Ram is the latest in a long line of automakers to sell a new generation model alongside the old generation model it just replaced. Don’t get confused, then, if you see the next-generation Ram 1500 sitting alongside the Ram 1500 Classic inside Ram dealerships all over the country. Unlike the next-gen model, the 1500 Classic is being packaged as a no-frills option that would-be customers can opt to get if they’re not willing to pay extra for all the new goodies that are available on the new 1500.

2018 Ram 1500 Classic

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Ram 1500 Classic

What makes the Ram 1500 Classic special

It’s weird for a one-year-old model to be christened as a “classic,” but that’s exactly what Ram did with the 2019 1500 pickup truck. With the next-generation Ram 1500 on the horizon, the American automaker decided that having two concurrent body styles is the way to go. And so, here were are. Ram is keeping the “old” head alive by christening it as the Ram 1500 Classic.

Basically, the 1500 Classic, internally known as the “DS” model, will be sold together with the new 1500, internally known as the “DT” model. Whereas the latter will be filled to the brim with the automaker’s latest tech offerings, the former is being prepared as more of a utilitarian model with four simplified trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, and SSV for special vehicle services. In addition to these trim levels, the 1500 Classic also gets three cabs and three bed lengths. There’s the Regular Cab that comes with either a 6-ft., 4-in. bed or an 8-ft. bed, a Quad Cab with a 6-ft., 4-inch bed, and a Crew Cab with either a 5-ft.,7-inch or a 6-ft., 4-inch bed.

Cab and bed lengths aside, the 1500 Classic gets a smattering of segment-exclusive features, including a unique link-coil rear suspension system that provides what Ram describes as “class-leading ride and handling.” A RamBox bedside storage hidden bins, and a flat-load floor are all available on the Ram 1500 Classic, as well. Heck, there’s even a “Classic” badge on the fenders of the pickup.

The new-old pickup also benefits from three new packages that prospective buyers can get to spice up their rides. The Chrome Plus package, for example, is available on the 1500 Classic Tradesman. Those who avail this package stand to get chrome bumpers, a body-color upper front fascia, remote keyless entry, carpet floor covering, and a set of 17-inch wheels.

If that package isn’t up to standards, the Tradesman SXT package could be what the doctor ordered. It’s also available on the Tradesman trim of the 1500 Classic, and it comes with chrome bumpers, fog lamps, a dual exhaust on V-8 models, a five-inch radio, and a set of 20-inch chrome wheels. Most of the items included in this package are new to the Tradesman trim, so prospective buyers of that version of the 1500 Classic will at least get something new on the table.

The third and final package is called the Express Black Accent package. It’s offered across the entire range of 1500 Classic Express trim exterior colors, including black badging, black headlight bezels, and a set of black wheels.

The 1500 Classic draws its power from a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that produces 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The V-8 mill is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. All told, the 1500 Classic weighs around 5,400 pounds and has a payload of 1,510 pounds and an incredible towing capacity of 10,140 pounds.

Ram has yet to include pricing details surrounding the 1500 Classic. That said, the current version of the pickup starts at $43,995 and could go as high as $57,395. Expect the 1500 Classic to sell closer to its base price.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 1500.

Read our full review on the 2017 Ram 1500.

Read more Ram news.