Vehicle Spotlight: 2019 RAM 1500 Undergoes an Overhaul

Uhh umm, you may have noticed the 2019 RAM 1500 looks a little d-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-t than its predecessor. RAM decided to go where no other truck has gone before. The new 1500 may not have as many trim levels as prior years, but there’s nothing wrong with focusing on quality over quantity. Engineers of the 2019 model year have honed their efforts on fine-tuned perfection of the platform. And our eyes can’t believe what they see…

Taking Risks Pays Off for the 2019 RAM 1500

First things first, you’re going to notice a visible shift in its shape versus prior generations. There’s actually some science behind such a redesign. Dodge has always utilized the wind tunnel, and that’s exactly what they did for this makeover. The 2019 RAM 1500 has a coefficient drag of 0.357. This puts it right in line with the late model Challengers and Chargers. Not bad. Not bad at all, RAM.

The body lines have been tweaked to complement the updated panels. Likewise, the taillights have undergone alteration, and buyers now have the choice of three different headlights. For this model year, the beloved crosshair grille has been ditched in favor of a newer, more modern one. While many are happy with RAM’s decision, we find it sad to see the iconic Dodge/RAM facia fade away.

TRIMMED to Size

Anyone who has ever shopped for a RAM truck knows it’s like entering a Chinese buffet line. Words like bombarded and overload come to mind. The last generation of RAM 1500’s were paired with more than 10 trim packages, an overwhelming number of features for any buyer to comb through. But RAM trimmed the fat for 2019, with a total of six offerings: Tradesman, Limited Big Horn, Lonestar Laramie, Laramie, Longhorn, and the Rebel. 

Another major change with the release of the 2019 RAM 1500 is the absence of a single cab. That’s right, these trucks are only available with the club and quad cab trims. Though it may change in the future, that’s the game plan for the initial release. As for truck bed lengths, consumers can choose from 5.7 and 6.4 foot. Naturally, RAM carried over the popular RAM Box options. If you’re not familiar with them, these storage compartments are built right into the side of the bed. They are a great way to stow small cargo and emergency supplies without cluttering the cab itself or the truck bed. Obviously, those with RAM Boxes have a slightly narrower bed, which is a modest sacrifice to make in the name of organization, don’t you think?

As a result of this overhaul, the interior space of the 2019 RAM 1500 has improved. RAM may be known as a work truck but make no mistake, the top trim level makes you feel as if you’re stepping into something far classier than a truck. Comfortable leather seating, impressive LCD displays, and upgraded sound systems round out some of the many interior upgrades.

Power Plants

Now to the meat of this vehicle spotlight! Prospective truck buyers have the choice of a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, or the 5.7 HEMI V8. As of now, RAM hasn’t released its EcoDiesel for the 2019 RAM 1500. While the HEMI is producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, it may surprise you to know the V6 is holding its own at 305 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque. Both are familiar power plants, so there’s no need to worry about some experimental platform stepping onto the scene.

But here’s the curveball. Though we are familiar with the engines above, expect a dating period with the new Mild-Hybrid system, engineered to increase towing capacity. It’s designed to not only take a load off the engine while driving down the highway, but also improve the torque output. It does raise the peak output of the engine, but the goal is to level off for a flatter, more powerful curve to help overcome increased load when towing.

The V6 paired with this system puts out an additional 90 lb-ft of torque, and the HEMI a whopping 130 lb-ft. Of course, there are many variables to factor in when towing, such as the engine and ring gear combos or suspension. But consider this: the maximum towing capacity of the 2019 RAM 1500 is 12,750 lbs. That’s a whole lot more than the towing capacity of the 2018 RAM 1500, which topped off at 10,150 lbs.

Bold is Beautiful

The 2019 RAM 1500 is different alright, and the new look might take some getting used to. But new features like the bigger cab and more powerful engine options are more than enough to keep RAM guys coming back for more.