2023 Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab

　　

2023 Ram 1500 Classic Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　Five years ago, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 debuted to critical acclaim. And yet, half a decade later, you can still buy a brand-new example of the fourth-generation Ram 1500. It's called the Ram 1500 Classic, and it's supposed to offer cash-strapped full-size truck buyers a value-oriented alternative to the newer, safer and far more sophisticated fifth-gen Ram 1500. But does it? Nope.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (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 LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $30,695 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,055 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $37,855 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,755 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $40,055 MSRPTradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,855 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $43,555 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $43,855 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $36,970 MSRPSLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,745 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,785 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,485 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $44,785 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $45,585 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $48,285 MSRPSLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $48,585 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,670 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,270 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,170 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB w/Prod. End 04/23 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,770 MSRPExpress 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $46,150 MSRPExpress 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A) - $48,750 MSRPWarlock 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,785 MSRPWarlock 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,485 MSRPWarlock 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $45,585 MSRPWarlock 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $48,285 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　If you want a regular-cab Ram 1500, the Classic is the only game in town. Plus, its base price is thousands of dollars less than the cheapest fifth-gen Ram 1500. However, as soon as you upgrade to a Tradesman Quad Cab, the price difference between the old and new Rams shrinks to a few hundred bucks. Trust us when we tell you that you want to skip the Classic for the new Ram.

　　The Tradesman is one of two Ram 1500 Classic trim levels. The other one is called the Warlock, and it's dressed up with blacked-out trim and bigger wheels. The equivalent in a fifth-gen Ram 1500 would be a Tradesman equipped with the Night Edition package, and to get that, you'll spend less than you would on the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock.

　　So unless you're buying the regular cab, forget about the Ram 1500 Classic. It's an overpriced antique that Ram has kept in its lineup well beyond its expiration date.

　　

Which 1500 Classic does zzdcar recommend?

If you're going to buy this outdated truck, we recommend the regular-cab Tradesman. It's one of the cheapest ways to get a new full-size light-duty truck, and you can dress it up without spending much money. Otherwise, you should upgrade to a fifth-generation Ram 1500 or switch to a different brand.

　　

Ram 1500 Classic models

The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is available in Tradesman and Warlock trim levels. You choose from three cab configurations (regular cab, Quad Cab and crew cab) and three bed lengths (5 feet 7 inches, 6 feet 4 inches, and 8 feet), but availability depends on the cab style. A 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft) pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels. A 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) is optional, and you can upgrade to four-wheel drive at an extra cost.

　　Tradesman

　　The Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman is as basic as trucks get. Still, the following features are standard:

　　17-inch steel wheels Locking tailgate Manually adjustable side mirrors Manual door locks Manual windows Tilt steering wheel Vinyl floors 40/20/40-split vinyl bench front seat Class III bumper hitch with integrated trailer wiring Air conditioning with N95 air filtration 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system Bluetooth connectivity Six-speaker audio system Two USB ports Cruise control You can upgrade the Tradesman with the SXT package. It adds:

　　20-inch aluminum wheels Chrome bumpers and grille Foglights Carpeted floor covering Cloth seats Satellite radioA Power and Remote Entry Group is also available for the Tradesman and offers:

　　Heated, power-adjustable exterior mirrors Power door locks with remote keyless entry Power windowsWarlock

　　This version of the Ram 1500 Classic comes only in Quad Cab and crew-cab styles. It builds on Tradesman trim with:

　　20-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels Black powder-coated bumpers Black Ram logo grille Black exterior trim and badges Projector headlights LED foglights Sport taillights Rear parking sensors Heated, power-adjustable exterior mirrors Remote keyless entry Power door locks Power windows Upgraded interior trim Carpeted floors Front bucket seats with center console Cloth upholstery Satellite radio Option packages for the Warlock include:

　　All-Terrain package 17-inch matte black aluminum wheels All-terrain tires Rubber floor mats Luxury Group Upgraded exterior lighting LED cargo bed lighting Power-folding exterior mirrors Upgraded instrument panel display Auto-dimming rearview mirror You can also add the following exclusive items to the Warlock:

　　Sport Performance hood design Power trailer tow mirrors Remote engine start Hands-free keyless entry Power sunroof Premium cloth upholstery Heated front seats Heated steering wheel Alpine premium sound system with nine speakersUpgrades for any Ram 1500 Classic include:

　　Limited-slip differential to help improve traction Various axle ratios Class IV receiver tow hitch Trailer brake controller 32-gallon fuel tank (Quad Cab and crew cab) Full-size spare tire Spray-in bedliner Bed tonneau cover Rear sliding window Ram also offers an Electronics Group for each version of the 1500 Classic. It installs:

　　Dual-zone automatic climate control 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connected services with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot Satellite radio Upgraded instrument panel display Auto-dimming rearview mirror

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