Dodge refines a macho truck, sort of

Can a macho pickup truck also be refined and sophisticated? Yes, if it's the redesigned-for-2009 Dodge Ram.

The full-size pickup that's known for its brawny, big semi-hauler-styled front end has a smoother ride now, thanks to a unique-for-a-big-truck five-link, coil spring rear suspension.

The Ram interior is spruced up with luxury touches such as soft-to-the-touch dashboard plastic, nicely textured ceiling material and shiny, silver-colored accents set against attractive faux wood trim.

For the first time, the new Ram even offers a car-like back seat, with reclined seatback and good-sized cushions, as a new Crew Cab model is added to the 2009 lineup. The Crew Cab provides a roomier back seat than the Ram Quad Cab does.

But the Ram's macho attitude hasn't disappeared. The 5.7-liter, Hemi V-8 has more power this year - 390 horsepower - and the Peterbilt-styled front end is bolder with a domed hood and mean-looking grille. Even the Ram logo of a sheep's horns is bigger than ever before on the tailgate.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $22,170 for a 2009 Ram with two-wheel drive Regular Cab, 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, automatic transmission and 6-foot-long pickup bed. Starting retail price for a 2009 Ram with four-wheel drive is $26,625, and it comes with a 310-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-6 and automatic.

A major competitor, though, has lower posted starting retail prices. The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab truck with two-wheel drive, 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 and automatic starts at $19,550, and a four-wheel drive Silverado base model is $22,790.

Meantime, the 2009 Ford F-150, which was also revamped extensively for 2009, has a starting price of $22,070 for a two-wheel drive Regular Cab with 248-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 and automatic. A four-wheel drive F-150 starts at $26,215 and also has a V-8.

The Ram's aggressive styling and Hemi V-8 are hallmarks. But buyers now have three choices of passenger compartment - two- or three-passenger, two-door Regular Cabs, five- or six-passenger, four-door Quad Cabs and five- or six-passenger, roomier four-door Crew Cabs that are good for families.

Rear-seat headroom and hiproom are increased slightly in the Crew Cab vs. the Quad Cab. Legroom is the biggest gainer, going from 36.8 inches in the Quad Cab to 42 inches in the Crew Cab.

Rams are offered with choice of two- or four-wheel drive, three engines and two bed sizes.

The test Ram was a new Crew Cab, and the back-seat room was the first perk to be enjoyed. Everyone, even 6-footers, could extend legs and relax comfortably back there. Headroom totaled 39.9 inches, just a bit below the 41 inches in the front seat.

When the back seat isn't used by passengers, it can double as a sizable interior storage space with the seat cushions - which split one-third and two-thirds - pushed up against the seatback. This maneuver uncovers a flat floor and some under-seat storage spots. I tucked an unwieldy office chair mat roll back there without fuss.

Though only a two-wheel drive truck, the test Ram rode on optional, 20-inch wheels and sat up high above the pavement. In fact, when I opened the driver door, the floor of the vehicle was two inches above my knees, so I had to grab the steering wheel or the handle by the door to help hoist myself inside. Running boards on the outside would help, for sure.

Once in the driver's seat, I marveled at the expansive view and ``Queen of the Ram'' character. I looked down on cars and even some lesser full-size trucks with smaller tires. The Ram seemed invincible, and I noted it earned top five out of five stars in government frontal crash tests.

Metal pillars around the windshield blocked some views out the side during turns, so I craned my neck around to ensure no pedestrians were in crosswalks. And I needed the truck's optional rearview camera to see what was going on behind me as I backed up. Otherwise, it's impossible to see what's right behind the tailgate.

The new Ram offers Ramboxes - Dodge's word - that are lockable, sizable bins that take up the space in the bed that's usually carved out around the wheel wells. Even with the boxes, bed space remains for regular sheets of plywood, but the Rambox package is $1,895.

The ride is noticeably improved from the jittery bounciness of earlier Rams. The solid rear axle is still there, helping to ensure towing capacity of as much as 9,000 pounds, but the rear suspension now uses sophisticated five-link connections and coil springs.

Overall, the ride is smoother than before, though with vibrations felt here and there. The old-style, skittish truck character emerged over rough pavement and on some off-road trails taken at good speed.

Road noise was nicely muted in the test Ram, and the quiet of the interior added to the new luxe appeal of the truck. But the ride wasn't always quiet. For one thing, the test truck had an optional Alpine stereo system.

For another, the optional 5.7-liter, Hemi V-8, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, sent strong, deep sounds through the dual exhaust pipes.

Though the truck weighs more than two tons, the Hemi's 407-foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm was like rocket power. Just a bit of pressure on the accelerator brought power with gusto.

One last thing: If you live in cold weather, get the optional heated steering wheel. It will quickly become your ``Ram hand warmer'' on frosty mornings.

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