2016 Ram 1500: Everything Knoxville Drivers Need to Know
The 2016 Ram 1500 continues to deliver exceptional ride quality, strong performance options, and competitive fuel economy in the full-size pickup segment. The 2016 Ram 1500 is great for East Tennessee drivers. It combines comfort and capability. This truck has reliable engineering. It is a smart choice for daily commutes in Knoxville. It is also perfect for weekend trips in the Smoky Mountains.
Quick Comparison Overview
Tradesman Trim: Work-focused, vinyl seating, essential features | Varies by engine | Best for commercial use
Express Trim: Value-oriented, cloth seating, basic comfort features | Varies by engine | Best for budget buyers
SLT Trim: Mid-level comfort, upgraded interior, convenience features | Varies by engine | Most popular choice
Big Horn Trim: Enhanced styling, chrome accents, upgraded technology | Varies by engine | Best for style-conscious buyers
Outdoorsman Trim: Off-road capability, rugged styling, enhanced traction | Varies by engine | Best for adventure seekers
Sport Trim: Performance-oriented, unique styling, sport suspension | Varies by engine | Best for performance enthusiasts
Rebel Trim: NEW off-road focused, lifted suspension, aggressive styling | Varies by engine | Best for serious off-road use
Laramie Trim: Luxury features, leather interior, premium technology | Varies by engine | Best for comfort seekers
Laramie Longhorn Trim: Western luxury, premium materials, distinctive styling | Varies by engine | Best for unique luxury
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What's New for 2016
The 2016 Ram 1500 receives several important updates:
- All-new Rebel trim level with factory lift and off-road capability
- Updated interior materials and improved build quality
- Enhanced Uconnect system with better functionality
- New wheel designs and exterior color options
- Improved EcoDiesel emissions system for better reliability
Trim Level Breakdown
2016 Ram 1500 Tradesman
The Tradesman provides essential work truck functionality at Ram's most affordable price point, ideal for Knoxville contractors and commercial buyers who prioritize capability over amenities.
Key Features:
- 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine standard
- Vinyl bench seating or cloth bucket seats
- Manual air conditioning
- AM/FM radio with auxiliary input
- Steel wheels with wheel covers
- Heavy-duty cooling and trailer tow package available
2016 Ram 1500 Express
The Express adds value-oriented features and improved comfort while maintaining the Ram's work capability and competitive pricing for budget-conscious East Tennessee buyers.
Key Features:
- Cloth seating surfaces
- Power windows and door locks
- Remote keyless entry
- Chrome grille and bumpers
- 17" steel wheels
- Air conditioning with manual controls
2016 Ram 1500 SLT
The SLT offers balanced comfort and capability, making it the popular choice among East Tennessee families who use their truck for both work duties and family transportation.
Key Features:
- Cloth bucket seats with center console
- Power-adjustable driver seat
- Uconnect 5.0 touchscreen system
- Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
- Fog lamps and chrome accents
- 17" aluminum wheels
2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn
The Big Horn enhances the Ram's visual appeal with chrome styling elements and upgraded technology features for drivers who want their truck to look as capable as it performs.
Key Features:
- Premium cloth seating
- 8.4" Uconnect touchscreen with navigation ready
- Chrome exterior package with body-color bumpers
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Remote start system
- 18" aluminum wheels
2016 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman
Designed for off-road adventures, the Outdoorsman provides enhanced capability for East Tennessee drivers who frequently venture off paved roads and challenging terrain.
Key Features:
- Off-road package with skid plates
- All-terrain tires and heavy-duty suspension
- Electronic locking rear differential
- Tow hooks and hill descent control
- Unique Outdoorsman badging and styling
- 18" aluminum wheels
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2016 Ram 1500 Sport
The Sport trim combines performance-focused features with distinctive styling elements for drivers who want enhanced capability and aggressive appearance.
Key Features:
- Sport-tuned suspension and steering
- 20" aluminum wheels with performance tires
- Unique sport styling package
- Performance exhaust system
- Sport-themed interior accents
- Enhanced handling characteristics
2016 Ram 1500 Rebel
NEW for 2016, the Rebel delivers serious off-road capability with factory lift, aggressive styling, and enhanced traction systems for East Tennessee's most adventurous drivers.
Key Features:
- 1-inch factory lift with off-road suspension
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Skid plates and tow hooks
- Electronic locking rear and front differentials
- Unique Rebel styling with blacked-out accents
- Hill descent control and terrain modes
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie
Premium comfort and luxury features make the Laramie ideal for East Tennessee drivers who want truck capability combined with car-like refinement and advanced technology.
Key Features:
- Leather-trimmed bucket seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power-adjustable pedals with memory
- Premium audio system with subwoofer
- 8.4" Uconnect with navigation
- 20" chrome-clad aluminum wheels
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn
The Longhorn combines Western-inspired luxury with premium materials and distinctive styling for drivers who want a truck that reflects their unique personality and taste.
Key Features:
- Premium leather interior with genuine wood trim
- Unique Longhorn badges and styling elements
- Advanced technology and luxury features
- Premium Harman Kardon audio system
- Distinctive interior and exterior appointments
- Luxury-focused comfort amenities
Performance & Fuel Economy
The 2016 Ram 1500 offers three proven engine options:
3.6L V6 Pentastar (Standard):
- Power: 305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 17 city/25 highway MPG (2WD)
5.7L HEMI V8:
- Power: 395 horsepower, 410 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 15 city/22 highway MPG (2WD)
3.0L EcoDiesel V6:
- Power: 240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 20 city/28 highway MPG (2WD)
Safety & Technology
Standard Safety Features:
- Electronic stability control with roll mitigation
- Trailer sway control
- Hill start assist
- Advanced multistage front airbags
- Supplemental side-curtain and front-seat airbags
Available Technology:
- 8.4" Uconnect touchscreen system
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Navigation system with real-time traffic
- Premium audio systems
Interior & Comfort
The 2016 Ram 1500 offers versatile interior configurations:
Seating & Space:
- Regular Cab: seating for up to 3 passengers
- Quad Cab: seating for up to 6 passengers
- Crew Cab: seating for up to 6 passengers
- Class-leading rear seat space (Crew Cab)
- Abundant interior storage solutions
Comfort Features:
- Available leather-appointed seating
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power-adjustable seats with memory
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Premium audio systems available
Why Knoxville Drivers Love the Ram 1500
Smooth Ride Quality: Best-in-class ride comfort thanks to coil spring rear suspension that provides car-like smoothness on East Tennessee roads.
Strong Towing Capability: Up to 10,650 pounds towing capacity when properly equipped handles recreational vehicles and work trailers.
EcoDiesel Fuel Economy: Available 3.0L EcoDiesel delivers up to 28 MPG highway while providing strong torque for towing and hauling.
New Rebel Off-Road Capability: Factory lift and enhanced traction systems provide serious off-road ability for Smoky Mountain adventures.
Spacious Interior: Generous passenger and cargo space make the Ram 1500 practical for both work crews and family use.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
What's new about the 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel trim? The Rebel is new for 2016 and features a 1-inch factory lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, electronic locking differentials, and aggressive styling designed for serious off-road capability.
How reliable is the EcoDiesel engine in the 2016 Ram 1500? The 2016 EcoDiesel received updates to address earlier issues, but some models still experienced emissions system problems. Verify maintenance history and any recall work when considering a used EcoDiesel.
What is the towing capacity of the 2016 Ram 1500? Maximum towing capacity is 10,650 pounds with the 5.7L HEMI V8 and proper towing equipment. Actual capacity varies by engine choice, cab configuration, and drivetrain.
How does the 2016 Ram 1500 ride quality compare to competitors? The Ram 1500 is widely considered to have the best ride quality in the full-size pickup segment due to its coil spring rear suspension design.
What bed lengths are available on the 2016 Ram 1500? Available bed lengths include 5'7" (Crew Cab only), 6'4" (Quad and Crew Cab), and 8' (Regular and Quad Cab), providing flexibility for different cargo needs.
Is the 8-speed automatic transmission reliable? The 8-speed automatic generally performs well, though some early models experienced occasional shifting issues. Most problems were addressed through software updates and recalls.
What's the difference between Big Horn and SLT trims? The Big Horn adds chrome exterior styling, larger touchscreen, navigation-ready system, and premium cloth seating compared to the SLT's more basic interior and technology.
Should I choose 2WD or 4WD for East Tennessee driving? 4WD provides better traction for mountain roads and winter conditions but reduces fuel economy by 1-2 MPG and increases maintenance costs and purchase price.
How does the Rebel compare to Ford Raptor? The Rebel offers capable off-road performance at a lower price point than the Raptor, with good ground clearance and traction systems, though not quite as extreme as Ford's offering.
What should I inspect when buying a used 2016 Ram 1500? Check maintenance records, verify recall completion, inspect transmission operation, examine the rear suspension components, and for EcoDiesel models, ensure emissions system maintenance is current.