Spy photos of the 2019 Ram 1500 give a clear indication the Mega Cab option is returning to the half-ton pickup – a feature not seen since its single-year run in 2008. But as pickups become evermore luxurious, Ram is undoubtedly pushing the envelope. As such, we can expect the next-generation truck to offer outstanding levels of luxury – and rear-seat legroom. The crop of spy photos also give a glimpse at the Ram’s all-new dashboard and front grille.

The photos, courtesy of Truck Trend, show the 2019 Ram 1500 in heavy camouflage. However, hints of the grille can be seen. It appears only horizontal bars are present, suggesting the iconic crosshair grille may be gone. It’s also possible Ram is using different grille designs to denote trim levels, just as currently does. Inside, the Ram wears a new dashboard. The design isn’t groundbreaking, but is more modern than the current dash. The Uconnect screen does appear larger than the current 8.4-inch unit. Thankfully, volume and tuning knobs return. Also visible is a conventional, three-knob HVAC controller, a bank of auxiliary switches, and a trailer brake controller. The rotary shift knob returns, too, as does a large TFT screen between analog dials in the gauge cluster. A smaller-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel caps off the new cabin.

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What we can see

Ram has done a good job camouflaging its test mules, so it’s nearly impossible to see any bodywork updates. Fortunately, openings in the camo allow for a better view of the front grille and bumper. The grille’s perimeter appears more rounded than before. The slats are strictly horizontal, too, with a thicker slat in the center. Hints of chrome shine from the bumper through openings in the camo. This also shows the fog lights are mounted far outboard and a center opening is present, presumably to help with airflow to the radiator. Squared-off tow hooks are present, as well.

As for wheels, one test mule appears to wear smallish, 17-inch, five-spoke rollers covered in flat black paint. Another truck has a six-spoke wheel that might be 20 inches. Both wheels clearly have a six-lug bolt pattern, solidifying this as a half-ton pickup. Interestingly, the 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab used the larger eight-lug bolt pattern from the Ram 2500.

Ram will likely use a single wheelbase length for 1500 Mega Cab. It will be the same wheelbase used for the Crew Cab, long box truck. Of course, the extra room inside the cab cuts into the bed length. Coincidently, this should allow Ram to use the standard cargo box behind the Mega Cab.

Powering the 2019 Ram 1500 will be a familiar pair – the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, both matched with the eight-speed automatic. How do we know? Well, the spy shots snagged a photo of an engineer’s clipboard sitting in the front seat. The top page clearly details two test mules with the V-6 and two with the V-8. This is great news for Hemi fans. Rumors have suggested the well-loved 5.7-liter was kicking the bucket for 2019. While a new engine option is tantalizing, losing the Hemi would be a hard hit. Still, we’d bet the Hemi’s days are numbered. Ram is supposedly working on a turbocharged inline-six with more power and torque than the current V-8. That would be impressive, as the Hemi makes 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.

All told, the 2019 updates are expected to be deep. That’s (somewhat) confirmed by these photos. New body panels bring a new look, the new dash is fancier and will surely have better fit and finish, and possible updates in frame and suspension designs could improve towing and payload capacity. Ram could even give the 1500 a healthy diet for better fuel economy. We’ve still got plenty of unanswered questions, but the clock is ticking; expect Ram to debut its new truck within the next calendar year.

Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 1500 here.