2017 Ram 1500: Everything Knoxville Drivers Need to Know
The 2017 Ram 1500 continues to set the standard for ride quality and comfort in the full-size pickup segment while offering strong performance and competitive fuel economy. Perfect for East Tennessee drivers who refuse to compromise between capability and comfort, the 2017 Ram 1500 provides the refined truck experience that makes it ideal for both demanding work applications and comfortable family transportation throughout the Knoxville area.
Quick Comparison Overview
Tradesman Trim: Commercial-focused, vinyl seating, work-ready features | Varies by engine | Best for fleet and commercial use
Express Trim: Value package, cloth seating, essential comfort features | Varies by engine | Best for budget-conscious 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 and features
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: Off-road focused, lifted suspension, aggressive styling | Varies by engine | Best for serious off-road capability
Laramie Trim: Luxury features, leather interior, premium technology | Varies by engine | Best for comfort and luxury
Laramie Longhorn Trim: Western luxury, premium materials, distinctive styling | Varies by engine | Best for unique premium style
Limited Trim: Top luxury, advanced features, premium materials | Varies by engine | Best for ultimate refinement
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What's New for 2017
The 2017 Ram 1500 receives several important updates:
- New Night Edition package available on select trims
- Updated Uconnect system with enhanced functionality
- Improved interior materials across multiple trim levels
- Additional safety features and technology options
- New exterior color options and wheel designs
Trim Level Breakdown
2017 Ram 1500 Tradesman
The Tradesman delivers essential work truck capability with durability and value as priorities, making it ideal for Knoxville contractors and fleet operators who need reliable performance.
Key Features:
- 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine standard
- Vinyl bench seating or cloth bucket seats
- Manual air conditioning
- 5" touchscreen radio
- Steel wheels with trim rings
- Heavy-duty engine cooling and trailer tow package available
2017 Ram 1500 Express
The Express provides enhanced value with additional comfort features while maintaining work capability and affordable pricing for East Tennessee buyers seeking essential amenities.
Key Features:
- Cloth seating surfaces
- Power windows and door locks
- Remote keyless entry
- Chrome grille and rear bumper
- 17" steel wheels with covers
- Air conditioning with manual controls
2017 Ram 1500 SLT
The SLT offers the ideal balance of comfort and capability, making it the popular choice among East Tennessee families who need their truck for both work and daily transportation.
Key Features:
- Cloth bucket seats with center console
- Power-adjustable driver seat
- 5" Uconnect touchscreen
- Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
- Fog lamps and chrome exterior accents
- 17" aluminum wheels
2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn
The Big Horn enhances the Ram's visual appeal with chrome styling and upgraded technology for drivers who want their truck to make a strong impression on Knoxville streets.
Key Features:
- Premium cloth seating
- 8.4" Uconnect touchscreen system
- Chrome exterior package
- Heated exterior mirrors with turn signals
- Remote start system
- 18" aluminum wheels
2017 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman
Designed for off-road adventures, the Outdoorsman provides enhanced capability for East Tennessee drivers who regularly explore challenging terrain and unpaved roads.
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 styling elements
- 18" aluminum wheels
2017 Ram 1500 Sport
The Sport trim combines performance-focused features with distinctive styling for drivers who want enhanced handling and aggressive appearance.
Key Features:
- Sport-tuned suspension and steering
- 20" aluminum wheels with performance tires
- Unique sport styling package
- Performance exhaust system
- Sport interior with unique trim
- Enhanced handling characteristics
2017 Ram 1500 Rebel
The Rebel delivers serious off-road capability with factory lift and aggressive styling for East Tennessee's most adventurous drivers who venture far off the beaten path.
Key Features:
- 1-inch factory lift with off-road suspension
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Skid plates and tow hooks
- Electronic locking front and rear differentials
- Unique Rebel styling with blacked-out accents
- Hill descent control and terrain management
2017 Ram 1500 Laramie
Premium comfort and luxury features make the Laramie ideal for East Tennessee drivers who want truck capability combined with refined comfort 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
2017 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn
The Longhorn combines Western-inspired luxury with premium materials for drivers who want a truck that reflects their unique personality and sophisticated taste.
Key Features:
- Premium leather interior with genuine wood trim
- Unique Longhorn badges and Western styling
- Advanced technology and luxury amenities
- Premium Harman Kardon audio system
- Distinctive interior and exterior appointments
- Luxury-focused comfort features
2017 Ram 1500 Limited
The flagship Limited trim offers the ultimate in luxury and technology, featuring Ram's most advanced features for discerning drivers who demand the best.
Key Features:
- Premium leather seating with unique stitching
- Heated and cooled front and rear seats
- Advanced infotainment and navigation systems
- Premium audio with multiple speakers
- Distinctive Limited styling elements
- Top-tier luxury appointments throughout
Performance & Fuel Economy
The 2017 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 Harman Kardon audio system
Interior & Comfort
The 2017 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 legroom (Crew Cab)
- Extensive 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
Superior Ride Quality: Best-in-class comfort due to coil spring rear suspension that provides smooth performance on East Tennessee roads and highways.
Strong Towing Capability: Up to 10,650 pounds towing capacity when properly equipped handles recreational vehicles and work trailers with confidence.
EcoDiesel Efficiency: Available 3.0L EcoDiesel provides excellent fuel economy up to 28 MPG highway while delivering strong torque for towing applications.
Rebel Off-Road Performance: Factory lift and enhanced traction systems provide serious off-road capability for Smoky Mountain trail exploration.
Spacious Interior: Generous passenger space and storage make the Ram 1500 practical for both commercial use and family transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the towing capacity of the 2017 Ram 1500? The 2017 Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,650 pounds when properly equipped with the 5.7L HEMI V8 and appropriate towing package. Actual capacity varies by engine choice, cab configuration, and equipment level.
How reliable is the 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel engine? The 2017 EcoDiesel received improvements over earlier models, but some owners still experienced emissions system issues. Verify maintenance records and any recall work completion when considering a used EcoDiesel model.
What's the difference between Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations? Quad Cab has smaller, rear-hinged rear doors and less rear seat space, while Crew Cab offers full-size rear doors and more spacious rear seating for better passenger comfort and access.
How does the 2017 Ram 1500 ride quality compare to Ford F-150? The Ram 1500 is generally considered to have superior ride quality due to its coil spring rear suspension design, providing more car-like comfort compared to the F-150's leaf spring setup.
What bed lengths are available on the 2017 Ram 1500? Available bed lengths include 5'7" (Crew Cab only), 6'4" (Quad and Crew Cab), and 8' (Regular and Quad Cab), offering flexibility for different cargo and towing needs.
Are there common problems with the 2017 Ram 1500? Some models experienced occasional 8-speed transmission shifting issues and EcoDiesel emissions system concerns. Most problems were addressed through software updates and recalls.
What's included with the Night Edition package? The Night Edition package includes blacked-out exterior trim, unique wheels, and interior accents for a distinctive appearance, available on select trim levels.
Should I choose the V6, V8, or EcoDiesel engine? The V6 offers good fuel economy and adequate power for most uses, the HEMI V8 provides strong performance and towing capability, while the EcoDiesel delivers the best fuel economy with excellent torque.
How does the Rebel trim compare to other off-road trucks? The Rebel offers capable off-road performance with factory lift, locking differentials, and off-road tires at a competitive price point, though not as extreme as some dedicated off-road models.
What should I inspect when buying a used 2017 Ram 1500? Check maintenance records, verify recall completion, test the transmission operation, inspect suspension components, and for EcoDiesel models, ensure emissions system maintenance is current and properly documented.
Ready to Drive Your 2017 Ram 1500?
Ready to see the 2017 Ram 1500 for yourself? View our current inventory or visit Hilltop Car Sales on Clinton Highway today to test drive this popular vehicle.
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