2009 Dodge Ram will start at $22,170

That's for the base 2009 Dodge Ram model with the $900 destination charge included. More upscale Quad Cab truck will be priced at $26,225 and the top of the line Crew 1500 will start at impressive $32,530 but will feature a weatherproof RamBox cargo management system, a pair of store-in-the-floor storage bins with removable liners, speed control, remote keyless entry, heated mirrors and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. Wow.

Available in both 2x4 and 4x4 drive, the 2009 Dodge Ram will be delivered in five -ST, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie- trim levels (with top of the line Dodge Ram Laramie Ram Crew 1500 4x4 selling at a price of $44,140), and will sport a choice of three engines: a 3.7-liter, 215hp / 235lb-ft, V6; a 4.7-liter, 310hp / 330lb-ft, V8; and a 5.7-liter, 390hp / 407lb-ft, HEMI.

Although the huge 5.7-liter engine got an impressive boost in power and torque over the previous model, the powerplant's fuel economy is in fact 20 percent better than before and is rated at 23 mpg on the highway. This is, actually, almost 10 percent better than a 2009 Cadillac Escalade Two-Mode Hybrid SUV can achieve! And, by the way, the 2009 Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4x2 model with a short bed and 4:10 gears takes less than 6 seconds to jump from 0 to 60 mph! Sorry for the exclamation signs, but that's the first time I really got excited about a full-size truck! Sorry again, couldn't help it.

GM says that you may order the truck with MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 30GB HDD and navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system that is available in the Quad Cab and crew-size cab. There is also an optional live SIRIUS Backseat TV and a surround-sound audio, which is also first such offer in the segment. Now, who needs a G-Class, anyway?