2020 Ram 1500
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 2WD, Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 4X4, Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 2WD, Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 4X4
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 229.1–242.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,800–5,232 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 14 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2020 standard pickup truck (19.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints641 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 47 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- 14 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Ram 1500 is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 233 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 145-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,971 lb (Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 32% better than the 2020 standard pickup truck average of 19.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 14 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 641 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2020
- Best combined MPG up from 23 to 26
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 1500 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 2WD | 233.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 144.5 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 4,971 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 5.7-Ft Box 4X4 | 233.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 144.5 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,130 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 2WD | 242.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 153.5 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,020 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 6.4-Ft Box 4X4 | 242.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 153.5 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,232 lb | 57/43 |
| Quad Cab 6.4-Ft Box 2WD | 229.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 140.6 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 4,800 lb | 57/43 |
| Quad Cab 6.4-Ft Box 4X4 | 229.1 in | 79.5 in | 77.6 in | 140.6 in | 68.5 / 68.1 in | 5,088 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 2WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +32% | $3,700 | 390 |
| 1500 4WD Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +29% | $4,000 | 418 |
| 1500 HFE 2WD Hybrid | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | +17% | $2,900 | 394 |
| 1500 2WD Hybrid | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +12% | $3,050 | 407 |
| 1500 4WD Hybrid | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +13% | $3,200 | 418 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +2% | $3,350 | 450 |
| 1500 2WD Hybrid | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -4% | $4,000 | 467 |
| 1500 4WD Hybrid | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +2% | $4,000 | 474 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $3,550 | 475 |
| 1500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -14% | $4,450 | 514 |
| 1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $4,450 | 523 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -14% | $4,450 | 513 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $4,450 | 526 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2020 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2020 Ram 1500 Crew PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2020 Ram 1500 Quad PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
Similar 2020 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ram 1500 (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Silverado | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 18 |
| 2020 Toyota Tundra | 15 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Colorado | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 GMC Canyon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Nissan Titan | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 GMC Sierra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
Recalls (14)
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage · Jul 30, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V495000 · 1,271,294 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
- Risk
- An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
Air Bags · May 8, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V298000 · 71 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- A driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices · Oct 10, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V754000 · 31,676 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 1500 Classic vehicles equipped with heated trailer tow rearview mirrors. The mirror glass may detach from the driver's side heated trailer tow rearview mirror. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the mirror glass, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 86B.
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge And Attachments · Dec 8, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V904000 · 1,224,078 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
- Risk
- An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.
Engine · Oct 13, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V767000 · 60,413 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Aug 25, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V638000 · 7,895 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Aug 12, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V632000 · 212,373 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- Risk
- A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the SABIC assemblies, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 4, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y55.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Oct 8, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V622000 · 19,075 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Sep 24, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V580000 · 2,114 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V191000 · 319,610 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Risk
- The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Aug 27, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V513000 · 160,229 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. In certain accelerator pedal positions, the floormats may prevent the pedal from returning to the normal resting (idle) position.
- Risk
- A pedal that does not return as expected may affect the vehicle's deceleration, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver's floormat to remove the potential for pedal interference, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W63.
Air Bags · Jun 25, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V374000 · 114 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram Promaster vans and 1500 pickups. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain airbag which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is W52.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Apr 9, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V208000 · 425,599 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 conditions.
- Risk
- Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.
Air Bags · May 31, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V407000 · 295,981 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Disabled air bags and seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ORC or replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are V61 and V71.
Not every 2020 Ram 1500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Ram 1500 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 159 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 155 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 65 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Ram 1500. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 1500 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 1500 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 1500 | 22 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 103 |
| 2025 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 366 |
| 2024 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 77 |
| 2023 1500 | 24 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 11 | 203 |
| 2022 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 16 | 632 |
| 2021 1500 | 26 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 683 |
| 2019 1500 | 23 | 233.1 in | ★★★★★ | 29 | 1,495 |
| 2018 1500 | 23 | – | ★★★★★ | 15 | 667 |
| 2017 1500 | 23 | – | ★★★★★ | 13 | 884 |
| 2016 1500 | 24 | – | ★★★★★ | 16 | 1,554 |
| 2015 1500 | 24 | – | ★★★★★ | 17 | 1,459 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ram. How we calculate this →