2017 RAM POWER WAGON FIRST LOOK

2017 RAM POWER WAGON FIRST LOOK by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

Sometimes, trucks need to do more than haul plywood and tow boats. When the going gets tough, you’d better have a pickup with more than just a pretty face to get you through.  And that’s exactly what the Ram Power Wagon has been doing since 1945 when it was born the first mass-production 4X4 pickup.

New for 2017, the Power Wagon adopts the front grille design from the Ram Rebel, and receives all-new exterior and interior design elements to match its aggressive behavior and off-road biased lifestyle.  Based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4X4 Crew Cab, the 2017 model harkens back to the late 1970s truck with its optional, vertically oriented Power Wagon graphic and offers shoppers new colors, lighting and wheels.

The Power Wagon’s interior has been upgraded with unique technical grain seats embossed with the Goodyear tire tread pattern while touch points and other surfaces have been improved.  Power is still supplied by the 410-horsepower, 6.4-liter HEMI V8 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission while unique items such as 33” Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec tires, Articulink front suspension with disconnecting sway bar, front and rear locking differentials and a 12,000 lb. electric winch pad the resume.

Ram says the “Power Wagon is an off-road, all-access pass, removing the limitations, instilling confidence and allowing owners to reach areas of recreation not attainable with any other pickup.”  Bilstein shocks, an added 2” of lift and a towing capacity of up to 10,030 pounds furthers that narrative.

Also new for 2017 is a no-frills Tradesman model that delivers all of the off-road goodies in a less adorned wrapper.