2019 Ram 1500 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

The Ram 1500 is fully redesigned for 2019Reduced weight and increased payload and towing capacityMore rear-seat spaceNew mild hybrid power systemDebuts the fifth Ram 1500 generation

　　The 2019 Ram 1500 is all-new and redesigned but hasn't abandoned its successes, namely a unique coil-spring rear suspension that delivers a smooth ride without sacrificing towing or hauling capability. Perhaps the Ram 1500's greatest feat is serving as a blank canvas to build your truck needs around. From work truck to luxury truck, the Ram 1500 offers a broad skill set.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 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

　　$171/mo  for 1500 Tradesman

　　1500 Tradesman

　　Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $31,795 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $34,595 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $34,895 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $35,295 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $38,095 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $38,395 MSRPHFE 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $34,245 MSRPBig Horn/Lone Star 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $36,040 MSRPBig Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $38,740 MSRPBig Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,040 MSRPBig Horn/Lone Star 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,540 MSRPBig Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,240 MSRPBig Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $42,540 MSRPLaramie 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,940 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $42,640 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $42,940 MSRPLaramie 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,440 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,140 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,440 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $44,240 MSRPRebel 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $44,940 MSRPRebel 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $47,740 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $50,640 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $50,940 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $54,140 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $54,440 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,995 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $53,240 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $56,740 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $57,040 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　For 2019, the Ram 1500 has shed weight. Ram says the new truck is nearly 225 pounds lighter than its predecessor despite adding stronger steel construction to its frame. Maximum payload and towing capacity also increase, while the class-exclusive air suspension receives fine-tuning for improved ride comfort, off-road capability and load-leveling.

　　A mild hybrid engine assist technology called eTorque appears on this new Ram. Not a hybrid technology in the traditional sense of a gas-electric car, eTorque stores electricity in a lithium battery and helps the automatic engine stop-start system work more smoothly. It also provides a bit of extra power in short bursts. For now, the Ram's previously available 3.0-liter diesel V6 isn't offered, but it could show up in the 2020 model.

　　Inside, the Ram delivers new technology highlighted by an optional infotainment system with a massive 12-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports.  (Ironically, a single CD player is optional only on higher trim levels.) The new Ram's predecessor was one of the older designs among American half-ton pickups, but no more. Sharpened new design, additional technology, and increased capability vault the 2019 Ram 1500 back to its place as one of the top achievers in its class.

　　For more detailed information on this year's changes, check out our 2019 Ram 1500 First Look and our 2019 Ram 1500 First Look articles.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Ram 1500 as one of zzdcar' 2019 Ram 1500 First Look, 2019 Ram 1500 First Look, 2019 Ram 1500 First Look, 2019 Ram 1500 First Look and 2019 Ram 1500 First Look for this year.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar purchased a Ram 1500 and drove it for two years and nearly 50,000 miles. To learn more about our experiences, visit the long-term page for our 2019 Ram 1500 First Look. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy. zzdcar considers this our top-rated full-size truck, and although some customers reported quality concerns, ours was largely trouble-free. If you have questions about the Ram 1500, read our test. We've probably answered them.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.6 / 10

　　The 2019 Ram 1500 is fully redesigned but it hasn't abandoned its successes, namely a unique coil-spring rear suspension that delivers a smooth ride without sacrificing towing or hauling capability. From work truck to luxury truck, the Ram 1500 offers a broad skill set.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ram 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab Standard Bed (5.7L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD) and Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab Standard Bed (5.7L V8 | 8-speed automatic | 4WD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.6 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	8.5
Interior	9.0
Utility	9.5
Technology	8.5

　　

Driving

8.5

　　The Hemi V8 engine and eight-speed transmission work so well together that we could recommend this truck on that basis alone. But the Ram takes things a step further with confident steering, handling and braking, too. Ram's decision to walk away from leaf springs continues to pay dividends here.

　　

Acceleration

8.5

　　It's hard to argue with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. It feels strong off the line, and it serves up excellent roll-on acceleration when it's time to merge or make a pass. Our measured 0-60 mph test time was 6.6 seconds with a truck with economical 3.21 axle gearing. This is a no-nonsense truck engine.

　　

Braking

8.5

　　The Ram 1500 has powerful brakes that are easy to regulate smoothly thanks to a firm pedal and dependable consistency. And they're equally adept whether you're poking along in traffic or rushing into corners on a winding road. Our 60 mph panic-stop test took 132 feet, which is as expected for the class.

　　

Steering

8.0

　　It feels well-connected while cruising straight, with modest steering effort that increases predictably in corners to keep the driver in the loop. The ratio is quicker than past years, so there's little need to go hand-over-hand in tight places. Still, it never feels jumpy or darty on the highway.

　　

Handling

9.0

　　The Ram 1500 always feels balanced and coordinated, with nicely controlled body motions. Many pickups feel unsteady when cornering through dips (such as intersections with prominent cross-drainage), but the Ram's coil spring rear suspension and rear stabilizer bar put it in a class of its own.

　　

Drivability

9.5

　　It's hard to imagine it being better than this. The power of the 5.7-liter V8 is easy to manage thanks to a throttle pedal that's neither too jumpy nor too dead. It also helps that there's plenty of torque, and the smart-shifting eight-speed transmission also seems to be in the right gear at the right time.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　The seats are so good that even the cheapest Tradesman with simple four-way controls feels supportive and comfortable. Rear coil springs give it a better ride than any other truck, and this new crew cab is tight and quiet. The new dash design includes nicely positioned vents and easy-to-use climate controls.

　　

Seat comfort

9.0

　　The front seats are nicely shaped to provide comfort and support over long distances, and that even applies to the Tradesman and its basic adjustments. The rear bench is nicely shaped and has an agreeable backrest angle, and in higher trims it reclines a surprising amount. Yes, it has a reclining rear seat!

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　It's smooth and steady on a wide range of surfaces, with body motion that's never allowed to get too buoyant or floaty. Rough road impacts are neatly absorbed with very little kick or shake. The Ram 1500 is probably the least "trucky" full-size pickup we've tested, and ours didn't even have the optional air suspension.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.0

　　Admirably quiet inside, with low levels of wind and road noise — although the low-priced Tradesman isn't as hushed as pricier trims. The Hemi V8 makes some thunder when you lay into it, but it's a sound you don't mind hearing at all. When cruising at a steady speed, it fades into the background.

　　

Climate control

8.5

　　The Tradesman has a system with easy manual controls, and the more full-featured automatic control system further up the range is simple and effective, too. The large vents make it easy to cool the entire cabin, and even a Tradesman with a front bench seat manages to have center vents for the rear passengers.

　　

Interior

9.0

　　The Ram 1500 crew cab's interior is a very pleasing place to spend time. It's attractively and intelligently designed, easy to get in and out of, and easy to see out of. More than anything, it's very spacious, especially in the back seat, which offers class-leading legroom.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　The nicely designed center stack protrudes just enough to put all the controls close at hand without feeling imposing. Buttons and knobs feel good to the touch and operate just as you'd expect. Push-button start and an electric parking brake are standard even on the budget-level Tradesman.

　　

Getting in/getting out

9.0

　　The Ram has wide door openings, and the extra rear legroom means there's tons of foot clearance as you enter the backseat area. All four doors have their own chunky and well-positioned grab handles. Easy-grab door release handles, inside and out. You'll step up to get in, but no more than in any other truck.

　　

Driving position

9.0

　　Every Ram 1500 has a telescoping steering wheel this year. There's a generous amount of tilt-and-telescoping adjustment range, too. The seating position gives you a commanding view of the road yet keep the pedals and controls within easy reach. Adjustable pedals are present in higher trims.

　　

Roominess

9.5

　　Plenty of headroom, legroom and shoulder room in all seating positions. The amount of side glass and the design of the dash help it feel spacious, too. Newly redesigned crew cab offers more rear legroom than anything else in the class by a long ways, and the back seat even reclines in many models.

　　

Visibility

8.0

　　It's easy to see over the hood, which steps down above the headlights to improve the view to the corners. The side glass is ample and the door mirrors are big, too. The rear view is good, but the center mirror is a bit skinny and the new Ram's tailgate is taller than before. A backup camera is standard, though.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　Interior materials and the switchgear on the Laramie and Limited are quite impressive. This is the best truck interior we've ever come across. The low-cost Tradesman is more utilitarian, but that's in line with its much lower price. Panel gaps are tight and consistent no matter which version we examine.

　　

Utility

9.5

　　The Ram 1500's chassis has been upgraded to permit higher payload and tow ratings than ever before, and the optional RamBox remains unique in the segment. The redesigned crew cab has abundant storage and its much-improved rear-seat folding mechanism reveals a broad, flat load floor.

　　

Small-item storage

10.0

　　The Ram offers dual gloveboxes and huge front and rear door pockets, as well as large sub-floor bins under the feet of the outside rear passengers. The center of the bench seat folds down to reveal a good-size bin, and the center console box between bucket-equipped trucks is by far the biggest and most configurable we've ever seen.

　　

Cargo space

10.0

　　The back half of this huge crew cab is very well-suited to carrying cargo. The rear seat bottoms lift and fold straight up, revealing a floor that is completely flat and free of obstructions. The fold-up rear seat bottom is one piece in budget trims and split into 60/40 segments in more expensive ones.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

9.5

　　Huge crew cab with the most rear legroom in the truck class means that even the bulkiest rear-facing car seats fit with ease, with no need for front occupants to compromise their seating position. LATCH anchors are easy to access in the outer positions, as are the three tethers across the top.

　　

Towing

8.5

　　Tow ratings for the V8 crew cab are about 11,200 pounds (4x4) and 11,500 (4x2) pounds with the 3.92 axle option. Other options include a zoomable backup camera for easy hitching, a blind-spot system that adjusts for trailer length, excellent flip-up tow mirrors and an integrated trailer brake controller.

　　

Hauling

9.0

　　Payloads are up and are now very competitive. Cargo lighting is standard, movable tie-down rails are optional, and Ram is the only one that offers anything like the RamBox: a pair of large power-locking outside storage bins (now with 110-volt power inside), movable cleats and a movable cargo fence.

　　

Technology

8.5

　　Ram has leapt ahead of the pack, and not just because of the eye-catching 12-inch touchscreen. The 8.4-inch touchscreen is impressive and widely available across the line, with better smartphone integration than many high-end luxury vehicles. Crash avoidance tech exists but is strictly optional.

　　

Audio & navigation

9.5

　　Wow, that 12-inch screen and its sharp graphics and huge map display are amazing. It's optional, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect system that most will get still has impressive controls, graphics and sound. The standard 5-inch touchscreen audio in Tradesman lacks navigation but is capable and easy to use.

　　

Smartphone integration

9.5

　　Multiple USB and USB-C inputs (front, rear and inside the console) feed into the 8.4- and 12-inch touchscreens. Both systems have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention Bluetooth streaming audio. The basic 5-inch system still has Bluetooth and dual USB inputs. All are easy to pair to and use.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert systems are available on most trim levels, but parking-assist sensors and forward collision and lane departure mitigation systems are only available on the Laramie and above. None of these aids is standard on any trim level, which is odd.

　　

Voice control

8.5

　　The voice control system recognizes most names with few errors, and the activation buttons are easy to find on the steering wheel spokes. That button will go straight through to Siri if you have your phone connected, and that's even true if your Ram has the basic 5-inch touchscreen audio system.

　　

Which 1500 does zzdcar recommend?

　　Today's pickups are chameleons, capable of being everything from economy workhorses to luxury rides with tremendous cargo capability. The 2019 Ram 1500 offers broad options, and if we were getting one for work-and-play double duty, we'd go with the Big Horn with a handful of options — with one exception. If our "play" regularly included dirt roads, the Rebel would be the only sensible choice.

　　

2019 Ram 1500 models

　　The 2019 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup available in a handful of body style, bed length and powertrain configurations. Most Ram 1500s come standard as a Quad Cab that can seat up to six passengers. The optional Crew Cab increases rear-seat legroom and offers full-size rear doors (Quab Cabs feature three-quarter-size rear doors). Quad Cabs have a standard bed size (6 feet 4 inches), while most Ram 1500 Crew Cabs offer either the standard bed or a short bed (5 feet 7 inches).

　　The Ram 1500 offers seven trim levels: Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited.

　　Standard on all trims is a 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque). Optional on all but the HFE is a 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft). Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a 3.21 axle ratio, and rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is available on all but the HFE. Lower axle ratios (3.55 and 3.92) are also available on most models.

　　The workhorse of the lineup, the Tradesman makes minimal concessions to luxury with 18-inch steel wheels, vinyl flooring and upholstery, and the Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen display.

　　But it's not totally devoid of conveniences or creature comforts. Standard features include automatic headlights, a locking tailgate, a Class III hitch receiver, trailer sway control, heated side mirrors, push-button ignition, cruise control, a 40/20/40-split folding bench seat, air conditioning, a rearview camera, rear-seat USB charge ports, Bluetooth, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system with dual USB inputs and an auxiliary audio jack.

　　The Tradesman can be upgraded with options that include a Class IV hitch receiver, trailer brake control, an electronic locking rear differential, towing mirrors, chrome exterior trim, a spray-in bedliner, cloth upholstery, a folding rear seat, satellite radio and a CD player.

　　The HFE is equipped like the Tradesman but offers increased fuel efficiency from its V6 engine. It's available only with rear-wheel drive. Ram had not yet revealed details on this specific trim level at the time of our review.

　　The Big Horn (called the Lone Star in Texas) adds more features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, tinted windows, floor carpet, cloth upholstery, and a 60/40-split folding rear bench seat, but far more options are available for the Big Horn than the Tradesman. They include 20-inch wheels, an air suspension, LED headlights and taillights, side steps, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control, and Uconnect infotainment with the 8.4-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. Off-road underbody protection, larger fuel tanks and bed utilities are also available.

　　The Rebel is geared more toward off-roading and comes standard with specialized off-road tires, front tow hooks, skid plates, fortified shocks and suspension, an electronic-locking rear axle, a 3.92 axle ratio, and hill descent control. It also builds on the Big Horn's features with a Class IV hitch receiver, LED headlights and foglights, a 115-volt power outlet, a power-adjustable driver seat, front bucket seats, a larger driver information display and satellite radio.

　　The Ram 1500 moves into luxury territory at the Laramie trim level, which adds to many of the optional features listed above with front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, power-adjustable 40/20/40-split bench front seats, heated and ventilated front outboard seats, driver-seat position memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry.

　　Other upgrades include dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 115-volt rear seat outlet, two rear seat USB inputs (one is charge-only), the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and emergency notification,

　　Moving deeper into creature comforts, the Longhorn adds 20-inch wheels, a spray-in bedliner, chrome side steps, power tailgate release, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, front bucket seats with upgraded leather upholstery, heated and ventilated reclining rear seats, a leather-wrapped wood steering wheel, a navigation system, and, yes, a CD player.

　　Note that the Longhorn comes with a short bed, but the longer bed is optional. The Longhorn can also be ordered without the spray-in bedliner.

　　The Limited trim caps off the amenities with a standard adjustable air suspension, chrome exterior trim, power-retractable side steps, premium-leather bucket seats, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

　　Many of a specific trim level's standard features are optional on the trim level below it. There are also several cosmetic appearance packages available, ranging from chrome to blacked-out grilles, exhaust tips and other accents. Options for all models include various bed utilities (adjustable tie-downs, bed lighting and RamBox bed storage), and components for off-roading, towing and trailering. More select options, like 22-inch wheels, are reserved for higher trims such as the Laramie and the Limited.

　　Optional advanced safety features (reserved for Laramie, Longhorn and Limited trim levels) include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, a surround-view camera system and a self-parking system. An optional Uconnect package with a large 12-inch touchscreen is also exclusive to those trims.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 1500 articles

　　

2019 1500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabQuad CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanBig Horn/Lone StarLaramieRebelLonghornLimitedTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$34,595
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	11,440 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles