Ever since the second generation Dodge Ram debuted in 1994 and was popularized by the movie Twister, it’s been a run-away sales success. The new fifth generation Rams explode expectations of what a full-size truck can be, in both gas and diesel form. Right now, Ram has a number of excellent incentives. Herein we’ll review why Ram trucks are at the top of the pack.
Americans well-read in their automotive history might have a hard time conjuring the most recent name of America’s formerly third-largest automaker on command. Indeed, there have been many mergers, un-mergers, and acquisitions related to what was once Lee Iacocca’s Chrysler. Chrysler Corporation itself no longer exists, nor do companies such as “Daimler-Chrysler” or “Fiat-Chrysler.” Chryslers, Dodges, and Rams are now manufactured by “Stellantis,” an international conglomerate headquartered in The Netherlands, combining automakers Fiat Chrysler Automotive and the French PSA Group, which owns Peugeot, Critroen, Opel, and Vauxhall. Further confounding the identity of America’s cheapest full size truck is the fact it is no longer called the “Dodge Ram.” Since 2011, America’s third best selling truck brand has just been “Ram.”
The fifth generation Ram now starts at $40,275 for the 1500 Tradesman 4×2 model, which includes four real doors (not an extended cab) and the 305 hp Pentastar V6, bumping up to $44,125 msrp for 4×4. Indeed, there is no Ram regular cab model, so you will always get a back seat. The Ram 1500 Big Horn starts at $45,230 msrp in 4×2 guise, and is one of the more popular Rams on the road today, with 4×4 starting at $49,080 msrp. Ram 1500s now have an optional twin-turbo “Hurricane” inline-six motor (which replaced the 5.7L V8 Hemi for 2025) for an extra $2,695. Big Horn offers an LED trailer hitch light, leather wrapped steering wheel, chrome grille and bumpers, navigation screen, 18 inch aluminum wheels, and a host of interior options. Stepping up to Laramie adds heated and ventilated leather 10-way power seats and dual zone automatic climate control, and a 9 speaker Alpine premium audio system. If you still want a HEMI, it is still offered on the Ram 2500.
Luxury Ram trims include the Limited and Limited Longhorn, $76,445 msrp, which is basically a Rolls Royce pickup truck, with interiors dripping in real wood, leather, and metal trim; a 2500 Limited Crew Cab 4×4 8-foot long bed starts at $85,810 msrp. A 19-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system is sure to be heard from the next city, and there is an available four corner active air level suspension, available 22 inch wheels, heads up display, and a 12 inch digital cluster. Other trims available in between include the sport-trim Rebel, $64,440 msrp, Laramie at $60,030 msrp, RHO $69,995 msrp, and the top of the line Tungsten, $87,320 msrp.
Ram has a trick in its back pocket if you want to get a full size truck for cheap. Automakers such as Nissan have long employed this tactic in markets such as Mexico, and automakers are now bringing the strategy to the United States, and it is this: taking the previous generation and continuing to sell it for a discounted price. You can still buy a brand-spanking-new fourth generation 2024 “Ram Classic” (its final year), which are still available per Ram’s website (it is discontinued for 2025). The more stylish Warlock trim starts at $41,985 msrp with the Pentastar V6 engine, or upgrade to a 5.7L V8 Hemi for $2,495 more. It is still a brand-new truck, with all new parts, manufactured in both Michigan and Coahuila, Mexico. Per Car and Driver, the newest Ram does not come in regular cab, only the Ram Classic.
Ram’s full-size 1500 Classic is the previous iteration of the Ram 1500. It is still a brand-new truck, with all new parts, manufactured in both Michigan and Coahuila, Mexico. Its msrp starts at $31,735, handily undercutting the newer Ram 1500 ($37,905 msrp) and other full size work trucks (F-150 XL at $33,835 in short bed/short cab). Per Car and Driver, the newest Ram does not come in regular cab, only the Ram Classic.
The HEMI Ram Classic is no slouch when it comes to performance, able to tow a maximum 10,620 pounds, giving full size trucks from General Motors a run for their money. Ram Classic with the V8 also has a 1,930 max payload capacity, and bed size can stretch as long as eight feet in the Ram Classic Tradesman regular cab. A five-link coil rear suspension works with electronic stability control and a roll mitigation system to keep wheel lift to a minimum and the truck centered on the road. Other standard features on the Ram 1500 Classic include a rear back up camera, 40/20/40 split-bench seating, 5-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an air filtration and air conditioning system.
Ram has been facing a tough automotive enviornment according to the Wall Street Journal. Right now Stellantis is offering attractive cash allowances on select Ram 1500‘s with V6 engines. You can also get cash allowance on select Ram 1500 Big Horn and Ram 1500 Laramie, as well as on Ram 1500 Classic. Check your local Ram dealer for best incentives as they do vary by region.
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