A Look at Notable Updates to the Ram 1500 Over the Past Six Years
March 08 2024 - support@wikimotive.com
Fifty years ago, BTO had a big hit with "Roll on Down the Highway," an ode to pickup trucks like the Ram 1500. Here we are 50 years later, and the song could still be your soundtrack if pickups are your passion. That's because nothing can match rolling down the highway in a Ram 1500. This rugged truck epitomizes what most drivers are looking for in a pickup, whether you plan to use it for work, play, family, or a little of everything.
Over the last six years, Ram has significantly upgraded and changed its flagship full-size truck. This may not have been noticeable to many since the current 2024 Ram 1500 is a continuation of the fifth-generation model introduced for the 2019 model year. Ram has continued to offer the truck with a great choice of engines, trims, and two cab styles, a Crew Cab and a slightly smaller Quad Cab. If you head into a used Ram dealership, you can see how the updates have happened over the years. At Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we proudly offer customers like you an unrivaled selection of new and used Ram 1500 models. We are the place to go for your next Ram 1500 so you can get out on the highway and enjoy a driving experience like never before. Let's look at some of the more recent Ram 1500 model years and what new features have been added.
2019 Ram 1500
2019 ushered in the fifth generation of the Ram 1500, a full-size pickup truck with ruggedness and capability all its own. Ram did a few interesting things for the new generation. First, it discontinued the regular cab style, so drivers no longer had to pay extra for two rows of seats in a Ram 1500. Second, the truck was completely redesigned, making it sleeker with a more aggressive and aerodynamic profile. This included a lighter steel frame that is more durable and improves the truck's fuel efficiency. Finally, it continued to build the fourth generation model under the name Ram 1500 Classic, allowing folks who preferred that design to continue to buy one. There were also a few other major changes that are in tune with presenting a new generation model. For one thing, Ram streamlined the number of trim levels. Gone were the Express, SLT, Harvest, Sport, and Night trims, leaving only the Tradesman, Lone Star, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Rebel trims from the 2018 Ram 1500. Ram also added a new Limited trim that would be a luxurious, top-of-the-line version filled with comfort and convenience features. This was in keeping with the trend of an increasing number of drivers choosing a truck as the family vehicle. When you open the hood of the 2019 Ram 1500, you are going to see one of two engines. The lower trims have an efficient 3.6-liter V6 gas engine with Ram's eTorque mild hybrid system. This boosted the fuel economy of the 2019 model, from 17 MPG in the city to 20 MPG, compared to the 2018 Ram 1500. This engine delivers 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The other engine is a powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is an improvement over the 6-speed automatic transmission on the 2018 model. This engine provides up to 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to tow up to 11,240 lbs. Ram offered an optional eTorque system on this engine, which improves overall fuel economy.2020 Ram 1500
Considering the success of the first model of the fifth generation of the Ram 1500, most automakers would have been content to add a little more chrome for the 2020 model year. This would have been understandable, but this wouldn't have been Ram. Instead, the folks at Ram decided to continue to improve their truck, offering drivers still more options. For example, Ram began offering the truck with updated Night Edition on the Big Horn and Laramie trims, as well as a Rebel Black Appearance Group for off-roaders who didn't think the Rebel was wild enough already. The two most significant updates for 2020 were the addition of an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel Turbo Diesel V6 engine and a new safety group of features on the Rebel. Drivers who chose the Rebel could now get lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel was offered in the 2018 model, which is the last of the fourth generation. However, this did not have the power of the one on the 2020 Ram 1500, which provides up to 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. That constituted a class-leading amount of torque. This also boosted the towing capacity of the Ram 1500 to a very impressive 12,750 lbs.2021 Ram 1500
In keeping with tradition, Ram continued to offer new things with each new year. This was certainly the case with 2021, which saw the introduction of the Ram 1500 TRX. This apex predator set out as the strongest, fastest, and most capable midsize pickup. Equipped with a 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat Supercharged V8, the TRX answers the questions that some may have asked, "What would it look like if I put a Dodge Challenger's engine inside of a Ram 1500 pickup truck?" The result is a beast that delivers 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. This is serious speed and acceleration in an off-road capable truck. Ram also added the HFE trim, a lower-priced Ram 1500 that still provides solid performance, and the Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition, a fun way to celebrate 10 years of luxurious features. Drivers could also choose new technology on the Ram 1500, like forward-collision warning, a digital rearview mirror, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control to make hitching easier on your truck.
2022 Ram 1500
If the 2021 model was the year of the new trims, the 2022 Ram 1500 should be known as the special edition year. Ram started offering ways to make your Ram 1500 stand out in the crowd. Drivers who opted for the Laramie or Rebel could accessorize with the sporty G/T Edition package. For those who love the rugged outdoors, the BackCountry Edition of the Big Horn and Lone Star trim gives your Ram 1500 a real outdoorsy feel with added off-road features. Finally, the Limited 10th Anniversary Edition helps you achieve new heights of elegance, including an exclusive Blue Shade exterior paint job. Not all of the updates were cosmetic. Ram also introduced the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. This allows drivers to connect their smartphones using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, so you can stream music, make hands-free calls and texts, and access your favorite apps. It also provides key vehicle features, including trailering technology. Ram made the Uconnect 5 standard on all models of the Ram 1500 from the Big Horn trim and up.2023 Ram 1500
If you want a Ram 1500 with a diesel engine, the 2023 model was the last opportunity to find one. This is because Ram discontinued offering the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel Turbo Diesel V6 during this model year. Also, unlike prior years, the Ram 1500 with the Turbo Diesel came with four-wheel drive only, with a maximum trailering capability of 9,600 lbs. Ram had offered this engine in prior years on models with rear-wheel drive, which is why the towing capacity went down on this engine. Ram increased the number of available driver assistance technologies on the Ram 1500, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. This is indicative of Ram's commitment to passenger safety. In fact, one thing that ties all of the models together over the last six years is the high safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each year, the NHTSA performs a series of crash tests on most passenger vehicles and awards a score of up to five stars. During each of these years, the Ram 1500 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Not all of the technology was geared to safety. For example, the available multi-function tailgate on the 2023 Ram 1500 makes loading and unloading cargo easier. You can also configure your tailgate to use it as a workspace on the job site. This convenience and utility is a hallmark of the Ram 1500.