GM's midsize contender pairs a punchy turbo four-cylinder with an 8-speed that can't decide what gear it wants and software that freezes mid-commute. The 2024 redesign earned a sales stop within months, infotainment screens go dark, remote start is a gamble, and one ZR2 owner burned through three torque converters before 15,000 miles. The previous generation splits owners into camps: some sailed past 180k with zero drama, others became dealer regulars. The ZR2 off-road package impresses when the truck cooperates, but you're betting GM patches the bugs before your warranty expires. If you need a midsize that starts reliably and doesn't strand you hunting for cell service on a trail, the Frontier costs less and the Tacoma holds value better. Buy this if you like the look enough to gamble on future software updates, and spring for the extended warranty.
If you're shopping used Rams from 2019-2024, listen for the Hemi tick, that cold-start ticking noise signals lifter failure brewing, a repair that costs thousands and craters resale the moment it starts. Owners report oil pans corroding through at 55k miles, transmissions shuddering, and catastrophic engine failures on brand-new 2024s that didn't survive to their first oil change. One buyer found the parking brake held together with Vise-Grips. The 2025 redesign ditches the Hemi entirely for a Hurricane inline-six, and early expert reviews praise the smooth ride, strong power, and luxury-grade cabin in top trims. But it's too new to prove Stellantis fixed the underlying quality control issues or just swapped problems. Used Hemi-era trucks are a gamble unless you verify low idle hours and no tick. New buyers are beta-testing a clean-sheet powertrain from a company whose recent track record offers little reassurance. If you need a full-size truck now, the F-150 and Silverado have more predictable long-term costs.