2022 Ram 1500 Classic

　　

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Sometimes, good enough is all some people need. This is especially true with work trucks that don't require the newest technology or luxury, and that's where the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic comes in. This basic pickup has been around since 2009 and it has soldiered on through the full redesign of the fifth-generation Ram 1500 in 2019. So why is it still being made? Simple: It sells. Priced thousands less than the current-generation Ram 1500 to start, the Classic holds appeal as a budget-oriented truck that can put in the work.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$186/mo  for 1500 Classic Tradesman

　　1500 Classic Tradesman

　　Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $29,650 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $29,950 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,310 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,510 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,810 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,010 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $39,310 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,810 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,510 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $42,810 MSRPExpress 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $31,150 MSRPExpress 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,010 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,510 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,110 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,010 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,610 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $35,925 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,225 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,400 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,700 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,040 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $43,740 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $44,040 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,540 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $47,240 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $47,540 MSRPWarlock 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,040 MSRPWarlock 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $43,740 MSRPWarlock 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $44,540 MSRPWarlock 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $47,240 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　You won't get all of the latest bells and whistles found in newer trucks, but there's plenty of towing and hauling capability. As a work truck, the Ram 1500 Classic makes a lot of sense. Just know it's not the only choice. A base Ford F-150 is only marginally more expensive and offers more standard and optional features plus a newer design. The Chevrolet Silverado Limited is also priced similarly, but it trails the Ford — and even the 1500 Classic in some ways — in interior quality and ride comfort.

　　

Which 1500 Classic does zzdcar recommend?

More likely than not, you're looking at the Ram 1500 Classic as a more affordable work-truck alternative to the current Ram 1500. If this is the case, we suggest starting with the base Tradesman trim and adding needed options. For those with larger budgets and a desire for more refinement, it makes more sense to step up to the non-Classic Ram 1500.

　　

Ram 1500 Classic models

The 2022 Ram 1500 Classic is available in three trim levels: Tradesman, Express and Warlock. There are three cab configurations (regular cab, crew cab and Quad Cab) and three bed lengths (5 feet 7 inches, 6 feet 4 inches, and 8 feet) available, though certain combinations are limited to specific trims.

　　Each 1500 Classic is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) is optional on all three trims. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.

　　Tradesman

　　The base Tradesman is as basic as trucks get. It doesn't even come with power door locks or windows, but standard features include:

　　17-inch steel wheels 40/20/40-split vinyl bench front seat (cloth is optional) Vinyl floors Class III receiver hitch with integrated trailer wiring Air conditioning 5-inch infotainment touchscreen Six-speaker audio system Two USB ports Express

　　The midlevel trim dresses up the Classic with:

　　Body-colored exterior trim 17-inch alloy wheels Tinted windows Carpeted floors Warlock

　　Going with this top-grade trim gets you:

　　20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels Black trim with Ram logo grille Projector headlights with LED foglights The Warlock trim is also eligible for options that include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry/ignition and a premium Alpine audio system.

　　Other Ram 1500 Classic options for the entire lineup include:

　　Limited-slip differential to help improve traction Various axle gear ratios 32-gallon gas tank Spray-in bedliner RamBox cargo boxes in the bed sides Rear sliding window There are also a few bundled option packages:

　　Electronics Group

　　Wi-Fi hotspot 8.4-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Upgraded instrument panel display Auto-dimming rearview mirror Satellite radioPower and Remote Entry Group

　　Power-adjustable, heated mirrors Remote keyless entry Power windowsTrailer-Tow Group

　　Class IV hitch receiver Extending tow mirrors Integrated trailer brake controller

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