I drove the 2025 RAM 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4×4, and it was exactly what I needed for the work I’m doing—moving gear, staying mobile between Pittsburgh and D.C., and building technology platforms for the next generation. This truck is a true workhorse, but it’s refined enough to make long drives feel intentional.
Powertrain & Performance
The Tradesman I drove came with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild hybrid system, producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The eTorque system adds low-end torque for smoother launches and better efficiency. This setup is standard for Tradesman trims and delivers solid performance for hauling and commuting.
- Max Towing Capacity: ~8,110 lbs when properly equipped
- Max Payload: ~2,300 lbs (best with V6 configuration)
Fuel Economy & Range
EPA estimates for the 3.6L V6 eTorque 4×4 are 19 MPG city / 24 MPG highway / 21 MPG combined. With the 26-gallon fuel tank, you’re looking at a highway range of roughly 620 miles, which matched my experience—minimal stops between cities.
Interior & Tech
The Tradesman is functional but not bare-bones. My Crew Cab had seating for six, durable vinyl upholstery, and plenty of storage options. Tech highlights include:
- Uconnect 5 system with 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility
- Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth connectivity
I streamed tracks I produced with the Carnegie Mellon music department, Dah-Varsity and even with the standard 6-speaker audio, the sound was clean and balanced.
Safety Features
Standard safety tech includes:
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Lane-Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control (available)
These features made long highway stretches less stressful and city traffic easier to manage.
Price & Value
The starting MSRP for the RAM 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4×4 with the 5’7″ box is about $46,875. My configuration felt like a smart balance of capability and cost—no frills, just fundamentals done right.
Key Specs Recap
- Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque
- Horsepower/Torque: 305 hp / 269 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG
- Fuel Tank: 26 gallons
- Towing: Up to 8,110 lbs
- Payload: Up to 2,300 lbs
- Starting Price: $46,875
Why It Stuck With Me
The RAM 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4×4 is a truck that fits into your workflow without asking for attention. It’s strong, smart, and built to support creative, entrepreneurial, and community-driven work. If you need a truck that can haul, hustle, and still keep you connected, this Tradesman is a solid choice.
For more details, visit www.RAM.com.
