Ram 1500 Tradesman review: Powerful and practical work truck with unexpected perks

Driver assistance and camera frustration

I enjoyed my time in the 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman, although I didn’t find some features pleasant. One of the first things I noticed was the placement of the large side mirrors. While they were great for seeing what was behind the truck, the one on the passenger side blocked my vision and became a blind spot. This was especially apparent when stopped at intersections with heavy pedestrian traffic. 

Another concern was with the backup camera’s alignment, specifically with the tire guides displayed on the infotainment screen. When backing out of my driveway—which is narrower than most places a crew would take the Ram 1500—I had to rely on the help of others to guide me instead of using the truck’s backup camera. This is because the lines on the monitor representing the path of the truck’s tires were several inches to a foot from the actual location. I realize this could be a problem only with the specific truck I drove, but any fleet owner with crews maneuvering in tight spaces should be aware. 

Secondly—and also while backing out of my driveway—I was lunged forward by the truck’s automatic emergency braking system twice. While I’m glad the system is available in the truck (it’s always better to be safe than sorry), I felt the system engaged the brakes a bit too cautiously. 

See also: Ram introduces new ProMaster EV

Regardless of these few aspects, the 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman was fun to drive and packs practicality, power, and perks into a pretty package. Ram didn’t forget the creature comforts and the small details often missed in a work truck trim, and the front and back seat area leaves space for legs, equipment, tools—whatever you can pile in.

But as mentioned before, this truck’s power leaves the biggest impression. The frustration of lunging forward from the automatic braking was nothing compared to the feeling of being pinned to my seat after pressing the gas pedal. It’s truly what’s under the hood of this truck that will turn heads and keep work days a little more exciting. That is if you don’t call in sick.