The 2019 Ram 1500 is completely new from the tow hooks to the hitch and wears a new design that departs from the iconic crosshair grille of the last 25 years. It rides on an all-new frame that’s lighter and stronger, boasts a new interior that’s far more user-friendly and luxurious, and has a new mild hybrid system on both its 3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

The truck moves into its fifth generation for 2019 and doubles down on every major selling point in a bid to win market share from Ford and General Motors. Weight has been reduced by 225 pounds, the frame is built from 98 percent high-strength steel for increased payload and towing, and the segment’s first-ever deployable front air dam will work in conjunction with the mild hybrid systems to improve fuel economy. Ram will continue offering its popular 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, too, but with more power and torque.

The Ram Rebel returns, as well, but with more off-road equipment and twice the attitude. The other familiar trims include the Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited.

While pricing hasn’t been announced, the 2019 Ram 1500 will arrive in showrooms by the end of Q1 of 2018. That means we don’t have long to wait.

Continue reading for more on the all-new 2019 Ram 1500.

2019 Ram 1500

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Ram 1500
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 305
  • Torque: 269
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- First all-new design in 25 years - Longer, wider, but lighter - Three cab sizes - Ram Rebel brings off-road attitude - Segment-first deployable front air dam

The 2019 Ram 1500 enjoys fresh styling for the first time in 25 years. Gone is the iconic crosshair grille, replaced by a bold RAM logo centered inside a six-sided grille. Available adaptive LED projector-bean headlights add both style and functionality, while LED fog lights and taillights mean more of the same and fewer bulb replacements. Headlights on lower trims include the standard halogen and mid-grade LED headlights without the adaptive system.

Like with nearly any vehicle, the Ram’s appearance changes with each trim level. The base Tradesman wears a black grille and bumpers, while the Rebel gets powder-coated trim pieces. The upper trims are decked out in yards of chrome. A whopping 16 wheel designs are spread through the lineup and sizes range from 18- to 22-inch in diameter. A total of 12 colors are available, including four new colors that include Billet Silver, Tri-coat White, Patriot Blue, Diamond Black Crystal. The popular two-tone paint scheme can also be had.

The Ram’s size has grown to make extra room in the cabin. The wheelbase is four inches longer, which translates directly into more legroom in the second row of the Quad and Crew Cab models. The truck is also a half-inch wider. Ram also proudly announced its new shark fin antenna, making the Ram the first pickup to abandon the traditional mast antenna.

Aerodynamics are aided by that deployable front air dam and several other key design features. The air dam is only needed on trucks without the optional adjustable air suspension. All Ram 1500s now have a spoiler integrated onto the rear edge of the cab and bed walls that are 1.5-inches taller than before. The extra height is said to cut wind resistance, though it will make loading the bed a bit harder for “vertically challenged” people. Even the new aluminum tailgate employs a small spoiler lip to manage airflow. As before, every Ram features active grille shutters that redirect air away from the engine bay when cooling isn’t an issue. All told, the truck boasts an impressive 0.357 coefficient of drag.

Unfortunately, Ram made no announcements about the rumored split tailgate we’ve seen in spy shots and patent documents. The option will hopefully become available later in the Ram’s life cycle and not wind up in FCA’s dumpster.

Exterior Dimensions

QUAD CAB® PICKUP, 6FT. 4IN. BOX

MODEL – TIRE SIZE

2WD -­ 275/55R20

4WD -­ 275/55R20

Wheelbase (nominal) – in. (mm)

140.5 (3569)

140.5 (3569)

Track, Front – in. (mm)

68.5 (1741)

68.5 (1741)

Track, Rear – in. (mm)

68.1 (1729)

68.1 (1729)

Overall Length – in. (mm)

228.9 (5814)

228.9 (5814)

Overall Width – in. (mm)

82.1 (2084)

82.1 (2084)

Overall Height – in. (mm)

77.6 (1971)

77.7 (1973)

GROUND CLEARANCE

2WD -­ 275/55R20

4WD -­ 275/55R20

Front Axle – in. (mm)

7.8 (199)

8.2 (208)

Rear Axle – in. (mm)

8.7 (221)

8.7 (221)

Open Tailgate to Ground – in. (mm)

34.6 (979)

34.4 (875)

Pickup Body Height – in. (mm)

21.4 (545)

21.4 (545)

Approach Angle, degrees

18.1

18.9

Departure Angle, degrees

25.2

25.0

Ramp Breakover Angle without Skid Plate, degrees

19.5

19.9

Ramp Breakover Angle with Skid Plate, degrees

17.8

Ground Clearance without Skid Plate – in. (mm)

8.4 (213)

8.7 (221)

Ground Clearance with Skid Plate – in. (mm)

8.2 (208)


QUAD CAB® PICKUP, 6FT. 4IN. BOX – AIR SUSPENSION, 4X2 AND 4X4

TIRE SIZE: 275/55R20

SUSPENSION MODE

ENTRY / EXIT

NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT

OFF ROAD 1

OFF ROAD 2

Wheelbase (nominal) – in. (mm)

140.5 (3569)

140.5 (3569)

140.5 (3569)

140.5 (3569)

Track, Front – in. (mm)

68.5 (1741)

68.5 (1741)

68.5 (1741)

68.5 (1741)

Track, Rear – in. (mm)

68.1 (1729)

68.1 (1729)

68.1 (1729)

68.1 (1729)

Overall Length – in. (mm)

228.9 (5814)

228.9 (5814)

228.9 (5814)

228.9 (5814)

Overall Width – in. (mm)

82.1 (2084)

82.1 (2084)

82.1 (2084)

82.1 (2084)

Overall Height – in. (mm)

75.9 (1927)

77.7 (1973)

78.7 (1998)

79.7 (2025)

GROUND CLEARANCE

ENTRY / EXIT

NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT

OFF ROAD 1

OFF ROAD 2

Front Axle – in. (mm)

8.2 (208)

8.2 (208)

8.2 (208)

8.2 (208)

Rear Axle – in. (mm)

8.7 (221)

8.7 (221)

8.7 (221)

8.7 (221)

Open Tailgate to Ground – in. (mm)

32.9 (836)

34.4 (875)

35.1 (893)

36.4 (925)

Pickup Body Height – in. (mm)

21.4 (545)

21.4 (545)

21.4 (545)

21.4 (545)

Approach Angle, degrees

14.4

18.9

21.5

23.1

Departure Angle, degrees

22.5

25.0

25.9

27.3

Ramp Breakover Angle without Skid Plate, degrees

16.5

19.9

21.8

23.5

Ramp Breakover Angle with Skid Plate, degrees

14.4

17.8

19.7

21.3

Ground Clearance without Skid Plate – in. (mm)

6.7 (169)

8.7 (221)

9.9 (251)

10.7 (273)

Ground Clearance with Skid Plate – in. (mm)

6.1 (156)

8.2 (208)

9.4 (238)

10.2 (260)


CREW CAB PICKUP

BOX LENGTH

5FT. 7IN.

6FT. 4IN.

5FT. 7IN.

6FT. 4IN.

Wheelbase (nominal)

144.6 (3672)

153.5 (3898)

144.6 (3672)

153.5 (3898)

Track, Front

68.5 (1741)

68.5 (1741)

68.5 (1741)

68.5 (1741)

Track, Rear

68.1 (1729)

68.1 (1729)

68.1 (1729)

68.1 (1729)

Overall Length

232.9 (5916)

241.8 (6142)

232.9 (5916)

241.8 (6142)

Overall Width

82.1 (2084)

82.1 (2084)

82.1 (2084)

82.1 (2084)

Overall Height

77.5 (1968)

77.4 (1966)

77.6 (1971)

77.5 (1968)


QUAD CAB® PICKUP, 6FT. 4IN. BOX – AIR SUSPENSION, 4X2 AND 4X4

GROUND CLEARANCE

5FT. 7IN.

6FT. 4IN.

5FT. 7IN.

6FT. 4IN.

Front Axle

7.8 (199)

7.8 (199)

8.2 (209)

8.1 (207)

Rear Axle

8.6 (220)

8.7 (220)

8.7 (220)

8.6 (220)

Open Tailgate to Ground

34.5 (877)

34.4 (875)

34.3 (872)

34.3 (871)

Pickup Body Height

21.4 (543)

21.4 (545)

21.4 (543)

21.4 (545)

Approach Angle, degrees

18.0

18.1

19.0

18.9

Departure Angle, degrees

25.1

25.0

24.9

24.9

Ramp Breakover Angle without Skid Plate, degrees

19.0

18.4

19.5

18.7

Ramp Breakover Angle withSkid Plate, degrees

17.5

16.7

round Clearance without Skid Plate

8.3 (211)

8.3 (212)

8.7 (222)

8.6 (220)

Ground Clearance with Skid Plate

8.2 (209)

8.1 (207)


CREW CAB, 5 FT. 7 IN. BOX – AIR SUSPENSION, 4X2 AND 4X4

TIRE SIZE: 275/55R20

SUSPENSION MODE

ENTRY / EXIT

NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT

OFF ROAD 1

OFF ROAD 2

Wheelbase (nominal)

144.6 (3,672)

144.6 (3,672)

144.6 (3,672)

144.6 (3,672)

Track, Front

68.5 (1,741)

68.5 (1,741)

68.5 (1,741)

68.5 (1,741)

Track, Rear

68.1 (1,729)

68.1 (1,729)

68.1 (1,729)

68.1 (1,729)

Overall Length

232.9 (5,916)

232.9 (5,916)

232.9 (5,916)

232.9 (5,916)

Overall Width

82.1 (2,084)

82.1 (2,084)

82.1 (2,084)

82.1 (2,084)

Overall Height

75.8 (1,926)

77.6 (1,971)

78.6 (1,996)

79.6 (2,023)

GROUND CLEARANCE

ENTRY / EXIT

NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT

OFF ROAD 1

OFF ROAD 2

Front Axle

8.2 (209)

8.2 (209)

8.2 (209)

8.2 (209)

Rear Axle

8.7 (220)

8.7 (220)

8.7 (220)

8.7 (220)

Open Tailgate to Ground

32.8 (833)

34.3 (872)

35.0 (890)

36.3 (923)

Pickup Body Height

21.4 (543)

21.4 (543)

21.4 (543)

21.4 (543)

Approach Angle, degrees

14.6

19.0

21.7

23.3

Departure Angle, degrees

22.4

24.9

25.8

27.2

Ramp Breakover Angle without Skid Plate, degrees

16.2

19.5

21.4

23.0

Ramp Breakover Angle with Skid Plate, degrees

14.2

17.5

19.3

21.0

Ground Clearance without Skid Plate

6.7 (170)

8.7 (222)

9.9 (252)

10.8 (273)

Ground Clearance with Skid Plate

6.2 (157)

8.2 (209)

9.4 (239)

10.3 (261)


CREW CAB, 6 FT. 4 IN. BOX – AIR SUSPENSION, 4X2 AND 4X4

TIRE SIZE: 275/55R20

SUSPENSION MODE

ENTRY / EXIT

NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT

OFF ROAD 1

OFF ROAD 2

Wheelbase (nominal)

153.5 (3,898)

153.5 (3,898)

153.5 (3,898)

153.5 (3,898)

Track, Front

68.5 (1,741)

68.5 (1,741)

68.5 (1,741)

68.5 (1,741)

Track, Rear

68.1 (1,729)

68.1 (1,729)

68.1 (1,729)

68.1 (1,729)

Overall Length

241.8 (6,142)

241.8 (6,142)

241.8 (6,142)

241.8 (6,142)

Overall Width

82.1 (2,084)

82.1 (2,084)

82.1 (2,084)

82.1 (2,084)

Overall Height

75.7 (1,922)

77.5 (1,968)

78.4 (1,993)

79.5 (2,019)

GROUND CLEARANCE

ENTRY / EXIT

NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT

OFF ROAD 1

OFF ROAD 2

Front Axle

8.1 (207)

8.1 (207)

8.1 (207)

8.1 (207)

Rear Axle

8.6 (220)

8.6 (220)

8.6 (220)

8.6 (220)

Open Tailgate to Ground

32.7 (832)

34.3 (871)

35.0 (889)

36.3 (922)

Pickup Body Height

21.4 (545)

21.4 (545)

21.4 (545)

21.4 (545)

Approach Angle, degrees

14.5

18.9

21.5

23.1

Departure Angle, degrees

22.7

24.9

25.8

27.1

Ramp Breakover Angle without Skid Plate, degrees

15.5

18.7

20.6

22.1

Ramp Breakover Angle with Skid Plate, degrees

13.5

16.7

18.5

20.1

Ground Clearance without Skid Plate

6.6 (168)

8.6 (220)

9.8 (250)

10.7 (271)

Ground Clearance with Skid Plate

6.1 (155)

8.1 (207)

9.3 (237)

10.2 (259)


CARGO BOX

NOMINAL BOX SIZE

5 FT. 7 IN. (CREW)

6 FT. 4 IN. (REGULAR, QUAD®, OR CREW)

SAE volume, cu. ft. (cu m)

53.9 (1.5)

61.5 (1.7)

Length at Floor, Tailgate Closed

67.4 (1,711)

76.3 (1,937)

Cargo Width

66.4 (1,687)

66.4 (1,687)

Distance Between Wheelhouses

51.0 (1,295)

51.0 (1,295)

Depth

21.4 (543)

21.5 (545)

Tailgate Opening Width

60.0 (1,525)

60.0 (1,525)


Interior

- All-new interior design - First ever 12-inch touchscreen in a pickup - Reclining rear seats in Crew Cab - Flat load floor in Quad and Crew Cabs - Tons of new in-dash technology - 360-degree Surround View Camera

As nice as the Ram’s exterior updates are, its interior is even more impressive. Not one part is carried over from before as Ram ushers in a new era of class and design. The interior obviously changes drastically between the trim levels, but even the Tradesman boasts better materials and updated technology. The big news is Ram’s new 12-inch Uconnect infotainment system. Like in Volvo and Tesla vehicles, the massive screen controls the HVAC system as well as entertainment and navigation. The familiar 8.4-inch screen returns, but with updated software.

The Ram Crew Cab’s increases overall length means more legroom for rear seat passengers. Making the absolute most out of the extra space, Ram installed reclining rear seats. Yep, the back seat is just as comfy as the front. The Rear bench even has heated and vented seat bottoms – a segment first. Yet despite the added luxury, the bench still folds up against the rear wall, revealing the Ram’s new flat load floor. Gone is s the transmission tunnel hump and the cumbersome folding racks that pretended to be a flat floor.

On models with a full center console, which is optional on lower and mid-grade trims and standard on upper trims, the new design has movable front cup holders, a wireless phone charger cleverly named the “Ram Charger,” a deep storage container large enough for a 15-inch laptop, and side pockets that run the outside length of the console. In addition to the wireless charger, the center console has a total of five USB ports, including the new USB-C style.

Those trucks without the massive 12-inch Uconnect infotainment system have knobs for radio and HVAC controls, along with other ancillary controls like seat heaters. A row of toggle switches down low is paired with an integrated trailer brake controller. Thankfully, Ram includes hard-key buttons along the vertical sides of the 12-inch screen for the radio volume and the HVAC’s dual-zone temperature control and fan speed, meaning quick adjustments are still easy to make. Both the 12- and 8.4-inch systems come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 12-inch Uconnect system also makes available a crazy powerful audio system from Harman Kardon. The system boasts 19 speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer, and a 900-watt amplifier. The premium speakers feature active noise cancellation and are covered with metal speaker grills.

The rotary shift knob returns for 2019, but with an updated design. Its surrounded by the 4WD controls, the cancelation button for the automatic start/stop system, and on trucks with the Off Road and Rebel packages, buttons for downhill descent control and the locking rear differential.

Speaking of the Ram Rebel, the sporty trim comes with a unique interior treatment. The red-on-black design includes red contrast stitching and anodized aluminum trim, along with red leather door panel inserts. And like the previous generation Rebel, the seats feature the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac’s tread pattern embossed right into the cloth. It’s a clever touch.

Interior Dimensions

MODEL

QUAD CAB®

CREW CAB

Seating Capacity, F/R

6

6

FRONT

QUAD CAB®

CREW CAB

Head Room

40.9 (1,038)

40.9 (1,038)

Legroom

40.9 (1,040)

40.9 (1,040)

Shoulder Room

66.0 (1,676)

66.0 (1,676)

Hip Room

63.4 (1,610)

63.4 (1,610)

Seat Travel

8.7 (220)

8.7 (220)

REAR

QUAD CAB®

CREW CAB

Head Room

39.2 (995)

39.8 (1,011)

Legroom

35.6 (903)

45.2 (1,147)

Shoulder Room

65.7 (1,668)

65.7 (1,670)

Hip Room

63.4 (1,610)

63.4 (1,611)

INTERIOR VOLUME

QUAD CAB®

CREW CAB

Front – cu. ft. (cu m)

63.9 (1.8)

63.9 (1.8)

Rear – cu. ft. (cu m)

53.3 (1.5)

68.5 (1.9)


Drivetrain

- Updated 3.6-liter V-6 with mild hybrid system - Updated 5.7-liter V-8 with mild hybrid system - Updated 3.0-liter EcoDiesel gets more power - Eight-speed automatic transmission is now lighter - New electronic locking rear differential an option on all trims - New 4x4 Off Road package is optional on most trims

The Ram’s familiar 3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 return for 2019 with some significant updates. Both engines now have a mild-hybrid system that helps with low-end torque right off idle and restart the engine nearly instantaneously after an automatic start/stop event. Called the eTorque system, the hybrid unit replaces the alternator with an eclectic motor-generator connected to the engines’ crankshaft via a belt drive. With the engine running, the motor-generator charges a 48-volt current to a 300 watt-hour, briefcase-sized, lithium-ion battery located behind the rearmost seat. During acceleration from a stop, the motor kicks out 90 pound-feet of torque for the V-6 and 130 pound-feet of torque for the V-8. At higher revs, the system recharges the battery, allowing the gasoline engine to run normally. This means horsepower and torque figures remain unchanged from the outgoing truck.

The 3.6-liter V-6 makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 makes 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.

Though Ram didn’t make an official announcement at the Detroit debut, we know the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 will be available in the new truck. Best of all, horsepower has increased from 240 to 260 and torque goes from 420 to a stump-pulling 442 pound-feet.

All three engines are mated to an updated eight-speed automatic transmission that is said to have reduced internal friction and are calibrated to work with the eTorque system. Further helping with efficiency is an industry-first rear differential warmer on rear-wheel-drive trucks. The system uses engine coolant to more quickly bring the rear differential fluid to a higher, more viscous temperature to help with fuel economy. 4WD Rams won’t get this system, though all Rams will continue using a similar system to warm the transmission fluid, just as on the outgoing truck.

Both the part-time 4WD transfer case and the upper-level on-demand 4WD transfer case are reworked for 2019, both for improved fuel economy and to better handle the increased payload and towing specs of the new truck. The same is true for the axles. Ram moves from a five- to a new six-lug pattern for added strength. Axles ratios on both rear-drive and 4WD trucks include 3.21, 3.55, and 3.92. That new electronic locking rear differential is an option with the 3.55 and 3.92 ratios on trucks with 4WD and either the Rebel or 4x4 Off Road Package.

The 2019 Ram 1500’s more impressive 12,750-pound towing capacity is thanks to a new Max Tow Package. It includes the 5.7-liter Hemi and rear-wheel drive. The package adds a unique Dana Super 60 center axle section with a 256-millimeter gear set, 35-spline axle shafts, and the 3.92 final drive ratio with an open differential. It’s likely the Max Tow Package will be a special-order option and not a common sight on dealership lots.

Drivetrain Specifications

ENGINE

3.6-­LITER PENTASTAR V-­6 WITH eTORQUE

5.7-­LITER HEMI® V-­8

5.7-­LITER HEMI® V-­8 eTORQUE

Type and Description

60-­degree V-­type, liquid-­cooled

90-­degree V-­8, liquid-­cooled

90-­degree V-­8, liquid-­cooled

Hybrid battery

48-­volt, 12-­cell lithium-­ion, nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite chemistry, .43 kWh

48-­volt, 12-­cell lithium-­ion, nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite chemistry, .43 kWh

Belt-­starter generator

9kW power, 90 lb.-­ft. launch torque

12kW power, 130 lb.-­ft. launch torque

Displacement

220 cu. in. (3,604 cu. cm)

345 cu. in. (5,654 cu. cm)

345 cu. in. (5,654 cu. cm)

Bore x Stroke

3.78 x 3.27 (96.0 x 83.0)

3.92 x 3.58 (99.5 x 90.9)

3.92 x 3.58 (99.5 x 90.9)

Valve System

Chain-­driven DOHC, 24 valves and hydraulic end-­pivot roller rockers

Variable-­cam timing, pushrod-­operated overhead valves, 16 valves, hydraulic lifters with roller followers

Variable-­cam timing, pushrod-­operated overhead valves, 16 valves, hydraulic lifters with roller followers

Fuel Injection

Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless

Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless

Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless

Construction

Aluminum deep-­skirt block, aluminum alloy heads

Deep-­skirt cast-­iron block with cross-­bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers

Deep-­skirt cast-­iron block with cross-­bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers

Compression Ratio

11.3:1

10.5:1

10.5:1

Power

305 HP @ 6,400 RPM

395 HP @ 5,600 RPM

395 HP @ 5,600 RPM

Torque

269 LB-FT @ 4,800 RPM

410 LB-FT @ 3,950 RPM

410 LB-FT @ 3,950 RPM

Max. Engine Speed

6,400 RPM (electronically limited)

5,800 RPM

5,800 RPM

Fuel Requirement

Unleaded regular, 87 octane

Unleaded mid-­grade, 89 octane — recommended
Unleaded regular, 87 octane — acceptable

Unleaded mid-­grade, 89 octane (R+M)/2 — recommended
Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2 — acceptable)

Oil Capacity

6.0 quarts (5.7 liters)

7.0 quarts (6.6 liters)

7.0 quarts (6.6 liters)

Coolant Capacity

14.0 quarts (13.25 liters)

14.0 quarts (13.33 liters)

14.0 quarts (13.33 liters)

Emission Controls

Dual three-­way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors

Three-­way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features

Three-­way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features

EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy)

TBA

15/22

TBA


Safety

- Available adaptive cruise control - Available Forward Collision Warning-Plus - Available LaneSense warning and keeping - Frame designed to pass small-overlap crash test

The 2019 Ram 1500 takes a massive leap forward in terms of active safety technology. The truck now offers adaptive cruise control with stop, go, and hold functions, LaneSense lane departure warning and keeping, and ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park, which will help with parking in tight spots. Better still, the truck has Forward Collision Warring-Plus. This system will warn the driver of an impending crash and automatically stop the truck should the driver fail to in time.

Of course, the Ram comes filled with passive safety equipment, too. Dual front airbags, side impact airbags, side roll-over airbags, front crumple zones and side-impact door beams. The front crumple zones use Ram’s new “splayed and tapered” frame rails. Basically, the frame gets wider ahead of the engine and mounts to the bumper in front of the wheels. This is expected to help with the IIHS’ small-overlap crash test. Wheel blockers are mounted behind the front wheels to keep them from deforming the cab floor if shoved rearward by an impact. Undoubtedly, Ram is shooting for a Top Safety Pick+ award.

Pricing

Prices for the new 2019 Ram 1500 hasn’t been announced, though we won’t have to wait long. Ram says the new truck will arrive in showrooms by the end of Q1 2018. Prices for the current Ram 1500 start at $26,495 for the base Tradesman trim and peak around $56,000, just to give an idea. We expect Ram to really explore the upper pricing realm with its Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims, especially with all the new luxury-minded equipment that’s available.

The Competition

2018 Ford F-150

The biggest competitor in the half-ton pickup category is the F-150. It’s also the best-selling vehicle in America, The F-150 underwent its latest update for the 2018 model year, making it still very fresh. The F-150 comes in literally hundreds of bed, cab, trim, drivetrain, and option combinations, making the truck incredibly customizable.

The powertrain list is long with no less than six engine options. It starts with a 3.3-liter V-6 as the base engine. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 are the mid-range engine choices, while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost is what Ford wants you to buy. Those getting the F-150 Raptor will automatically get a high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost that’s rated at an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Most models come with Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission Lower trims get the familiar six-speed automatic.

Ford's latest engine, announced for late 2018, is a new 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel. This new Power Stroke makes 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy and towing specs have not been announced, though the many say Ford is shooting for 30-plus mpg on the highway.

Prices range wildly depending on trim and options. The base XL truck starts at $27,380, but a decked-out Limited trim with all the options checked will top $68,000.

Read our full review on the 2018 Ford F-150.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado

Debuting alongside the 2019 Ram 1500 at the Detroit Auto Show is Chevy’s all-new Silverado. The 2019 model is new from the ground up, getting a new exterior design, a revised interior styling, and updated V-8 engines. While impressive, we’re admittedly more impressed with the 2019 Ram thanks to its laundry list of innovation. Still, the Chevy isn’t without some new-age technology.

Much of that is under the hood. The familiar 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8 get an industry-first fuel-saving technology Chevy calls Dynamic Fuel Management. The system can shut off any number of cylinders – right down to two! – in order to save on fuel, depending on the engine load and operating temperatures. Basically, the engine’s computer will determine how many cylinders it needs to feed fuel, spark, and pressure to for smooth operation. The engines continue to use direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. As of its debut at Detroit, Chevy has not announced power or fuel economy figures.

Pricing for the 2019 Silverado is also still under wraps, though we will be waiting until the end of 2018 before seeing the new truck in showrooms. Estimated pricing will start around $30,000 and cap around $65,000.

Read our full review on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado

Conclusion

Ram certainly knocked its 2019 pickup out of the park. Between the new styling, the swanky interior, the extra interior space, loads of technology, and new active safety equipment, the Ram is poised to take some serious market share away from Ford and Chevy. We’ll have to see what GMC has up its sleeve for its 2019 Sierra, but we’re guessing it will be very similar to the 2019 Silverado. If so, Ram will be ultra competitive.

We’ll bring updates as Ram announced pricing and fuel economy for its new truck, so stay tuned to TopSpeed.com.

References

Ram 1500

All-New 2019 Ram 1500 Steals The Show at Detroit

Read more Detroit Auto Show news.

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