2014 Ram Hemi pickup starts at $24,605

New five-link rear joins air suspension on HD models.

The 2014 Ram 1500 will start at $24,605, including destination, when it goes on sale at the end of the summer. 

That will get you a two-wheel-drive model with a 395-hp Hemi. The new EcoDiesel V6 will be the top trim level, costing about three grand more than a similarly equipped Hemi-powered version.

Three powertrains are offered on the standard-duty truck, including the oil burner. The 3.6-liter gas V6 continues with 13 percent more torque over the previous 3.7-liter V6 to 305 hp and 269 lb-ft. Fuel economy is up 20 percent, as well. The diesel is a 3.0-liter V6 from VM Motori making 240 hp and a 420 lb-ft of torque. 

Last but not least, there's the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy with the Pentastar V6 is 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the Hemi with the eight-speed comes in at 15 and 22. Mileage for the diesel version, which won't be out until late this year, hasn't been revealed.

On the technology front, the 2014 has a new front park-assist system, which will help when approaching low obstacles. It uses four sensors located in the front bumper that send out ultrasonic waves when the truck's driven at low speeds. They can sense objects up to 47.2 inches away.

As for the pricing breakdown, the two-wheel-drive Hemi with the six-speed transmission is the lowest-priced model at $24,605, including destination; the Pentastar with the eight-speed bumps the MSRP up to $25,295; the Hemi with the eight-speed moves up to $26,945, while the diesel with the eight-speed starts at $30,180. All prices are for two-wheel-drive trucks.

Two new colors are offered for 2014: Blue Streak and Granite Crystal. 

The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty pickup starts at $30,695, including destination. It comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8, but buyers can upgrade to the 6.4-liter for $1,495 more. Three diesel options are available.

In the Ram Heavy Duty, the smaller Hemi makes 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, while the bigger mill (6.4-liter) makes 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. For the first time, that engine comes standard in the 2014 Power Wagon. Topping off the list is the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel I6, delivering 350 hp and 660 lb-ft in base tune with a six-speed manual, 370 hp and 800 lb-ft with a six-speed automatic and a 385 hp and 850 lb-ft in high-output form. A six-speed manual is offered with the diesels, six-speed automatics join the rest.

In addition to the five-link rear suspension setup, which gives the Ram portfolio one of the best pickup truck rides in the segment, Ram also offers a factory-backed rear air suspension for the 2500 and a supplemental rear air suspension for the 3500. The system uses air bags instead of coil springs, which self-level when the truck is loaded and improve ride when it is empty. On the 3500, the airbags supplement the leaf springs but complete the same task.

The Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,940 pounds while the 3500 can pull 30,000 pounds. Payload on the 3500 is 7,320 pounds.

-- Jake Lingeman

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