You may be disappointed to see that the 2019 Ram 1500 doesn’t feature the distinctive crosshairs grille which has been around since 1960, but this is the only flaw you can find here without any doubt. Compared to the predecessor, the redesigned half-ton truck offers better options under the hood, more space, and significantly better tech. The manufacturer has played more with paints, so the vehicle offers 12 color options including three two-tone variants. Not enough? What do you say about 16 completely new wheel designs and a range from 18- to 22-inch?
Under the hood, the 2019 Ram 1500 has managed to bring something we didn’t expect. The workhorse is basically using a mild-hybrid system for both V6 and V8 options. The base 3.6-liter V-6 is mated to a 48-volt system, which delivers an additional low-end torque of 90 pound-feet. Though this doesn’t have any influence on the overall output, which is limited to 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
The eTorque system is glued to the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi engine as well, yet the mild-hybrid setup delivers up to 130 pound-feet overhear. As for the engine, it’s limited to 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of twist. In contrast to the V6 which comes exclusively with the eTorque, the potential buyers can get the V8 without this aid. Still, if you care about fuel economy, the mild-hybrid is definitely a far better choice. After all, this alternator is basically here to improve MPG numbers. However, the carmaker isn’t quite ready to release the figures right now. We don’t know why, because the new-gen Ram 1500 is definitely featuring significantly higher MPG numbers. It’s not just due to the hybrid technology, but also thanks to a lighter curb weight and better aerodynamics.
According to the truckmaker, the 2019 Ram 1500 is exactly 225 lighter from the predecessor. But don’t you worry about aluminum parts, because they didn’t use the lightweight material everywhere. Instead, it has been cleverly implemented to the hood, tailgate, and lower control arms. As for the rest of the bodywork, it’s still made of steel.
The aluminum lower control arms are not everything the truck benefits. According to Ram, the 1500 model is also using a retuned suspension which focuses on ride quality and smoother handling. In addition, coilover front shocks are standard parts of every 2019 model, as it is the front stabilizer that improves roll stiffness. In the back, the redesigned ram 1500 has got an all-new five-link coil suspension, which will boost both payload and towing. From now on, the half-ton pickup truck will be able to tow up to 12,750 pounds, while the payload capacity is going to be limited to 2,300 pounds.
The 2019 Ram 1500 mated to a four-wheel-drive has some extras as always. The manufacturer offers two Borg Warner transfer cases, which provide either full-time or on-demand 4WD capabilities. The 4wd has three drive ratios (3.21, 3.55 and 3.92) and all of them are paired with a limited-slip differential.
The full-size pickup truck has got a few additional inches here and there. As a matter of fact, two dimensions have been stretched, while the third parameter went down. From now on, the Ram 1500 workhorse will be about four inches longer and wider by a half of inch. On the other hand, it’s around an inch lower to the ground. Ram’s engineers lifted the bed for about an inch and a half. This is a pretty good idea because thus the truck offers a deeper storage.
The additional inches are mostly used for the interior space. This way, the pickup has become ultra-cozy for all passengers, perhaps equally comfortable as the newest sedans. Tech-wise, the 2019 Ram 1500 gets a 12-inch tablet-styled touchscreen which is in charge of the latest UConnect infotainment system. The new center console is equipped with five USB ports, while the driver can get leather seating and real wood trim.
A 19-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system sounds amazing, though it’s limited to the toppers, so don’t expect anything similar inside of the starting models. On the other hand, you can expect standard heated and cooled front and rear seats, and the rear bench. The bench can be lifted up in order to provide more inside cargo space.
There’s a range of new safety kit available with the new-gen Ram 1500. The pickup includes adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, adaptive front headlights, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and lane departure warning and more. Moreover, according to Ram, there are over 100 standard or optional safety features, which sound quite imposing.
The completely redesigned and undoubtedly better 2019 Ram 1500 will become available in dealerships this March. The car manufacturer hasn’t released any pricing details so far.