By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 27, 2022) No automaker continues to roll out new special edition models one after the other for their vehicle product lineup than Stellantis whose brands include Alpha Romeo, Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM trucks and more. Not only do special additions extend the design, they fine-tune the product offerings and tailors them to meet the specific needs and desires of buyers. Recent RAM truck special editions have included 10h Anniversary Edition, Red Edition, Chris Stapleton “Traveller” Edition, and Night Edition to name but a few.

Now, for 2022 is the RAM 1500 BackCountry Edition that builds on the Big Horn and Lone Star models aimed for those who want more time off-road and literally in the “backcountry.”

Both BackCountry models are powered by either a 5.7-Liter Hemi V-8 or the 5.7-Hemi V-8 with Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system and offered in Crew and Quad Cab configurations and includes four-wheel-drive. Our test BackCountry Edition was the Big Horn Crew with the eTorque V-8. Base price was $44,900 with nearly $20k in options for a list price of just under $64,000.

The Big Horn slots two trim levels below the Ram Rebel a purpose-built off-road truck that’s powered by a V-6 engine and has a base price $55,775. That makes the BackCountry a significant value-priced off-roader by comparison.

While not quite as brawny and robust and lacking the unique trim as the Rebel with its 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires and aggressive hood styling, the BackCountry has compelling appeal, nonetheless. What you do get with the BackCountry package that adds just $2,695 to the base price is a long list of items including a raised ride height, 18-inch x 8.0-inch black painted aluminum wheels, Off-Road info pages, electronic locking rear axle, individual skid plates for the front suspension, fuel tank, steering gear, transfer-case and electronic locking rear axle.

Additionally, there’s hill-descent control, tow hooks, spray-in bedliner, tri-fold tonneau cover, black exterior treatment to the headlamp bezels, black mirror caps, and black exhaust tips, lower body two-tone paint, painted front and rear bumpers, black tubular side steps (running boards), a deployable bed step-up, LED lighting and body-color grille surround.

Other added options on our Big Horn was the level 2 equipment group ($2,500) that includes a long list of niceties like 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, class IV receiver-hitch, heated front seats with 2-way power lumbar adjustment, 2nd-row in-floor storage bins, individual front and rear 115-volt auxiliary power-outlets, heated steering wheel, front and rear park-assist with emergency stop, 8-way power driver seat, power adjustable pedals, rear power-sliding window, remote start system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual zone auto temperature control.

Our test truck also had the optional 4-corner air suspension, 33-gallon fuel tank, engine-block heater, 9-amplified speakers and subwoofer, Sirius XM radio, RAM’s fantastic Uconnect 5 Navigation with a 12-inch display monitor.



Inside, the BackCountry gets a black interior with cloth and vinyl bucket seats, a 7-inch infotainment screen, BackCountry badging on the instrument panel and all-weather slush/mud floor mats. Almost all the aforementioned BackCountry additions can be purchased individually via the Mopar parts catalog in the Off-Road Group but at a significant cost increase.

On and off-road while not quite as rebellious as the RAM Rebel nor as insane as the Hellcat powered RAM TRX, we found the BackCountry to be an overall awesome and capable off-and-on roader for the money. We especially loved the eTorque Hemi V-8 setup and its 410 lb. ft of torque and 8-speed automatic transmission. There was excellent response with acceleration and the transmission delivered immediate downshifts when necessary. Absent however is a dedicated off-road performance mode setting, something both Chevy and Ford include on their competitive trucks.

Overall, we came away impressed with the BackCountry Edition RAM pickup and classify it as a great truck. You can pick regular V-8 Hemi or Hemi V-8 eTorque with its mild hybrid configuration. In addition to its capable off-road prowess, it has good towing and hauling capabilities, a composed ride and handling, excellent safety crash test scores and results, excellent onboard technologies and a roomy, comfortable interior. It’s hard to beat this combination.

Whether on-road for daily commutes or for some serious off-road adventures and weekend fun we found the Big Horn BackCountry an absolute delightful to spend time behind the wheel easily outpacing expectations.



Vital Stats

Base Price: $44,900
Price as Tested: $63,760
Engine/Transmission: 395-hp 5.7-Liter Hemi V-8 with eTorque mild hybrid system, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD.
EPA Fuel Economy: 18/22/19 – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Overall highest possible 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2022 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Where Built: Sterling Heights, Michigan

Competes With:
Chevrolet Silverado Trailboss
Ford FX4

Likes:
Bang-for-the-buck BackCountry package
Brawny good looks
Affordable off-road capability

Dislikes:
No dedicated off-road drive settings