When it comes to rugged off-road pickup trucks, very few contenders can face the onslaught of Dodge Ram models. Whether the road is snow covered or you want to sail through muddy and bumpy roads, the Ram Power Wagon proves to be a trustworthy workhorse! Its origin dates back to the 1940s and since its debut, it has remained a favorite with off-road enthusiasts. The 2017 Dodge RAM Power Wagon gets a grand makeover, and it is ready to cope with contenders from stables of Ford, Nissan, and GM, especially the arch rival- Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Shown first time at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, the off-road truck managed to turn many heads. It is being offered only in crew cab style.
2017 Dodge RAM Power Wagon – Exterior and Interior Design:
The black trim at exterior is new and it looks impressive. The truck also gets some niceties in the cabin. The tech additions are also good.
There is no denying the fact that 2017 Dodge RAM Power Wagon has design elements borrowed from its sibling aka Ram 2500 Heavy Duty. However, it also comes with distinctive design elements including a Name embossment in the tailgate in large fonts. The truck gets vertical bedside stripes and a new snout-like black grille. The metal bumpers are also black, somewhat like the smaller sibling Ram 1500 Rebel. Unlike the 2016 version which had an abundance of Chrome on an exterior, the 2017 Dodge RAM Power Wagon is clad in black trim except for the Ram badge on the grille in silver. Even the LED projector headlights with black bezel look cool. It exudes a menacing and macho look. It is sold in 6 body colors and sports 33 inch Wrangler DuraTrac all terrain tire made by Goodyear along with 17-inch wheels.
Inside the cabin, design is mores streamlined now. The seat fabric also has been spruced up and synthetic upholstery is the default. The fabric and interior materials are done in all black and gray. The company special edition Power Wagon Laramie though the buyers can opt for Power Wagon Tradesman, which is more entry level. The latter discards interior niceties but retains off-road hardware. You may opt for leather interior too. The steering wheel is wrapped in semi-perforated leather while the heating option is available.
2017 Dodge RAM Power Wagon – Engine Specs:
The 2017 Dodge RAM Power Wagon retains the same engine used in the predecessor and that is actually a good thing. The tried and tested 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine made by Fiat Chrysler is a powerful one and it generates 410 hp. It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission unit. The truck gets a four-wheel-drive system with automated hill-descent control. Its Bilstein monotube shock absorbers and 14.3 in ground clearance make the vehicle capable of handling almost any terrain.
The truck can tow a little more than 10,000 pounds of load and the rated payload capacity is 1,510 pounds.
Technology and Safety:
Ram pickup trucks are not exactly sought by luxury-seeking buyers but the 2017 Ram Power Wagon does not skimp much on technology and safety either. You get Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system with an 8.4-inch display. The tailgate can be equipped with an optional backup camera for ease in handling.
2017 Dodge RAM Power Wagon – Price and Expected Release Date:
The 2017 Dodge RAM Power Wagon will be available for sale late in 2016. The exact price is not known but it could be around $52,000 for the base setup. Overall, the 2017 Power Wagon carries forward the Ram legacy. It is a powerful truck with the menacing look and rugged build. The exterior styling changes make it even more impressive while the engine and technology make it the ultimate off-road vehicle.