No, your eyes do not deceive you: that photo you're looking does indeed depict a 2019 model year Ram 1500 pickup. The reason it looks like the previous generation version of this full-size pickup model is that's exactly what it is.
It's not uncommon for car manufacturers to keep a vehicle around even after it has ostensibly been replaced with a new design. It's a particularly good idea in the case of the super-hot pickup market, where many buyers like to stick with what they know.
Therefore, the Ram 1500 Classic, as this carried over model is called, is unchanged from 2018 save for its "Classic" badging and a leaner range of five trims that includes ST, Tradesman, Express, SLT and the fleet-only SSV.
There are no mild hybrid drivetrains here as found in the all-new Ram 1500 (which you can read about in its own buyer's guide entry). Instead, according to Ram's press materials, the choices are as they were last year: a 3.6L gas V6 (305 hp/269 lb-ft of torque); a 3.0L turbodiesel (240 hp/420 lb-ft) and a 5.7L V8 cranking out 395 hp and 410 lb-ft.
You can get the 1500 Classic with 2WD or 4WD. All three engines come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but an old-school six-speed is optional with the V8.
Ram made some key updates to this truck in 2018, like adding the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration platforms to the Uconnect infotainment system. The touchscreen also got an upgrade with tablet-like functionality and sharper resolution.
The 1500 Classic also carries forward the Ram's rear coil-spring suspension, a unique feature in pickups, which normally employ leaf springs to provide payload and towing capacity.
Standard features in the entry-level ST model include air conditioning, cruise control, six-speaker stereo, 17-inch steel wheels and heated and power-adjustable side mirrors. The SLT gains aluminum wheels, carpeting and floor mats, keyless entry, chrome bumpers and satellite radio, chrome door handles, Bluetooth, overhead console, compass and exterior temperature display and Uconnect infotainment with five-inch display. Both of these trims come in regular, quad and crew cab configurations.
The most notable casualty here are the 1500's upscale trims: if you want the niceties of trims like Big Horn, Laramie or Rebel, you'll have to move to the new truck to get them.
As of our writing this, Ram had only published fuel consumption estimates for the V8. Its ratings are 15.7/11.0 L/100 km (city/highway) with the eight-speed and RWD, or 16.1/11.5 with 4WD. Six-speed/V8 trucks are rated 17.0/12.0 with RWD and 18.7/13.3 when fitted with 4WD.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
