Used 2020 Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab

So popular was last year’s Ram 1500 Classic full-size pickup that FCA (Fiat Chrysler) has decided to keep a good thing going. This year’s selection comes in base work truck (Tradesman), stylish middle child (Express) or with a hopped-up attitude (Warlock). Three cab styles offer various bed lengths ranging from eight feet to 5-feet 7-inches.

The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 offers good power and fuel economy, but those needing 10,000-plus-pound towing ability will want the Hemi V8. The Ram 1500 Classic’s coil-spring suspension gives it a smoother ride than most pickups, but its older design means those looking for cutting-edge infotainment, electronics and driver-safety assists will be left out in the cold.

However, a low price, respectable towing and payload figures plus a good record of reliability and durability make a convincing argument in favor of the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic.

With its unique multi-link rear suspension featuring coil springs, the 1500 Classic rides as comfortably as a car. It may not be as sporty as the Ford F-150, but the Ram has a smooth and relaxed ride with little of the jiggle and bounce felt in other trucks.

The base engine, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, makes 305 horsepower. This gives the Ram 1500 Classic plenty of acceleration and passing power. Unfortunately, the new e-Torque version of the 3.6-liter V6 (found in the newer 2020 Ram 1500) is not available, nor is the diesel engine.

The Classic’s 8-speed automatic transmission is also among the best in the class with smooth shifts and manual control.

The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 produces 395 horsepower and excellent torque, but if fuel economy is your highest priority, the V6’s 25-mpg highway figure isn’t too shabby.

While the Regular Cab is fine for two or three people, the Quad and Crew Cab models are probably a better fit for those who need to carry family and friends on a regular basis. Quad Cabs have their own rear doors that open to a small but livable rear seat, while the Crew Cab offers full-size SUV-like comfort both front and rear.

Though dated, the Classic’s interior is still quite handsome and functional, with large rotary knobs for the radio, heat/vent/air conditioning and even the gear selector. That last feature might raise a few eyebrows, that is, until one realizes how much space it frees up in the center console.

Infotainment is handled by the available 8.4-inch touch-screen radio that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Although not as brilliant as the larger tablet-size screen in the Ram 1500, this unit is still quite nice, easy to use with big bright icons, Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth smartphone integration.

The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic is aptly named, as it has a classic look highlighted by brash big-rig styling that’s more curvy than boxy and has that unmistakable crosshatch grille. It looks imposing, not blocky, and its sporty proportions are enhanced by a subtle spoiler integrated into the tailgate.

Three cabs of the Ram 1500 Classic are available: Regular, Quad and Crew, with three different bed lengths. A Black Accent Package, with black wheels, badging and headlight bezels, makes the Express model look especially sharp. “Classic” badges are on the front fenders. Unlike many entry-level pickups, the Classic offers no less than 30 different exterior paint colors.

RAMBOX CARGO-MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Secure bed storage is always an issue with pickups, which is why the Ram 1500 Classic’s ingenious RamBox cargo-management system is a must-have option. Incorporated at the top edges of the bed, these lockable storage compartments include interior lighting and even drain holes for dealing with wet gear or melting ice.

PARKSENSE REAR-PARK-ASSIST SYSTEM
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic has a massive back end that makes backing up and parallel parking something of a guessing game. With the ParkSense system, sensors in the rear bumper alert the driver when the truck is getting too close to an object that otherwise might be out of the driver’s line of sight.

With three models that range from basic work truck to luxurious personal transport, the Ram 1500 Classic covers most bases. In its most basic Tradesman form, the Classic has a locking tailgate, automatic headlights, a tilt steering wheel, 17-inch steel wheels, black front and rear bumpers, variable wipers, air conditioning, split-bench vinyl front seat, and a basic 6-speaker radio with USB and auxiliary inputs.

Be warned, however: You will need to crank your own windows and manually adjust the mirrors in the Tradesman and the Express. Look to the larger cabs or the Warlock trim for a greater selection of amenities. The Warlock is not available in Regular Cab form. The standard powertrain warranty covers five years/60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

With numerous options and packages, the Ram 1500 Classic can be configured to meet multiple needs and budgets. We highly recommend the Uconnect infotainment system with its 8.4-inch touch screen and user-friendly interface.

Other options include the 5.7-liter V8 (priced at a reasonable $1,450), heated steering wheel, 10-way-power driver’s seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 115V household power outlet and LED bed lighting. Since the steering wheel doesn’t telescope, tall or short drivers should consider the available power-adjustable pedals. Other attractive options are the RamBox cargo system and numerous dealer add-ons.

Standard on the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic pickup is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 good for 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway is pretty impressive for such a big vehicle.

Optional is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. With 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, this is the engine you’ll want for maximum towing (10,680 pounds), but you’ll pay a bigger price at the pump.

All engines are available with 2-wheel drive (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard. A limited-slip rear differential is a wise option.

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 6,175 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (2WD), 16/23 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
395 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
410 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (2WD), 15/21 mpg (4WD)