2017 Ram 1500 — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2017 Ram 1500

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $31,276–$38,547
Fuel Economy 15 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $3,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Ram 1500

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$31,276–$38,547

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Ram 1500

Our scoring places the 2017 Ram 1500 at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Value at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this truck's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.9/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $31,276–$38,547, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Ram 1500 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2017 Ram 1500 is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2017 Ram 1500 ranks #336 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 35% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,276 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 11%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which 1500 Year Should You Buy?

Across the 1500 model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.7/10$40,777 Read review →
2025 7.7/10$40,777 Read review →
2024 7.6/10$39,590 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$38,402 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$37,214 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$36,026 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$34,839 Read review →
2019 7.3/10$33,651 Read review →
2018 7.3/10$32,463 Read review →
2017 (this review) 7.2/10$31,276
2016 7.3/10$30,088 Read review →
2015 7.1/10$28,900 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Ram 1500

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Fuel economy at 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Ram 1500 (13 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Diesel
13/08/2020 · 20V475000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the…
Latches/locks/linkages / Tailgate / Latch
09/05/2019 · 19V347000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April…
Structure / Body / Tailgate
27/07/2018 · 18V486000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to…
Electrical system / Wiring
17/05/2018 · 18V332000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500,…
Air bags / Side/window / Curtain / Inflator
12/08/2021 · 21V632000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator…

Showing 5 of 13 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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