2024 Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab

Some things are just too good to be discontinued. Despite the excellent current-generation Ram 1500 doing all the things most buyers need from a full-size truck, Ram is still making and selling the previous generation. And calling it the 1500 Classic. It’s one of the cheapest new full-size trucks available in the United States.

Then again, some people (especially companies more interested in the bottom line than impressing the neighbors) don’t need a lot of bells and whistles or even ultimate capability in their work truck. They just want it to do the job at minimum cost. If that means vinyl flooring, manual air conditioning, and a tiny infotainment screen, then bring it on. True to that frugal form, the best-selling version of the 1500 Classic is the base Tradesman trim with the standard V6 engine. The main option is 4-wheel drive, which would push this variant to around $45K.

The 1500 Classic doesn’t have the same payload and towing talents as the more modern Ram 1500, but there’s still of choice of cabs, engines, and bed lengths.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of full-size pickups, including the Ram 1500 Classic.

The Regular cab has been discontinued, so it’s Quad or Crew cab. Just two trims remain available: Tradesman or Warlock. More importantly, the price of the Tradesman has increased to the point where buying a 1500 Classic makes less financial sense when it costs pretty much the same as an entry-level Ford F-150. Most current pickup ranges start with a version catering to the “I just want a basic truck” crowd, so the argument for a Ram 1500 Classic is not that strong. Also note that Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC still offer Regular cab models on their full-size trucks, if that’s what you’re after.

What we just said above about things being too good to stop can’t apply forever. We wouldn’t be surprised if this year is the final spin around the sun for the 1500 Classic. After all, this fourth generation debuted for the 2009 model year, while the fifth generation has been on active duty for five years. And Ram sees its future in the 2025 1500 Rev electric truck.

The current-generation Ram 1500 starts at $41,415, which also begins with a Quad Cab. As well as the less quantifiable aspects of day-to-day life in a more civilized truck, the modern Ram 1500 is more fuel-efficient and will retain its value better than the Classic. The difference in price could also be offset against tax. And this isn’t even the least expensive of the usual contenders. The Ford F-150 starts at about $38K with a regular cab — one with a bigger cab would be more like $45K.

Before buying a new Ram 1500 Classic, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The truck with the strongest resale values is the Toyota Tundra. Sometimes buying the cheapest isn’t the best way to spend your money. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The base 3.6-liter V6 engine in the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic makes a meaty 305 horsepower and is strong enough for most duties. The optional 395-horsepower V8 can deal with tougher tasks. We’ve noticed that achieving the ideal driving position might take a little more tweaking than usual, because the steering wheel adjusts only for height, not reach.

Once mobile, though, the Ram 1500 Classic has a surprise up its wheel wells. The ride is more refined than a typical full-size truck with roots in the first decade of the 21st century. It’s because of the coil springs at the rear, instead of antiquated leaf springs. That’s long made the Ram 1500 different from the rest. We’ve found that regardless if there’s a load in the bed, the Ram 1500 Classic remains comfortable — for a truck.

Payload and Towing

Maximum payload capacity for the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic is 1,930 pounds, achieved with the V6. Its top towing figure is 10,520 pounds, which requires the V8. The current-generation Ram 1500 can haul 2,300 pounds or pull 11,550 pounds — and those figures aren’t even the class best. A V6-powered Ram 1500 Classic can tow up to 4,610 pounds.

Fuel Economy

The configuration of Tradesman trim with the V6 engine and 4-wheel drive, which tends to be popular among 1500 Classic buyers, achieves 19 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Compare that with 21 mpg combined from the contemporary Ram 1500 equivalent. Running the V6 on regular 87 octane gasoline is fine. But 89 octane gas is recommended with the V8.

The Quad Cab can seat six. The Crew Cab takes six as well, but with rear legroom more like a spacious midsize sedan than a typical compact car.

Considering the Tradesman version of the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic is among the cheapest new full-size pickups on sale in the United States, it’s no surprise that its cabin is sparse and functional, with vinyl seating and flooring. Power windows are standard, at least. Cloth upholstery and carpeting come in the Warlock.

Despite such an austere approach, the cabin is relatively quiet. Controls for things like the air conditioning are big enough to be adjusted while wearing gloves, and there are three large cup holders set into the center console.

If the looks of the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic bring to mind the glory days of 2009, when the Space Shuttle was still in service, it’s because the truck was released for that model year. It marked the fourth generation’s debut. And even though the fifth generation launched 10 years later, it turns out there’s something about the Ram 1500 Classic that time cannot wither.

Cab styles are Quad (two front doors and a couple of smaller rear doors) and Crew (four regular doors). The Quad Cab comes with the 6-foot-4-inch bed exclusively. And the Crew Cab offers a choice of a 5-foot-7-inch bed or the 6-foot-4 box.

As the humblest trim level, the Tradesman rolls on 17-inch steel wheels and sports a black grille. The Warlock has 17-inch alloy wheels and a chromed grille as standard. Red and white are the no-cost paint choices.

Electronics Group
Because the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic is so basic, many desirable features are available only as options. This bundle includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, and an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen (replacing a standard 5-inch display). A self-dimming rearview is also thrown in.

Interior Cold Weather Group
This collection adds heated front seats and a heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel. Just the thing for turning up to a job in the middle of winter. The driver’s seat becomes 10-way power-adjustable as well.

Trailer Tow Group
If there’s towing to be done, this options bundle is a no-brainer. It includes extendable/heated side mirrors, and trailer brake control.

ParkSense Rear Park Assist
Otherwise known as rear parking sensors. These are optional across the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic lineup.

Warlock All Terrain package
Although there’s no specialized suspension, this package does come with 17-inch alloy wheels finished in matte black and wearing all-terrain tires, plus rubber mats front and rear.

32-gallon fuel tank
Another feature on the options list, this one replaces the standard 26-gallon tank. Good to have with the V8 and/or when gas stations are scarce.

A 3.6-liter V6 making 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque is the standard engine in the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic lineup. It’s a great unit, deployed in several Jeep, Ram, and Dodge vehicles, including the current-generation Ram 1500.

The more muscular option is an equally well-regarded 5.7-liter V8 developing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, also available with the current Ram 1500. This is the engine of choice if there’s a heavy trailer to pull.

Both the V6 and the V8 link to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; 4-wheel drive featuring high/low gearing and a shift-on-the-fly transfer case is optional with either engine.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Ram’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These are typical terms. There’s no free scheduled servicing.

Safety Ratings

This generation of Ram 1500 earned four stars out of a possible five overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When the Ram 1500 Classic wasn’t a classic, driver aids weren’t so common in work trucks. Available, though, is a forward collision warning system with active braking, as well as a backup sensors. Mandatory safety features include a rearview camera that helps when reversing. Ram has also been considerate enough to make side airbags and side curtain airbags standard across the range.