From their humble beginnings as farm and utility vehicles to the glossy shark-like trucks popularized in the 21st century, the pickup truck is an American icon. The Dodge Ram is one of the finest examples of that tradition, and they maintain the industry standard of excellence with the 2019 Dodge Ram lineup.
From total redesigns to small improvements for everyday convenience, this season demonstrates why the Ram brand has remained a serious contender in since being introduced in 1981. Offered in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, the various tiering levels of the Dodge Ram largely reflect the level of work the truck is being used for. The 1500 is most suited to everyday driving, while the 3500 is a beast of a vehicle exemplifying everything that defines a pickup truck.
2019 Dodge Ram 1500
The 2019 season sees marked improvements in the Ram 1500 — starting at $31,795 MSRP — attributable to a total redesign that improves on nearly every area of the truck’s performance. That said, the Ram 1500 is still most suitable for hauling average-sized loads. So, if you want to be the kind of truck driver who can help your friends move, this is the Ram for you.
These trucks are all offered with variable cab and bed sizes, with prices varying slightly depending on the option you choose. Their customization options are plentiful because Dodge is aware that every pickup driver uses their truck for different reasons.
The 1500 offers two choices for the powertrain. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine boasts a relatively substantial 305-horsepower matched to an eight-speed transmission. If you’re looking for a roar beneath the hood, you can power up to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 alternative, boosting the Ram 1500 to a total of 395-horsepower. While it comes standard in the V6, you can pay a little more for the V8 version.
The EPA hasn’t analyzed the V6 engine for fuel efficiency, but the V8 is estimated to get 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on a highway. That’s reasonable for a truck of this size, but the requirement for midgrade gasoline means you’ll be spending more money on gas as a whole. Both engines are offered with an eTorque system that improves fuel economy by using regenerative braking and other features to save gasoline.
The Ram 1500 interior is roomy and relatively quiet even when the truck is accelerating, providing a comfortable ride. Standard infotainment features include a five-inch touchscreen and push-button start capabilities, with additional offerings that range from sunroofs to a larger 12-inch touchscreen.
Sometimes, pickup trucks are considered to be safer than the rest of the vehicles on the road due to size alone. You won’t have to assume with the Ram 1500, which received top marks from the IIHS in 2019. They’ve also optimized the process of towing with a blind spot sensor that takes a towed trailer into account, a unique development by Dodge.
2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition
Priced at $53,190, this limited-edition Ram 1500 is less of an unique trim and more of a limited run collector’s item. Possessing the same basic specs as the Ram 1500 Limited, the Kentucky Derby Edition bears an additional commemorative fender graphic.
Only available with a crew cab and a 67-inch bed, the Kentucky Derby Edition is paired with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and ventilated leather seats. An upgraded four-corner suspension adds to the appeal of these enhanced Ram 1500s. If you’re interested, you’ll have to move fast since Dodge is only releasing 2,000 of these unique pickups in 2019 and they’re available only by custom request.
2019 Dodge Ram 2500
Transcending the full-sized pickup category and rising into the domain of the heavy-duty truck, the Dodge Ram 2500 — starting at $33,045 MSRP — boasts the same major advantages as in recent years. With more power and more grit than the Ram 1500, this is the choice for drivers who spend a fair amount of time hauling and towing goods. The 2019 model won’t release until spring, so pricing isn’t available for every trim, but we have some information on its specs and features.
The Dodge Ram 2500 will be offered with a trio of engine options ranging from a 5.7-liter V8 to a 6.7-liter turbocharged turbodiesel that allows even the beefy 2500 to accelerate rapidly. While this 6.7-liter engine has less horsepower than the other two options, it compensates with 800 foot-pounds of torque and a steady roar from under the hood.
While information on fuel economy hasn’t been made available pending the Ram 2500’s 2019 release, we can assume relatively similar numbers to the last rating, when the 2018 Ram 2500 managed 14 mpg combined between city and highway. Heavy-duty pickups aren’t known for their fuel efficiency, but if you’re using your truck for hauling you can make back your money.
Although the IIHS hasn’t yet rated the 2500 for this model year, past reports by sister group the NHTSA have given the 2500 satisfactory marks. Keep in mind that the Heavy Duty Rams are more about utility than speed.
2019 Dodge Ram 3500
As beastly machines, Dodge Ram 3500 are thought to be capable of towing more than 30,000 pounds, an amount of weight you’d almost never find cause to haul. As with the Dodge 2500, exact details of the 3500’s design are sparse, but we’ll provide all the information currently available. Coming in at $34,445, it’s worth noting that you’ll pay more money for the Ram 3500 than for any of the other alternatives, but it’s meant for hard work.
The Ram 3500 is expected to carry a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, but there will be a trio of choices in powertrain in keeping with the variety set by the 3500’s smaller cousins. The 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel is the beefiest of all the available engines as horsepower is expected to exceed the 410-horsepower offered by the Hemi V8.
Exclusive to the Heavy Duty class, the Dodge Ram 3500 is equipped with a forward collision system that implements active braking to make sure that your work truck stays untarnished and your family safe. The Ram 3500 is even believed to be able to come to a full stop with adaptive braking with a 35,000-pound trailer attached.
The interior is outfitted with leather seating in trims above the Laramie, Considering the cabin is spacious enough to suit the 3500’s massive size, you’ll have trouble packing your cab to capacity even if you need to transport the entire work crew.
Fitting comfortably into its niche as a truck purchased mostly by workmen, the 3500 has dodged safety ratings for the last several years. With that said, the sturdy metal frame on this powerful Dodge truck and the power under the hood should ensure that you’re safe in case of an accident.
Each season, automotive manufacturers strive to make sure that they’ve improved on the years before. With details like the Ram 1500’s total redesign bringing a sense of freshness to the table even while the classic look of the trucks remains, these 2019 Dodge trucks are definite improvements on the year previous. Keep your eye out for even more Dodge trucks to release in the years to come. We can only hope the yearly improvement will continue.
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