Thanks for all the comments in this thread, the subject matter was an important topic that I thought long & hard about before, during and after the initial signing for my new truck.
I purchased a 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock QC 5.7l a couple of weeks ago, it has just under 1000 km (600 miles).
This is my first Ram, replacing a 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited DC 5.7l . The Toyota was fabulous for power, it could easily mash 4 adult passengers into the seats while passing Sunday drivers on the highway.
Unfortunately, Toyota Tundras still have the same crappy gas mileage of 14+ years ago and are far behind the 5.7l Ram trucks. Plus replacement parts are ridiculously expensive.
I'm not 25 anymore, I retired 7.5 years ago and live in a rural environment (highway to go anywhere past the community mailbox.
I usually drive conservatively, not much over the speed limit, however; I do not appreciate being stuck behind Sunday drivers or those that appear to have not learned the value of using cruise or maintaining a steady velocity.
I had tried out a 2021 V6 Ram 1500 and signed an agreement to purchase, thinking the power was adequate, the gas savings would be excellent & worth the sacrifice to my driving enjoyment.
Two days later the buyer's remorse started. I recalled the many occasions over the past 13+ years that I so appreciated the power & performance of my 5.7l Tundra and that one short 20-minute test drive in the V6 was short of stellar for get-up & go.
Lucky for me, I called the sales manager and said, oops, sorry, how about a 5.7l instead. He didn't even blink and started searching for my truck.
I wish I could have been satisfied with the V6 but I knew it wasn't for me. If you're contemplating the V6, you have to be honest with yourself. They're good for some and not the best choice for everyone.
Do you thoroughly enjoy driving in a powerful vehicle and never having that feeling of 'I wish I wouldn't get stuck behind that Sunday driver' or 'that massive & slow-moving transport truck'?
This is only my opinion and preference and I don't believe there's a wrong choice between the 3.6l & 5.7l .