carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $38,402–$45,744 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Ram 1500 at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.5/10, while Technology at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. 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 is a genuine highlight at 8.5/10. The Ram 1500 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $38,402–$45,744, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Ram 1500 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.0/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Ram 1500 is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2023 Ram 1500 ranks #127 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 76% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,402 starting price is about 9% above 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 2020 Ram 1500 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.6 — 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 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $38,402 | |
| 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 | 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.
| Back over prevention / Display function 09/02/2023 · 23V059000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles. The trailer reverse steering control module (TRSCM) may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles… |
|---|---|
| Fuel system, diesel / Delivery / Fuel pump 13/04/2023 · 23V263000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail. |
| Back over prevention / Display function 28/09/2023 · 23V654000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to… |
| Steering / Steering control module 28/11/2023 · 23V799000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn… |
| Air bags / Frontal / Driver clockspring/spiral cassette 14/03/2024 · 24V199000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator,… |
Showing 5 of 10 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.