First Drive Review
It wouldn't surprise us if the Wizard of Oz were pulling levers behind the scenes at Dodge, directing the Ram lineup. Why? Dodge's recent niche pickups-developed to claim bragging rights of fastest (SRT10), most off-road-capable (Power Wagon), and now largest interior, the Mega Cab-sound like something a weakling wizard would do to overcompensate for his lack of powers.
But something had to be done since Ford sells roughly twice as many F-series pickups. And with the market continually shifting toward full-size crew cabs, Dodge saw an opportunity for a cab that makes all others look like Munchkins.
Dodge engineers started out with the company's 160.5-inch-wheelbase heavy-duty chassis from the Quad Cab long-box pickup. Then they subbed in the six-foot, four-inch bed instead of the eight-footer, leaving 20 inches with which to stretch the cab.
Front-seat dimensions are identical, so the rear grew vastly. Back-seat space is up 12 cubic feet to 69 total, due largely to a 7.5-inch legroom stretch. Also new are a reclining rear seat and eight cubic feet of storage space behind the back seats. Passengers more than six feet tall will have no problem stretching out in the back.
The Mega Cab body style is available in 1500, 2500, and 3500 models in either mid- or high-level trim (known as SLT and Laramie)-there's no entry-level ST as with other Rams. Powertrain choices are the 345-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi with a five-speed automatic or the 325-hp, 5.9-liter inline-six turbo-diesel with a six-speed manual or four-speed auto. The 1500 is Hemi only, the 2500 comes with either engine, and the 3500 is diesel only. All models can be two- or four-wheel drive.
Prices start at $32,760 for a 1500 two-wheel-drive SLT (a $1560 premium over an equivalent non-Mega Cab Ram) and stretch to $48,595 for a Laramie 3500 4x4.
The ride is quite stiff compared with that of light-duty Rams such as the new-for-'06 1500 model, but if you want big towing capacity combined with huge passenger space, this is the one to get.
