The battle for supremacy in the pickup truck segment, one of the most lucrative in the automotive business, continues to rage unabated.
In a sign of the continuing effort to gain an edge over rivals from Ford and General Motors, Ram just introduced the latest model to the brand’s pickup truck with the addition of the 2023 Ram 1500 Limited Elite Edition.
The 2023 Limited Elite Edition will become the benchmark for luxury pickup, according to executives from Stellantis, Ram’s parent company, and will be available in Crew Cab configurations with the 5.7-liter V-8 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $65,305, plus $1,795 destination.
Sales begin in October
The new 2023 Ram 1500 Limited Elite Edition models go on sale next month. The equipment group, available on 2023 Ram 1500 Limited, offers luxury features only seen in a Ram truck.
“The new 2023 Ram 1500 Limited Elite Edition takes the highest quality materials in the industry and elevates the benchmark for interior comfort into rarified air,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis.
“Ram 1500 Limited buyers have enjoyed the ultimate combination of capability, luxury and refinement for a decade now and the Limited Elite Edition is the latest example of how Ram delivers the most luxurious pickups in the industry.”
The Elite Edition delivers a unique blend of technology, materials and storage solutions give customers a premium experience while staying true to the hardworking nature of the Ram 1500.
Ram 1500 Limited Elite models are distinguished externally by a multifunction tailgate, deployable bed step, bed cargo divider and adjustable cargo tie down hooks. The Ram 1500 Limited Elite Edition is layered in real wood, metal and leather. All these elements combine to deliver a level of luxury only seen in a Ram truck, officials proclaim.
In addition, a jeweled rotary shifter, premium leather bucket seats, suede headliner, a unique instrument cluster theme and a bright pedal kit highlight an interior that already boasts the pinnacle of luxury and refinement.
Upscale is becoming the standard
Ram was one of the first brands to move into the luxury end of the truck market with the Laramie, which it touted as a top-of-the-line vehicle.
Ford also was early in the luxury pickup segment with its King Ranch and the bar keeps getting moved upward as General Motors and Ford added more features and more leather in the plush cabins. Prices for luxury pickups also kept moving and filtered downward into the rest of the pickup truck line, allowing manufacturers to raise prices across the board.
Meanwhile, trucks with price tags of more than $50,000 — once an unheard of figure — have become commonplace as manufacturers added pricey features in a bid to lure affluent customers. With the additional options, trucks shifted from work vehicles to do-it-all family vehicles.
In addition, Ford now offers a line of Platinum pickups, while the Denali subbrand at GMC continues to grow in price and volume.
Ram now seems eager to challenge its rivals.
This pickup competition is insane. Only folks who want these are men with ED. They should strive for Ferraris.
It’s a bit less insane than you think. And I can guarantee you that it’s not just men with ED who want loaded pickups. Ferraris, that’s another matter…LOL. My wife was, in fact, the one who wanted the loaded Lightning. She had considered a luxury vehicle but, with our cottage — boats, kayaks, bikes and other things to tow or haul — a pickup made sense. Why not outfit like the luxury sedan or SUV we’d have otherwise purchased?
Paul E.
Couldn’t say it better, Moose.