2020 Ram 1500 Classic Review

Price Range: $14,100 - $31,998

Ram 1500 Classic Big Horn Crew Cab Pickup Exterior Shown

Ram 1500 Classic SLT Fleet Crew Cab Pickup Exterior Shown

Ram 1500 Classic Warlock Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

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2020 Ram 1500 Classic Review

byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

Pros

Smooth-riding suspension provides plenty of comfort
Quiet and attractive cabin
Smooth and efficient eight-speed automatic transmission

Cons

Limited availability of features compared to current 2020 Ram
Missing many of the latest driver assist technologies
Limited selection of trim levels

What's new

Trim levels pared down to Tradesman, Express and Warlock
Part of the fourth Ram 1500 generation introduced for 2009

Overview

You probably know that the 2020 Ram 1500 is a full-size light-duty pickup truck. But what's this 1500 Classic all about? Well, when Ram introduced its fully redesigned 1500 last year it decided to keep building the previous-generation truck at the same time. That means you're going to find the old truck, now called the Classic, alongside the new Ram 1500 on dealer lots.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$186/mo

$227/mo

Avg. Large Truck

Calculate my fuel costs

Why bother with the 1500 Classic? Well, it's sort of a budget model. It has a lower base price than any version of the new model, but it's also unavailable with many of the new truck's features and equipment. Compared to the latest offerings from Ford and Chevrolet, the Ram 1500 Classic looks and feels dated. That said, if you're in the market for a relatively affordable utility vehicle and don't mind the lack of bells and whistles, the 1500 Classic is definitely worth a look.

Which 1500 Classic does Edmunds recommend?

While you could step up to the Express or Warlock model, we suggest going with the base-level Tradesman. It packs in a ton of utility for the price and is offered in the widest array of cab and bed configurations. You can get it with nearly as many optional features as the other two trims too.

Compare 2020 Ram 1500 Classic trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2020 Ram 1500 Classic models

The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic is available in three trim levels: Tradesman, Express and Warlock. There are three cab configurations (regular cab, crew cab and Quad Cab) and three bed lengths (5 feet 7 inches, 6 feet 4 inches, and 8 feet) available, though certain combinations are limited to specific trims.

Each 1500 Classic is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic. A 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) is optional on all three trims. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.

Tradesman
The base comes standard with features such as:

A 40/20/40-split vinyl bench front seat (cloth is optional)
Vinyl floors
A Class IV receiver hitch with integrated trailer wiring
Power heated mirrors
2 USB ports

Express
The midlevel trim adds on:

Body-colored exterior trim
17-inch alloy wheels
Tinted glass windows
Carpeted floors

Warlock
Going with this top-grade trim gets you:

20-inch black-gloss alloy wheels
Black trim with Ram logo grille
Rear sliding window
Projector headlights with LED foglights
A 5-inch touchscreen display

Notable options for the Ram 1500 Classic include:

A limited-slip differential to help improve traction
Various axle gear ratios
Cargo bins in the bed sides (RamBox)
An 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
A tow package with tow mirrors and a trailer brake control

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#1 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ram 1500 Classic from 2008-2022.}

$522/yr

vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.4x/yr

vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.1%

vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Ram 1500 Classic Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

60 reviews

5(67%)

4(18%)

3(5%)

2(3%)

1(7%)

Write a vehicle review See all 60 reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

New full size truck owner

SSBroly, 01/23/2020

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

I purchased my 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Big Horn as a fleet vehicle with 14k miles on it. It had everything I wanted except bed liner. I later decided to get the side steps for the kids and wife easier access. Not an ad, just trying to help others in similar situation. Purchased side steps from carid.com saved about $450, and has lifetime warranty. Bed liner from a local shop also with … lifetime warranty for about $600 less than if dealer installed. I wanted to address the only 1 star review on here regarding dash brightness...you can dim the dash lights on the left side under the headlights switch. There is a slide knob/gear (?) Which turns on interior lights. If you turn it the other way, it dims the lights. The only 3 star review commented on no radio controls on the steering wheel. I found them after a week of ownership. The volume controls are on the BACK right side of wheel and the skip controls are on the back of the left side of wheel. Weird I know lol! **Back to my review** I have used this truck to tow my trailer camper (6400 pounds, 23ft long) on three different occasions. ~6.5 mpg. The 2nd trip I was towing in 45 mph winds and it handled it like a champ. At 55 mph driving over an open bridge in gusty winds I felt in control the whole time. Plenty of room for my family (wife, 4 yo son, 2 yo daughter with car seats). Cabin is very quiet, comfortable and upscale. Lots of cupholders and storage, including two coolers in the floor in the back. The engine is powerful, easy to safely merge, pass etc. Easily handled my camper. Overall amazing truck! I have only owned smaller trucks (1998 Ranger, 1996 Ranger, 2001 S10, 2002 S10 and 1984 Mazda B2000) so I was worried about parking it, driving around in traffic (narrow streets etc), but it is a breeze. There are sensors on the front and back to help along with a very detailed back up camera. CONS: Gas mileage as expected, but not as bad as I imagined (15-18 mpg). I must say I do have the off road tires installed by the prior owner so obviously that is a big factor. Not really complaining, just worst than my little 2012 civic lol. Duh right?!? SiriusXM radio was initially AMAZING however since the trial period ended and I chose not to continue it ($16.99 a month), I have been getting letters from SiriusXM with deals and promotionals ever since at least twice a week. Kind of annoying. I downloaded free apps on phone, sync on bluetooth and listen for free =) If you want it, let it lapse and not respond at first and you will get promotions for 6 months free etc afterwards. *** I have had the truck for about 5k miles so far. I will update after a year. Good luck out there!

Checks every box

Juan, 08/15/2019

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

I wanted to all of my consolidated my vehicles into one that does it all. Needed to combine the utility if my old avalanche with the performance of my focus ST while still being able to haul the kids around comfortably. I looked at the new Sierra and Silverado and was impressed with the performance but not the price. Finally settled on the RAM 1500. It has more space than I'll ever need, …

Dodge’s best kept secret

Nick, 01/20/2019

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

Just bought a Classic 1500. This last run of the 4th gen 1500 will go down as Dodges best kept secret. They are giving these trucks away at a steal of a price. The Big Horn I got is equipped just perfectly for a truck. I don’t need a crazy fancy truck with tons of extras that jack the price north of 50K. I think the gen 4 1500 is the best looking Dodge ever made, I’m not a fan of the …

2019 RAM Classic 1500 Big Horn 4x4

John, 09/05/2019

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A)

This is my first RAM(Always been a Ford Guy). I LOVE this truck! I looked at Ford and Chevy and both were in the $45-$50K range for a well appointed truck. I discovered the Classic at a local dealer and decided to take a test drive...WOW! This truck so smooth and quite even at highway speeds. It handles fantastic and has plenty of go with the 395 HP Hemi V8 and a great exhaust note. …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic, so we've included reviews for other years of the 1500 Classic since its last redesign.

See all 60 reviews of the Ram 1500 Classic

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2020 1500 Classic Highlights

Type:

Quad Cab

Trim:

Tradesman

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,105
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$186/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	10,510 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 1500 Classic models:

Electronic Stability Control: Helps maintain control of the truck in low-traction conditions. Uses the brakes to mitigate wheelslip and trailer sway.
Side Curtain Airbags: Helps mitigate side-impact injury to the driver and passengers by deploying from the area above the windows.
ParkView and ParkSense: Warns the driver through visual and audible cues when the truck is getting close enough to potentially impact an object.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover19.8%

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2020 Ram 1500 Classic Review

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2020 Ram 1500 Classic Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Which 1500 Classic does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Ram 1500 Classic models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Ram 1500 Classic Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

New full size truck owner

Checks every box

Dodge’s best kept secret

2019 RAM Classic 1500 Big Horn 4x4

2020 1500 Classic Highlights

Safety

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2020 Ram 1500 Classic Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Which 1500 Classic does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Ram 1500 Classic models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Ram 1500 Classic Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

New full size truck owner

Checks every box

Dodge’s best kept secret

2019 RAM Classic 1500 Big Horn 4x4

2020 1500 Classic Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2020 Ram 1500 Classic info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Ram

Other models

Join Edmunds

2020 Ram 1500 Classic
SLT Fleet Crew Cab

Certified 2020 Ram 1500 Classic
SLT Fleet Crew Cab

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Warlock Quad Cab

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}