carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $34,839–$41,927 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2020 Ram 1500 at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Performance at 7.3/10 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 8.7/10, reliability is one of this truck's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.9/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.6/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $34,839–$41,927, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Ram 1500 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 6 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 2020 Ram 1500 is a passable truck but not a standout one. 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 →
The 2020 Ram 1500 ranks #251 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 51% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,839 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Ram 1500 scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.4 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $34,839 | |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $33,651 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $32,463 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $31,276 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $30,088 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $28,900 | Read review → |
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.
| Visibility / Rearview mirrors/devices / Exterior 08/10/2020 · 20V622000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles. The driver side mirror glass can detach from the backing plate and no longer provide a reflective surface. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal… |
|---|---|
| Seat belts 24/09/2020 · 20V580000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking. |
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 10/09/2020 · 20V191000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger… |
| Air bags 31/05/2019 · 19V407000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles. The flash memory of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle's air bags and seat belt pretensioners. |
| Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Linkages 09/04/2020 · 20V208000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather… |
Showing 5 of 13 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Ram models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.