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UConnect 5 system, new technologies added to 2022 Ram lineup

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Today’s pickup trucks are always looking for that competitive edge. Sometimes it comes with capability, towing capacity or luxurious amenities. Today, Ram announced that its 2022 lineup of trucks will get the UConnect 5 infotainment system.

“A competitive advantage of our Uconnect 5 system lies in its ability to align with customer needs using personalization and unique content for each brand,” said Mamatha Chamarthi, head of software business and product management. “The features and user experience are tailor-made for Ram trucks and Ram commercial vehicles, and will continue to expand with the digitalization of mobility.”

Some of the new features of the UConnect 5 system include over-the-air (OTA) updates, wireless phone connectivity that includes wireless phone charging, customization of the high-resolution home screen and an improved 360-degree view of the truck bed and/or trailer.

In certain trims, a 12-inch screen will be available for the 2022 lineup of Ram trucks. Additionally, as part of the fifth-generation of UConnect, Alexa home-to-truck and truck-to-home functionality includes an in-vehicle virtual assistant with natural voice capability.

Customizable home screen in Ram trucks

One of the highlights of the new UConnect system is the ability to customize the home screen based upon each driver’s preference. This will help both commercial vehicle owners as well as private Ram truck owners add the features that are most important to them onto the home screen.

“Whether it be towing 37,100 pounds in a Ram 3500 or hauling a heavy payload of recreational vehicles with family in the cab, the Uconnect 5 system can be customized to quickly give drivers the information they need in the cluster screen, center screen or the heads up display (HUD),” Chamarthi said.

The customizable nature of UConnect 5 could help someone towing a heavy load up a steep grade keep an eye on the truck’s temperature. Likewise, in a Ram equipped with the Off-Road Pages app, an owner can have quick and easy access to this app in the center screen, with one touch.

UConnect 5 will allow for up to five different user profiles to be stored, meaning multiple drivers can have their own customization, which again is great for Rams used as commercial vehicles. Surely, this customizable option will impress fleet managers as each individual driver’s preference for seat position, cabin temperature and even music can be part of the saved and customizable profile.

Wireless connectivity

Every vehicle made today should have some form of wireless phone charging. Sadly, not enough vehicles make this a standard feature. However with the UConnect 5, all 2022 Ram trucks will have wireless phone charging and also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Ram says in all 2022 trucks when equipped with the available 12-inch touchscreen, Apple Car Play will occupy the entire space. As part of the new system, there’s a built-in TomTom-based navigation system that includes traffic updates and other driver connected services. This plus the Apple CarPlay sounds like everything a truck owner could want, beamed right in the center stack in brilliant high definition.

Over-the-air updates with Alexa

Over-the-air updates are a convenience for owners. Often a vehicle can get a basic software update and run quick diagnostics, meaning less time at a dealership for repair or diagnosis. For all 2022 Ram trucks, new Telematics Box Module (TBM) preps for growth and assists in quickly moving large amounts of data, engineered for the fastest speeds available according to information provided by Stellantis.

Diagnostic help can come OTA too through the mobile Ram app providing the truck’s Vehicle Health Report and Vehicle Health Alert.

Using an advanced voice recognition software, UConnect 5 takes your home Alexa and puts it into your pickup truck. With Alexa-based software UConnect allows for Alexa to be used from home to car and car to home. Similarly, using familiar Alexa-based commands, the Ram will accept simple voice commands such as “Hey Ram, change the temperature to 70 degrees.” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also can be controlled via voice by using the voice recognition button according to information provided by Stellantis.

The bottom line on UConnect 5

The best thing about today’s vehicles is the in-vehicle technology. I’m quite particular about infotainment system and I demand wireless charging and easy (preferably wireless) smartphone integration. UConnect 5 checks that box. The previous version of UConnect was one of my favorite infotainment systems in the industry. It was simple to use and had great apps and smart phone integration.

In the press release about UConnect 5, Stellantis stated: “Research has shown that 51% of new-car buyers consider in-vehicle technology as part of their purchase.”

Put me down in that category as in-vehicle technology is a major factor for me when I review vehicles and when I recommend them (or don’t recommend them) to people. It seems 2022 Ram trucks will have one of the best systems at owners’ fingertips.

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Jimmy Dinsmore

Jimmy is News Editor for PickupTruckTalk with an expertise in new vehicles. He is also a Ford Mustang historian having authored the book Mustang by Design (available on Amazon). His second book, about the history of Ford's F-Series truck comes out next year.

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4 Comments

  1. Jason June 7, 2022

    I have a 2022 Ram 2500 Cummins Laramie and NO NOT all 2022 Ram Uconnect 5 trucks will have wireless charging. I have the 12″ Uconnect 5 and I DO NOT Have wireless charging.

    Reply
    1. Ryan Henehan September 6, 2022

      You’re right. I’ve got a 2022 with u connect 5 and it does not have wireless charging

      Reply
      1. Tina November 2, 2022

        Yep…. 2922 RAM 1500. Sticker price, $75000, but does not have wireless
        Charging. I would have given up the heated rear seats for a wireless charger

        Reply
        1. John Medina February 20, 2023

          I have a 2022 3500 dually with wireless charging, its not all that…charges very slow.

          Reply

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