2019 Ram 1500 Classic Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　

What's new

The Classic is a continuation of the previous Ram 1500 being sold alongside the redesigned 2019 Ram 1500Reduced trim availability compared to last yearNew Warlock appearance packageDiesel engine returnsPart of the fourth Ram 1500 generation introduced for 2009

　　A fully redesigned 2019 Ram 1500 is out, but the previous-generation truck is so good that even Ram can't let it go. As such, the company is keeping it going for one more year and calling it the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$184/mo  for 1500 Classic Tradesman

　　1500 Classic Tradesman

　　Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $27,645 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $27,645 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,545 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,245 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,245 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $34,145 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $34,845 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,045 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,845 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $38,445 MSRPExpress 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $29,145 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $33,745 MSRPExpress 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $33,745 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,245 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $37,245 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,945 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,845 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $32,145 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,595 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,345 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,645 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,245 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,295 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $40,245 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,845 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $43,845 MSRPWarlock 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,595 MSRPWarlock 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,245 MSRPWarlock 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,295 MSRPWarlock 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,845 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $38,245 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $40,895 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $40,945 MSRPLone Star 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $41,945 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $44,495 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $44,545 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $40,245 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $42,895 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $42,945 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $43,945 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $46,495 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $46,545 MSRPLone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $41,795 MSRPLone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $41,845 MSRPLone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $45,395 MSRPLone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $45,445 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $45,200 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $45,500 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $48,900 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $49,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　The Classic is a stripped-down version of the previous-generation truck, with fewer available trim levels. Certainly, the redesigned truck is better. It has greater towing capacities, a stronger frame, and a revamped interior with new technology features. But if you like the old model, or if you want a relatively inexpensive truck that still competes with the newest rivals, this one could do just fine.

　　The 1500 Classic has limited engine availability. Just the standard 3.6-liter V6 and the 5.7-liter V8 are offered. But it has a big, comfortable interior and a great ride quality on the highway. There is a decent collection of features available, including the user-friendly 8.4-inch Uconnect system and heated front seats.

　　While the new Ram is a superior truck, the 2019 1500 Classic still has some significant appeal. Lower prices and a basic, no-frills attitude will certainly make this Ram a solid pick for some truck shoppers.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Driving

　　Strong driving dynamics make the Ram 1500 Classic one of the best-to-drive vehicles on the road, even in the face of all the recently redesigned full-size rigs. Even as a rehashed version of last year's model, it has excellent steering and handling.

　　

Comfort

　　The Ram's ride quality is impressively smooth for a full-size truck. We also like the cabin, which stays admirably quiet compared to other pickups.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The seats are supportive and well-shaped; you'll stay comfortable, even after extended periods. That statement applies equally to the crew cab's rear seats.

　　

Ride comfort

　　It's smooth and steady on a wide range of surfaces, with body motions that aren't too buoyant or floaty. Rough road impacts are neatly absorbed with very little kick or shake.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　Road and wind noise levels are minimal. The engine does emit a bit of noise when accelerating, but it quiets down when cruising at steady speeds.

　　

Climate control

　　The Ram 1500 is available with dual-zone automatic climate control. And it is easy to use, with the temperature information requiring just a glance at the screen.

　　

Interior

　　You get excellent ergonomics and front cabin airiness with the 1500 Classic. The crew cab provides excellent rear-seat space, more than enough for full-grown adults to settle in for long trips.

　　

Ease of use

　　The air conditioning and touchscreen radio controls are as good as any, and the driving position is comfy. The steering wheel buttons are small, but they call up an amazing array of data.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The front-seat access is good, partially thanks to handy grab handles on the front roof pillars. The wide-opening rear doors offer similar handles.

　　

Roominess

　　The front cabin is open, and the styling makes the dash feel airy, not monolithic. The crew cab's rear seat offers no-compromise full-size accommodations. Everyone on board is a winner.

　　

Visibility

　　Visibility out the front and to the sides is quite good. The large mirrors help. The crew cab's longer rear windows aid blind-spot visibility.

　　

Quality

　　Exterior gaps and paint quality are good. Inside, solid materials and design choices give off a premium vibe. The quietness suggests there's no scrimping in unseen places.

　　

Utility

　　Depending on trim level and equipment, the Ram 1500 Classic has a maximum towing capacity of 10,710 pounds. That's very robust, but it doesn't quite match the capacity of more recently redesigned competitors. In the cabin, there are generously sized storage pockets in all four doors. The rear seat bottoms fold up to reveal a flat surface.

　　

Technology

　　Ram's standard audio system doesn't support much in terms of smartphone connectivity, but opt for the 8.4-inch system and you get complete integration with Android and Apple smartphones.

　　

Which 1500 Classic does zzdcar recommend?

　　For a work truck, the Tradesman or Express will certainly work. Otherwise, we recommend the Big Horn (also called the Lone Star in Texas). It offers the most equipment and has some modern touches such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, parking sensors and dual-zone automatic climate control.

　　

2019 Ram 1500 Classic models

　　The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is basically a renamed and stripped-down 2018 Ram 1500. It's the same full-size pickup that was available in the previous model year, but with fewer high-end features available.

　　The regular cab (two doors) can seat three and is available with either a standard bed (6 feet 4 inches) or an extended bed (8 feet). The Quad Cab (four doors) can seat six and comes only with the standard bed. The crew cab (also four doors but with bigger rear doors) increases rear legroom and is available with either a short bed (5 feet 7 inches) or the standard bed.

　　There are only six trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Warlock, SLT,Big Horn/Lone Star and Laramie. Most trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft), with an option for the 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft). A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine (240 hp, 420 lb-ft) is optional on some models and standard on the top-trim Laramie. All engines are paired with an eight-speed transmission and can be had in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

　　The Tradesman is the workhorse of the lineup, with minimal luxury accoutrements and amenities. Just about all of its exterior parts that aren't metal are black, but it does come with 17-inch steel wheels, a Class IV hitch receiver, a spray-in bedliner, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system, two USB ports, a rearview camera, and cruise control.

　　Like the Tradesman, the Express is also a worker's truck. But it removes the hitch and bedliner (they are offered as options) and adds body-colored exterior trim, carpeting and 20-inch wheels. The Warlock adds a bit more flare and function, with equipment such as heavy-duty rear shock absorbers, tow hooks, LED foglights, rear parking sensors, special badges, and blacked-out exterior elements including emblems and headlight bezels. On top of the Express equipment, the SLT gets the bedliner back and offers more standard equipment such as alloy wheels and a 5-inch touchscreen display.

　　At the top of the Ram 1500 Classic lineup is the previously midlevel Big Horn (called Lone Star in Texas). It adds features such as a 115-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, front and rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Upgraded cloth seating with a power-adjustable driver's seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel round things out.

　　The range-topping Laramie is powered exclusively by the diesel engine. Added features include 20-inch chrome wheels, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, an upgraded driver information screen, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats.

　　Despite the Ram 1500 Classic's bare-bones throwback nature, it does still have some optional extras. Available items include foglights, exterior side steps, bucket seats, adjustable cargo tie-downs, LED interior and bed lighting, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a 10-speaker audio system.

　　

2019 1500 Classic Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabQuad CabDieselQuad Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanExpressSLT FleetWarlockLone StarBig HornTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$31,545
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	10,340 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles