Used 2022 Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab

The 2022 Ram 1500 Classic is the full-size pickup that’s too good to be discontinued. What usually happens with vehicles is that when a new generation comes along, the previous one takes a dignified bow and is never seen again.

However, Ram has decided that there’s still plenty of mileage in the fourth-generation Ram 1500, even as it makes and sells the fifth-generation model — which went on sale four years ago. And crucially, people are still buying it, even though it was introduced for the 2009 model year. To differentiate the two generations, Ram calls this one the Classic. It’s also cheaper than its more modern stablemate.

Like other pickup ranges, the Ram 1500 Classic offers different cab sizes, bed lengths (only the 2-door regular cab offers the longest 8-foot bed), V6 or V8 engines, 4-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and a choice of trim levels.

Trucks like the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and the fifth-generation Ram 1500 have a greater number of permutations while offering higher levels of luxury. But for a simple and effective work truck, perhaps all that’s needed are a few well-chosen selections.

What’s the difference between a Quad Cab and a Crew Cab? The Quad has two seating rows and a 74-inch bed behind it. The Crew also has two rows of seats, plus a pair of standard-sized rear passenger doors and better rear legroom than the Quad. But the only bed length available with the Crew is 67 inches. So potential buyers need to know if cargo is the top priority or how often the Ram 1500 Classic will be taking a team of workers to a job.

Coil springs. A Ram specialty. They’re the special ingredient that gives the Ram 1500 Classic a particularly smooth and comfortable ride. Regardless of whether there’s a load in the bed or not. The same cannot be said of trucks that have those old-school leaf springs at the back.

That’s more of a bonus than a deal-maker, though. As is the smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Things like capability are more important.

The standard 305-horsepower V6 can certainly cope with most of the demands made of a half-ton pickup. The total payload of the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic is 1,930 pounds, which can be achieved with a rear-drive, Quad Cab model running the V6.

Towing is another story. To achieve the Ram 1500’s maximum ability of 10,610 pounds definitely requires the V8 in something like a rear-drive Regular Cab version. It’s that engine’s 410 lb-ft of torque making the difference.

It’s in this department that the word “classic” seems rather appropriate. Certainly in Tradesman trim. We’re thinking more in terms of washable, durable, and unassuming.

The steering column adjusts only for height, not reach. The Regular Cab seats three across a bench seat. The Quad Cab takes six occupants, and rear passengers get in and out through a pair of small doors. Rear legroom is 34.7 inches, the kind of space a compact car would have. The Crew Cab has 40.3 inches of rear legroom, more than most midsize sedans.

It’s a bearable cabin in general, though, and relatively quiet for the class. Things like air conditioning controls are nice and large, easily operated while wearing gloves. And the center console houses three large cup holders.

This is the fourth generation of Ram 1500. It’s the one with the plus sign (but with longer “arms”) on the grille. It still looks tough and business-like, though, ready to get to whatever task an owner needs accomplishing.

In keeping with its basic status, Tradesman trim comes with 17-inch steel wheels and not much else in the way of adornment beyond a few chrome pieces. Express trim brings 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, plus a body-colored grille and bumpers.

Warlock adds black exterior elements, including 20-inch alloy wheels. But things are brightened up by halogen projector headlights. White and red are no-cost paint choices. The rest cost extra, from $100 to $450.

RAMBOX
The RamBox cargo management system is a useful option. It includes four adjustable tie-down hooks, bed divider/extender, lockable compartments, and LED bed lighting.

ELECTRONICS GROUP PACKAGE
It’s on the options list, but this bundle of tech is arguably a necessity these days, since it brings Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. Plus an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite/HD Radio, and a 7-inch color driver information display.

Vinyl flooring, vinyl upholstery, manual windows/locks/mirrors, AM/FM radio, and a 5-inch infotainment display are some indication of how workmanlike the base Tradesman trim of the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic can be.

On a more positive note, it does have an excellent V6 engine, Bluetooth, three USB ports, and a locking tailgate. Back on the negative side, there are no driver assistance features like forward-collision warning. Not even on the options list.

The other rungs on the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic’s trim ladder are Express and Warlock. It’s not until we reach Warlock level (is someone at Ram a Dungeons & Dragons fan?) that cloth upholstery makes it into the cabin. Warlock isn’t available with the Regular cab. This trim has heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, and power windows as well.

Buyers may choose the larger Quad or Crew cabs, the V8 engine, 4-wheel drive, limited-slip rear differential, trailer equipment, larger gas tank, 115-volt outlet, side steps, LED bed lighting, tonneau cover, rear sliding window, spray-in bed liner, and the RamBox cargo management system.

Extra convenience features include a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, carpeting, satellite radio, and a CD player. Warlock trim also offers a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and all-terrain tires.

The base engine for the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic is a 3.6-liter V6 generating 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The Ram/Jeep/Chrysler group uses this unit in many of its vehicles and it’s a strong performer.

The more muscular alternative is a 5.7-liter V8 making 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, which would be the choice if there was some serious towing to do. This is another well-regarded engine.

In both cases, an 8-speed automatic transmission is employed. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard setup. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is optional. Thermal and aerodynamic efficiency is optimized by standard-issue active grille shutters.

The V6 is fine with regular 87-octane gasoline. Ram recommends using 89-octane in the V8.

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 (RWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

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