Used 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Regular Cab Review

A fully redesigned 2019 Ram 1500 is out, but the previous-generation truck is so good that even Ram can't let it go. As such, the company is keeping it going for one more year and calling it the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic.

The Classic is a stripped-down version of the previous-generation truck, with fewer available trim levels. Certainly, the redesigned truck is better. It has greater towing capacities, a stronger frame, and a revamped interior with new technology features. But if you like the old model, or if you want a relatively inexpensive truck that still competes with the newest rivals, this one could do just fine.

The 1500 Classic has limited engine availability. Just the standard 3.6-liter V6 and the 5.7-liter V8 are offered. But it has a big, comfortable interior and a great ride quality on the highway. There is a decent collection of features available, including the user-friendly 8.4-inch Uconnect system and heated front seats.

While the new Ram is a superior truck, the 2019 1500 Classic still has some significant appeal. Lower prices and a basic, no-frills attitude will certainly make this Ram a solid pick for some truck shoppers.

The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is basically a renamed and stripped-down 2018 Ram 1500. It's the same full-size pickup that was available in the previous model year, but with fewer high-end features available.

The regular cab (two doors) can seat three and is available with either a standard bed (6 feet 4 inches) or an extended bed (8 feet). The Quad Cab (four doors) can seat six and comes only with the standard bed. The crew cab (also four doors but with bigger rear doors) increases rear legroom and is available with either a short bed (5 feet 7 inches) or the standard bed.

There are only six trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Warlock, SLT,Big Horn/Lone Star and Laramie. Most trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft), with an option for the 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft). A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine (240 hp, 420 lb-ft) is optional on some models and standard on the top-trim Laramie. All engines are paired with an eight-speed transmission and can be had in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Tradesman is the workhorse of the lineup, with minimal luxury accoutrements and amenities. Just about all of its exterior parts that aren't metal are black, but it does come with 17-inch steel wheels, a Class IV hitch receiver, a spray-in bedliner, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system, two USB ports, a rearview camera, and cruise control.

Like the Tradesman, the Express is also a worker's truck. But it removes the hitch and bedliner (they are offered as options) and adds body-colored exterior trim, carpeting and 20-inch wheels. The Warlock adds a bit more flare and function, with equipment such as heavy-duty rear shock absorbers, tow hooks, LED foglights, rear parking sensors, special badges, and blacked-out exterior elements including emblems and headlight bezels. On top of the Express equipment, the SLT gets the bedliner back and offers more standard equipment such as alloy wheels and a 5-inch touchscreen display.

At the top of the Ram 1500 Classic lineup is the previously midlevel Big Horn (called Lone Star in Texas). It adds features such as a 115-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, front and rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Upgraded cloth seating with a power-adjustable driver's seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel round things out.

The range-topping Laramie is powered exclusively by the diesel engine. Added features include 20-inch chrome wheels, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, an upgraded driver information screen, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats.

Despite the Ram 1500 Classic's bare-bones throwback nature, it does still have some optional extras. Available items include foglights, exterior side steps, bucket seats, adjustable cargo tie-downs, LED interior and bed lighting, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a 10-speaker audio system.