First Look Review: 2024 Ram 1500 eTorque Tradesman is rugged utility

The 2024 Ram 1500 eTorque is a full-size pickup truck with a mild-hybrid system, a partial electrification technology not as heavily marketed as full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid in the U.S. Recently, I got a chance to experience the comfort, features, and interior of the truck in the entry-level ‘Tradesman’ grade, although it was kitted with plenty of optional features that nearly made it resemble a lifestyle truck!

Design

The 2024 Ram 1500 eTorque Tradesman is available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab versions. It has a 6’4” box as standard, but customers can opt for a 5’7” box in the Crew Cab version. I saw the Quad Cab version with a 6’4” box, which was clearly designed for maximum utility. I liked its Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-Coat paint, which gave it a sporty styling.

This unit was equipped with a ‘Night Edition’ package, which made it hard to tell that it was in the base trim. This package replaces the 18-inch steelies with sporty 20-inch cast aluminum wheels painted in black. Black mesh grille surround and black badges further amp up the styling, while body-colored bumpers further cloak the base trim giveaways. Front fog lamps and rear bumper step-pads are also upgrades from the Night Edition package.

Interior

Inside, I think the basic but utilitarian design suits the purpose of this pickup truck. For a change, I actually like the traditional instrument cluster with analog dials, a feature that’s becoming rare as automakers flock to virtual instrument clusters. I appreciate the extensive use of buttons and knobs, too, but the Uconnect 3 infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen is a bummer.

Black accents, carpet floor covering, and floor mats (front and rear), all part of the Night Edition package, slightly improve the cabin’s aesthetics. A cloth 40/20/40 split bench is also part of this package.

I’m six feet tall, and in my experience, ingress was quick and easy, and I didn’t feel the need for a sidestep. When I sat in the driver’s seat, I found the all-around visibility to be good. The steering column offered manual adjustment, which was obvious because Tradesman is the base trim.

In the second row, behind the driver’s seat that was adjusted for a six-foot-tall person, I had little knee room. I felt the default angle of the backrest was upright for me. A recline function was not available. The under-thigh support and headroom were okay, but it was evident that the rear part of the cabin wasn’t designed for tall adults and that it would be used sparingly.

Specifications

Powering the 2024 Ram 1500 eTorque Tradesman is a standard 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine (305 hp/271 lb.-ft.) or a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine (395 hp/410 lb.-ft.). An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, while a four-wheel drive system is optional. This particular unit features the V6 engine and is equipped with a four-wheel drive system, plus, thanks to the Night Edition package, an anti-spin rear differential. It has an EPA-est. fuel economy rating of 19 MPG (city)/24 MPG (highway)/21 MPG (combined).

Price

The prices of the 2024 Ram 1500 eTorque Tradesman start at USD 39,420 (excl. USD 1,995 destination charges).

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Ram 1500 eTorque packs plenty of style and performance and is capable, but its Tradesman trim, unless upgraded with options, is pretty basic.

2024 Ram 1500 eTorque Tradesman FAQs