The Dodge Ram 1500 is one of the longest-standing members of the half-ton truck segment and one of the 'big three', including the Ford F-150, and the Chevrolet Silverado. Even though many consider the Silverado the F-150’s main rival, the Ram 1500 has endured, and firmly inserted itself into America’s full-size pickup truck culture, recently topping the Silverado in sales.
Similar to other trucks that have been around for a long time, the Ram 1500 has gone through several variations and name changes before evolving into the truck we know today. Dodge made pickup trucks for years before the Ram moniker came into existence, but its success has made it one of the most recognizable names in the automotive industry.
2019 - Present Dodge Ram 1500 (5th Generation)
The Ram 1500 underwent another generational change and a complete redesign for the 2019 model year. It also lost almost 225 lbs by utilizing new sheet metal technology to lighten and strengthen the Ram line.
Despite its redesign, the fourth-generation Ram 1500 was still produced under the Ram 1500 Classic name with either the 3.6-liter V6 or the 5.7-liter V8 engine. It continued to be offered for the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, with its trim levels slimmed down to the base Tradesman, mid-level Express, and top-of-the-line Warlock by 2020.
The Ram 1500 Classic received only a few minor upgrades for the 2021 and 2022 model years, followed by the elimination of the RamBox cargo bed, the deletion of the regular cab-short bed configuration, and the discontinuation of the Express trim for the 2023 model year. New versions were still available at the time of writing.
The 2021 model year catapulted the fifth-generation Ram 1500 to first place in light-duty full-size pickup trucks. It scores extremely well on interior comfort and arguably has the best cabin and ride quality of all half-ton pickups.
The base manual transmission was dropped for this generation. Extended and quad-cab (four full doors) variants were available with either the 5.7-foot or 6.4-foot truck bed.
Styling was again updated to include smoother lines with better airflow, though the Ram truck lineage was unmistakable.
Fifth-generation Ram 1500s were offered with either a 3.6-liter V6 engine or a 5.7-liter V8, and both had a mild-hybrid eTorque system and came with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Both two and four-wheel-drive (4WD) variants were offered.
The new Ram 1500s were also equipped with top-of-the-line technology and safety features, such as cylinder deactivation technology, heated side mirrors, push-button start, electronic parking brake, and a rearview camera.
Optional features include adaptive cruise control, a class-leading 12-inch infotainment screen, hill-descent control, and heated seats.
The 2021 North American International Auto Show debuted the all-new Ram 1500 TRX. The TRX was Ram's response to the Ford F-150 Raptor, the Chevy Silverado 1500 Trail Boss, and the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4. All of these trucks are heavy-duty off-road-focused variants of each company’s base version.
The Ram TRX was only offered in the crew cab configuration with a towing capacity of 8,100 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,404 lbs. The TRX was outfitted with a supercharged premium V-8 Hemi engine producing 702 horsepower. The muscular body features wider fenders to accommodate suspension travel.
A few special package options were added to the lineup in 2022 and 2023, including the G/T package that paired with the Laramie and Rebel, an off-road-focused BackCountry Edition paired with the Big Horn and Lone Star trims, and a 10th Anniversary Edition paired with the Limited Trim for 2022.
An Emergency Medical Services trim was added to the lineup for 2023.
The RAM 1500 received a significant refresh for 2025. Not only was its exterior styling tweaked, but the previous Hemi V8 engine was replaced by a twin-turbo inline-six engine, producing 420 or 540 horsepower. The TRX model was dropped from the lineup for 2025.
Additionally, a top-of-the-line Tungsten trim level was added, along with a Ramcharger PHEV (plug-in hybrid), and a RAM 1500 REV EV, bringing electrification to the range for the first time.
New trim levels included the base Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten. The Tungsten trim features luxury upgrades such as 24-way power-operated front seats, 22-inch wheels, and a Klipsch Reference Premier Audio System to separate itself from the rest of the lineup.
The standard 305-horsepower V6 engine with a mild hybrid system remained within the RAM lineup, but a 420-horsepower Hurricane inline-six engine or a high-output, 540-horsepower version of the same engine were both available as upgrades. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Along with the new engines and revised looks, the RAM 1500 was offered with a 12.0-inch touchscreen as standard and an optional 14.5-inch touchscreen.
The Ramcharger PHEV was due to be added to the lineup later in the 2025 model year, offering 663 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of a V6 engine and two electric motors. This setup uses the gas engine to generate electricity to power the electric drivetrain and charge the 70.8 kW battery. There is no mechanical connection from the motor to the drive wheels.
It will feature all-wheel drive, an estimated 145 miles of range on battery power only, and three trim levels: Tradesman, Limited, and Tungsten. It is also estimated to have a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, a payload of over 2,600 pounds, and a total driving range of 690 miles using both gas and electric power.
The RAM 1500 REV, also due later in 2025, will feature a fully electric powertrain. Similar to the Ramcharger, the 1500 REV will feature all-wheel drive as standard. A 168-kWh battery pack will be the sole source of power and provide up to 350 miles of range. A larger 229-kWh battery pack will be available and provide up to 500 miles of range.
Each buyer will benefit from at least 654 horsepower, 620 lb-ft of torque, and 14,000 pounds of towing capability.
It will also come in a full lineup of trim levels, including the Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Longhorn, Limited, and Tungsten.
The REV will include a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch passenger touchscreen, a 12.3-inch interactive Driver Information Digital Cluster Display, a smart charging port, multipurpose charging capability, a 15 cubic-inch frunk (a trunk under the bonnet), and wireless smartphone connectivity.
2009 - 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 (4th Generation)
The fourth-generation Ram 1500 was initially called the Dodge Ram when it was launched 2009. It then underwent a significant redesign for the next model year and, though still under one parent company, Dodge and Ram became separate brands in 2010. Ram became the truck brand for its parent company, Chrysler Group, while Dodge focused on sedans, minivans, and SUVs.
Nomenclature aside, this Ram 1500 was built on an entirely new platform. The ST, SLT, TRX4, Sport, and Laramie trims are carried over from the previous generation. The base model Ram was built in Mexico, while all other models were still made in the USA in Michigan.
Two and four-wheel drive options continued to be offered with either a single-cab or quad-cab layout.
A short 5.7-foot, 6.25-foot, or long eight-foot bed layout was offered depending on the selected cab option.
Engine options included a 3.7-liter V6 producing 215 horsepower, a 4.7-liter V8 producing 310 horsepower, or a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing 390 horsepower.
For 2013, the 3.7-liter V6 was replaced by Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and the Hemi V8 saw increased performance to 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
The 4.7-liter V8 was discontinued in 2014, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel was added as an option until 2017.
A four-speed automatic transmission, a five-speed automatic transmission, or a six-speed manual transmission were available based on engine choice.
Ride comfort was prioritized for the fourth generation, when Fiat purchased Chrysler and focused their efforts on making a Ram pickup with features such as heated rear seats, power-adjustable floor pedals, and a rearview camera. The interior was also redesigned to be more stylish and comfortable than in previous generations.
Ram made some mid-cycle changes for 2013. They included slight exterior restyling, optional air suspension, an updated interior, an updated U Connect infotainment system, a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the addition of the high-efficiency HFE model. This was also the generation that experienced an alternator recall in all Ram 3500s.
The Ram 1500 Rebel, first available in 2016, debuted with a rough-and-tumble body style for more focused off-roading. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 made a return for 2018, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE hotspot were options.
2002 - 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 (3rd Generation)
The third-generation Dodge Ram 1500 did not seem a drastic departure from the previous generation, but its styling was a little fresher, while heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 models were available.
There were significant changes to the Dodge Ram pickup's underpinnings and interior, including an all-new frame, suspension, and engines. This Ram also added optional side curtain airbags, the first full-size truck to offer such a feature.
Two- and four-wheel drive remained available, while independent suspension replaced the live axle in four-wheel drive examples. The extended cab was updated to a true four-door quad cab, but the single cab was still available.
A 6.25-foot truck bed and an eight-foot bed were added for four-door quad-cab models, while single-cab models were only available with the shorter bed option.
The 3.7-liter V6 engine was carried over from the previous generation but now produced 215 horsepower.
A 4.7-liter V8 replaced the 5.2-liter V8 and produced 235 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The longstanding 5.9-liter magnum V8, available since the second generation was available for only the 2002 model year when it was replaced with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that produced 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission choices included a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.
A refresh for the 2006 model year included a slight revision of the front fascia and the addition of the 'mega-cab', a larger version of the quad-cab layout that featured 22 additional inches of space, and the 6.25-foot truck bed. Further updates included the addition of technology features such as navigation, Sirius satellite radio, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Several special edition Rams were available at various times during the third generation and included the Power Wagon, Daytona, and SRT-10, a well-loved version of the Ram 1500 that used the 8.4-liter Dodge Viper engine. Production for this hot rod model ended in 2006, but it held the world record for the fastest production truck for two years.
1994 - 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 (2nd Generation)
The second-generation Ram was when Dodge officially added the ‘1500’ designation and is perhaps considered the most recognizable of the Dodge Ram variants. Designers modeled its look on a big rig semi-truck to make it look tougher. As a result, the Ram 1500 won the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award and became a huge success for the public. It was a big change across the board from the previous generation of Dodge trucks.
Dodge updated its engines in 1992 and 1993 – just before the release of the second-generation model – and they carried over into the 1994 model year.
Now offered with multi-port fuel injection, upgraded intakes and manifolds, the 3.9-liter V6 produced 175 horsepower, the 5.2-liter V8 produced 230 horsepower, and the 5.9-liter V8 produced 230 horsepower, all noticeable increases from the previous fuel-injected versions.
A new 8.0-liter V10 engine and the Cummins turbodiesel were all moved from the 1500 lineup to the larger 2500 and 3500 Ram models for the second generation. The three-speed automatic transmission was dropped, leaving the choice of a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
Two- and four-wheel drive remained available, along with the choice of a eight-foot bed or a 6.5-foot truck bed.
Trim levels included the Work Special, LT, ST, and SLT, with the Work Special being extremely minimal and better suited for fleet needs. The top-of-the-line SLT received a more car-like and comfortable interior with features such as power windows, power locks, AM/FM stereo with a cassette player, and air conditioning.
A mid-cycle refresh for 1998 included slight exterior cosmetic updates, dual airbags, OBD II, and the addition of a quad-cab with suicide doors for easier rear seat access.
Additionally, the 5.9-liter V8 saw a bump in power to 245 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque.
1999 models saw further exterior updates, including a revised front grille, bumper, and headlights.
In 2000, Dodge introduced an optional six-speed manual transmission.
1981 - 1993 Dodge Ram 1500 (1st Generation)
The Ram 1500 made its official debut when Chrysler’s then-CEO, Lee Iacocca, officially put his stamp of approval on the name and logo for the 1981 model year, which saw it replace the Dodge D Series trucks.
Though Dodge had used the Ram name before on both trucks and vans, no official and consistent naming convention had previously been applied. Despite the official Ram name, the 1500 designation was not yet used for the half-ton truck. It would not be until the second generation that the 150 would be replaced with the 1500 name that remains today.
First-generation trucks were offered in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive layouts with the letters “D” and “W” designating their respective drive types.
They were offered a an eight-foot bed or a 6.5-foot truck bed as well as short, extended, and crew cab options.
Engine choices included a 3.7-liter slant-six producing 95 horsepower, a 5.2-liter V8 producing 140 horsepower, and a 5.9-liter V8 producing 170 horsepower.
Transmission choices included a three-speed automatic, a four-speed automatic, a four-speed manual, or a five-speed manual.
The first Ram models were essentially facelifted D Series pickups, but the iconic squared body lines, headlights, taillights, and grille remained largely the same from earlier models. The interior was also revised with an updated gauge cluster, dashboard, and bench seat.
Other features offered in the first-generation Rams included air conditioning, power locks, power windows, a ram hood ornament, and an AM/FM radio with a cassette player.
Mid-cycle updates were few but significant. Extended cab models were dropped in 1982, and the crew cab was discontinued in 1985.
1988 and 1989 came with significant engine changes.
Electronic fuel injection was added to the 5.2-liter V8 in 1988 and to the 5.9-liter V8 in 1989. An electronic fuel-injected 3.9-liter V6 replaced the 3.7-liter slant-six, and the now-iconic 5.9-liter Cummins inline-six turbo diesel engine – producing 160 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque – was added to the lineup.
The three-speed automatic, four-speed automatic, four-speed manual and five-speed manual continued to be offered, but the four-speed automatic was revised to offer an overdrive mode for better fuel efficiency.
