2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Review, Prices, Photos

2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab (continued)

Walkaround

The Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers a striking presence, taking the Big Rig look to another level. From the front, a more refined crosshair grille with strong, full-chrome collar remains instantly recognizable as a strong Dodge Ram signature. New, angular headlamps are distinctive, and deliver 22 percent more light intensity by use of halogen bulbs. The front bumper is massive, integrated with the equally bold hood and fender combination. The ram's head emblem is moved to the center of the grille for 2006. Chrome accents add to the bold, metallic design.

From the side, the Mega Cab makes an even more dramatic impression. Very wide rear doors are unique to the immense Mega Cab, with a very large proportion of window glass to door. The second-row window glass is tinted, suggesting a limousine. Behind this huge cab, the bed looks small, but it remains significantly large: 6 feet, 3 inches in length and 51 inches wide between the wheel wells. Wheels are sparkling 17-inch chrome units, with tires nicely proportioned to the Ram's physical size.

The front grilles of the SLT and Laramie trim levels are differently styled, providing an external visual cue.

Interior Features

All Ram pickups offer unusually wide, roomy cabs with lots of storage. The Mega Cab's interior space is nearly identical to that of a Quad Cab with the exception of rear legroom. The Mega Cab adds some 22 inches of cab length to the already-wide interior, taking second-row spaciousness beyond any previous concept. The Mega Cab's rear seats offer 44.2 inches of legroom, compared with 36.7 for a Quad Cab. And there is room for the rear seats to recline, tilting up to 37-degrees for added comfort. The rear seats also have their own separate rear air conditioning and heat outlets, reading lights and a center armrest with cup holders.

DVD entertainment for rear seat passengers is available, with wireless headsets and integrated game ports. Behind the passengers is a power sliding rear window for flow-through ventilation. Because of the added length of the second-row seating area, the air bag system had to be redesigned with larger side curtain air bags. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to trigger the air bag on the side where impact occurs.

From the driver's seat, the view is of a wide center stack with large knobs and buttons, precisely finished with consistent angles and cut lines throughout. The instrument panel cluster, revised for 2006, is located under a more prominent dash brow to reduce glare and improve visibility of six white-faced gauges. A substantial four-spoke steering wheel houses cruise control buttons and available stereo controls. Rectangular, slat-type air vents close flush.

There is a marked distinction between the SLT and Laramie trim levels. In SLT trim, the dash is textured plastic. The Laramie package makes extensive use of wood trim inside, with less use of plastic, for a more distinctive appearance.

The seats are generously padded and proved to be comfortable, especially the six-way driver's seat in the Laramie, which can be shifted around as any particular position becomes tiresome on long trips. The leather upholstery adds a rich appearance to the interior of Laramie models. With the optional front bucket seats, a new center console extends from the dashboard.

Everything about the Ram screams full size. Even those of us used to operating domestic pickups and tow vehicles will be taken aback by the Ram's imposing size. Inside the cabin, it is a long reach to hand something across the console to a passenger, and there would be no hope of leaning across to open the passenger door, or grab something from the opposite door pocket. Interior door handles are large and heavily built, consistent with the large size of the Ram doors.

The cabin is loaded with nicely sized trays, slots and pockets. It seemed there was always a safe place to put something down, yet keep it within easy reach. The center console is big enough for a laptop, and is designed with fold-down dividers.

The optional 5.8-inch navigation screen is surrounded by buttons and knobs. With the standard front bench seat, a very wide center console flips up to allow makeshift center seating. There is additional storage under the front seat.

Several power outlets are provided for the front seats. The dash power outlet is ignition switched, while the cigar lighter is always on, so we used it to charge a cell phone. A third outlet is available in the center console.

Testing the rear seat was a defining moment. One passenger, six-feet, three-inches tall, had no problem stretching out completely with the rear seats reclined. A rear-seat passenger spent an entire day with us, and declined to move up front at the halfway point.

Getting in the Mega Cab requires a big step up, but the rear doors swing open almost 90 degrees, so access is easier for people or cargo. Behind the rear seats is even more storage, in the form of bins that are designed to accommodate tools or sports equipment.

We found the optional seven-speaker, 384-watt Infinity sound system to be remarkably good for a truck of any kind, and especially a pickup. Our suspicion is that this is at least partly due to superior sound deadening and wind noise control, providing an environment in which the sound system can really be appreciated.

2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Review, Prices, Photos