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1955 Ford Crown Victoria2019 RAM 1500 Review
The 2019 Ram 1500 kicks off generation five of this long-running nameplate and is looking seriously competitive with a ground-up redesign.
2019 Ram 1500 – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2019 Ram 1500 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New with the 2019 Ram 1500?
A ground up redesign, the 2019 Ram 1500 ushers in generation five of Chrysler’s light duty pickup. Sleeker design, lower weight, longer cabs and overhauled handling combine with the latest tech to produce a strong competitor in the pickup truck wars. Mild hybridization has been added to the powertrain while fully independent suspension makes for a better ride. Inside, a range of trims offer everything from jobsite basics to leather-swaddled luxury along with large touchscreen displays and a 10 square foot moonroof.
The Breakdown
New look blends strong stance with sleek, modern lines
Air suspension offers ride comfort unrivaled in the segment
Huge, 12” Uconnect infotainment touchscreen
Up to 12,750 pounds of towing capability
Top two trims are pricey, starting above $50,000
The new Ram 1500 is ready to shake up the competition
2019 Ram 1500 Specs
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- 305 horsepower from base engine
- 269 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- Three-dimensional navigation graphics
- Rearview mirror integrated 911 button
- Five years of roadside assistance
- Surround view camera helps with spotting
2019 Ram 1500 Powertrain
Ram makes its money on the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which features cylinder deactivation capable of shutting down four cylinders to improve efficiency. Making 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, it also uses the new eTorque system that combines a belt-driven generator and battery pack to provide short-term torque assist of up to 130 lb-ft in this application.
The standard Pentastar, 3.6-liter V6 is no slouch with 305 horses and 269 torques plus eTorque capability. All 2019 Ram 1500s have four-corner independent suspension, which is a dramatic shift from the traditional pickup approach of rear leaf springs. The optional air-suspension serves to further improve ride and handling characteristics.
2019 Ram 1500 Fuel Economy & MPG
A host of fuel efficiency measures are in play on the 2019 Ram 1500 like active front grille shutters that close when cooling requirements are low, to improve aerodynamics. Air-suspension equipped Rams will lower the truck 0.6” at speed, in concert with an active front air dam to further reduce drag. Even the roof has been designed to create a Venturi effect for directing airflow to the rear spoiler. Along with other systems, this nets an EPA city/highway estimate of 20/25 mpg for the V6 power plant. The HEMI achieves 15 and 22 mpg, respectively.
Towing & Payload
To hit the highest towing capability of 12,750 pounds, you’ll need the big V8 and Max Towing package, which features a unique differential and gear set. However, all 2019 Rams have loads of hauling capability like the fender-integrated RamBox that now has 115V power outlets. Loading the bed is made easier with the air-suspension leveling feature, which can be controlled via the key fob. The same is true for the available power-operated tailgate. A lockable, tri-fold tonneau cover keeps 54 cubic feet of your things secure in the short bed configuration. The 6’ 4” box will swallow just shy of 62 cubes.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
No matter the trim, active powertrain noise cancellation, acoustic glass and frame-mounted active tuned-mass modules make for a quiet cabin. If you’re going to be toting around long-legged folk, check out the Quad cab, with its nearly 10” of additional legroom over the Crew cab setup. The center console is a regular Swiss Army knife of configurability and can swallow a 15” laptop while the rear seats can fold up to reveal a flat load floor and a pair of RamBins, which allow for covered, in-floor storage.
Entertainment & Technology
The 12” touchscreen display gets all the headlines thanks to its massive size and integration with Apple and Android software. A Wi-Fi hotspot, up to five USB ports and an array of household style outlets keep everyone connected. Audio fiends will delight in the Harman-Kardon stereo, which somehow crams nineteen speakers into the cabin joined by a 10” subwoofer. Optional 3D navigation graphics, a Qi wireless charging pad and a 360° exterior camera view collectively serve to push the 2019 Ram 1500 further upmarket.
Safety Features
Depending on configuration, driver-assistance aids like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and trailer sway damping control are available. Adaptive front, LED headlights can direct the illumination around bends and ParkSense will handle steering input during parking maneuvers while the driver manages throttle, brakes and gear. All 2019 Rams feature six airbags covering front, side and head-curtains in both rows of seating.
2019 Ram 1500 Trims & Pricing
Tradesman – $34,795
As the name suggests, Tradesman trim targets buyers who will be using their truck for daily job needs. While not stripped to the bare minimum, you won’t find leather here. Hardwearing vinyl covers the surfaces and HVAC controls are of the manual variety. The Pentastar V6 is standard with the HEMI V8 a $2300 option, which is the case across most of the Ram lineup. The same goes for 4-wheel-drive which adds $3500 to the standard 2-wheel, rear drive configuration.
Bighorn – $38,695
Bighorn Rams pick up chrome exterior trim and 18” alloy rims plus heated side mirrors and fog lamps. Previous-gen Uconnect 3 infotainment software is handled via a 5” display screen. Cloth upholsters the seating while the floors add carpets and the steering wheel receives a leather wrap. Like the Tradesman, a backup camera and Class III towing equipment is standard.
Laramie – $43,390
Luxury starts to pile on Laramie trim in the form of heated and ventilated, leather front seats with power adjustability and memory. An Alpine 10-speaker audio system and the new, Uconnect 4 system improve the entertainment and are controlled with an 8.4” touchscreen. The trailer hitch and sway control upgrade to Class IV capability and a pair of 120V outlets are included.
Rebel – $43,995
Though you can option the 4×4 Offroad package on most trims, if you plan to be off the beaten path regularly, check out the Ram Rebel. A 1” suspension lift features Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs to keep the components cool. 18” rims are mounted in 33” off-road tires and an electronically controlled locking rear differential helps with traction. Unique black trim with red accents sets off the Rebel as does the sport performance hood and powder coated bumpers.
Longhorn – $51,390
Longhorn models stand on 20” rims and feature LED exterior lamps with adaptive tech up front. The tailgate is power operated and can be controlled with the key fob, the better to access the spray-in bed liner. Navigation is included along with the SiriusXM Guardian Connected services, which offers a Wi-Fi hotspot amongst other functionality.
Limited – $53,890
At the top of the trim chart, Ram Limited picks up the 12” display screen, premium leather surfaces and the 5.7-liter V8 motor. The trick air-suspension is also standard here as are rain-sensing wipers, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection. Exterior identifiers include 20” wheels with painted inserts, power running boards and a unique chrome grille surround.
Warranties
There is no complimentary maintenance with a 2019 Ram but the basic limited warranty is good for 3 years or 36,000 miles and can be transferred. Powertrain coverage lasts 5 years or 60,000 miles and includes towing to the nearest Ram dealer. Any corrosion in the first 5 years, with unlimited mileage, is repaired under warranty and roadside assistance is included for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
What we think
2019 Ram 1500 – media.stellantisnorthamerica.com | Shop 2019 Ram 1500 on Carsforsale.com
The pickup truck segment is very competitive with a never-ending game of one-upmanship between manufacturers. The 2019 Ram 1500 has done something of a ten-upmanship with its powertrain hybridization, class-exclusive handling abilities and next-level tech. It should be on the list of any would-be pickup truck buyer.
