crash.” This problem would cause the airbag warning light to illuminate in the instrument cluster. Dealers will inspect the Occupant Restraint Controller. If fault codes are found, the ORC will be replaced. If no fault codes are present, the ORC software will be updated.

The projected resale value of the 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn in 2022, after being driven an average of 20,000 km/year, is $28,800.

The 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 with a 5-foot-7 box has a sticker of $46,550 after the combined Unhaggle discount of $8,500 is applied. That discount, at just shy of 15 per cent, more than covers the dreaded sales tax!

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