Used 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab

As you may know, Ram is concurrently selling two versions of its light-duty full-size pickup. One is the all-new 2019 Ram 1500. The other is the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, a continuation of the “old” Ram that’s aimed at entry-level and commercial buyers. For clarity, this KBB Expert Review focuses on the Ram 1500 Classic, which is continuing to be built while production of the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 ramps up. To quickly identify a Ram 1500 Classic, look for the prominent crossbars in the grille, which the new Ram pickup does not have. The Ram 1500 Classic is built in Warren, Michigan, with Regular Cab and some Crew Cab models coming from Saltillo, Mexico. The 1500 Classic is available as a 2- or 4-wheel-drive model with three cabs and three bed lengths: Regular Cab with either an 8-foot or 6-foot 4-inch bed, Quad Cab with a 6-foot 4-inch bed, and Crew Cab with either a 5-foot 7-inch bed or a 6-foot 4-inch one. Three powertrains are available: a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (expected in early 2019) that returns 27 mpg on the highway. Helping set the Classic apart from competitors such as the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado is a coil-spring rear suspension that delivers a smooth ride and weighs less than a typical leaf-spring arrangement. Ram 1500 Classic models include the Tradesman, the Express and the Big Horn, each tailored to match that particular truck’s look and style.

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 new 2019 Ram 1500) is not available. 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, you’ll like the Ram’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. It delivers 27 mpg on the highway, which equates to a range of over 700 miles.

Roomy and comfortable, the Ram’s interior features large seats and simple, easy-to-use controls. While the rotary shifter for the truck’s automatic transmission might look a little odd, it works great and frees up space on the Classic’s center console. There are large knobs for radio volume and tuning, and the Big Horn’s 8.4-inch touch screen caps the wide center stack. The simple menus and clean graphics are appreciated, as is Uconnect infotainment, which includes onboard Wi-Fi and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

The 2019 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 cross-hatch 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.

RAMBOX CARGO-MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Incorporated in the Ram’s bedsides, the optional RamBox bins are large, lockable and lighted. They’re perfect for tools and wet clothes or gear. And with their drains, you might even toss in some ice and host the next big tailgate party.

PARK SENSE FRONT-PARK-ASSIST SYSTEM
Do you hate parking a full-size pickup in a crowded parking lot? So do we. But with this optional system, six parking sensors in the Ram’s front bumper will tell you right away if you’re too close to the car (or object) in front.

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, air conditioning 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 Express and Big Horn versions of the 1500 Classic for a greater selection of amenities. The Big Horn is not available with a regular cab.

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 the upcoming EcoDiesel V6 engine.

Two engines currently are available in the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic. The base powerplant is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 305 horsepower and an EPA highway fuel-economy rating of 25 mpg. The optional 5.7-liter V8 cranks out 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, but the fuel economy, not surprisingly, suffers. The 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6, expected next year, may be the best choice, with 240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque and great fuel economy. 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)

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
240 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (2WD), 19/27 mpg (4WD)