2018 Ram 1500
Pros
- Smooth-riding suspension provides plenty of comfort
- Quiet and attractive cabin
- Smooth and efficient eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rebel 1500 off-road package offers extra capability
Cons
- Maximum tow rating falls shy of those of class leaders
- Diesel engine's upfront cost is significant
- Missing some of the latest driver assist technologies
2018 Ram 1500 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which 1500 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
8.4 / 10Though the 2018 Ram 1500 is one of the oldest designs on sale in the segment, it's easy to make the case that the Ram is still our favorite light-duty pickup. One of the primary reasons is the Ram's smooth ride, which is best in class. It comes about from the Ram's class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension and available self-leveling air suspension.
But that's not all we like. Another Ram strength is its excellent engine lineup. Although the Ram comes in below the class-leading towing numbers by a few hundred pounds, it's still abundantly capable. Its standard engine is a strong but efficient V6, and there's also an optional V8 with plenty of towing power and a turbocharged diesel V6 that returns excellent fuel economy in the class.
Once you've picked an engine, several variants are available for the Ram, from the bare-bones Tradesman to the top-of-the-line Limited and even the off-road-ready Rebel. The Ram also boasts a modern interior, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and lots of opportunity for even more customization.
Of course, competing trucks aren't exactly slouches. But even as the old guy of the group, the Ram is still standing strong.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Ram 1500 (including the Ram 1500 Diesel) as one of Edmunds' Best Trucks for this year.
2018 Ram 1500 configurations
The 2018 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup available in multiple body styles and bed lengths and with three engine options. 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 bigger rear doors) increases rear-seat legroom and is available with either a short bed (5 feet 7 inches) or the standard bed.
There are 11 standard trim levels: Tradesman, HFE EcoDiesel, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, Sport, Night,, Lone Star Silver, Laramie, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn and Limited. A variety of special-edition models exist, one of which is the Harvest.
Most trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 (305 hp, 269 lb-ft), while Rebel, Laramie Longhorn and Limited variants come standard with a 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft). For fans of diesel torque, a 3.0-liter diesel V6 (240 hp, 420 lb-ft) will also be available on all but Express, Night and Rebel trims (delayed availability). Of course, the V8 is optional on all Ram 1500s, save for the HFE trim. And all three 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 a Class IV hitch receiver, a spray-in bedliner and cruise control. Like the Tradesman, the Express is also a worker's truck, but it deletes the hitch and bedliner (they are offered as options) and adds body-colored exterior trim, carpeting and 20-inch wheels. Both have the most flexibility with bed and cab configurations and come standard with the V6.
The HFE EcoDiesel is a work truck that's outfitted with the 3.0-liter diesel engine and is intended to be the fuel economy standout of the lineup. It's available only in a Quad Cab configuration and comes with few features and fewer options.
But trucks just aren't about working, so the Big Horn (called Lone Star in Texas) adds more features such as a 110-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system dubbed Uconnect Access. Upgraded cloth seating with a power-adjustable driver's seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel round things out.
Sport and Night models are similar and bring a street-truck flair to the lineup with 20-inch wheels, bucket seats, projector headlights, LED interior lighting and adjustable pedals. While Sport models have body-colored exterior pieces, Night models are in black, with black wheels to match. Regular-cab, rear-wheel-drive Sport models are referred to as the R/T and come with 22-inch wheels, a sport hood and a blacked-out grille with R/T badging.
New-for-2018 Harvest trims are available in two unique colors and have additional ground clearance, all-terrain tires, black tubular side steps, skid plates and tow hooks, and a unique chrome grille as well as chrome bumpers and exterior trim.
The Laramie is similar to the Big Horn but also has auto-dimming mirrors, wood trim, heated and ventilated leather front seats with driver-seat memory settings, and a 10-speaker audio system.
The Laramie Longhorn (crew-cab V8 only) is the perfect blend of luxury and work truck. Added features include keyless entry and ignition, remote start, front and rear parking sensors, wood interior trim, upgraded leather upholstery and a navigation system.
At the top of the range, the Limited is only available with the V8 and adds monotone paint schemes, side-step bars, automatic windshield wipers, automatic high beams, a self-leveling air suspension and even fancier stitched leather upholstery.
The Ram is also available in an off-road-oriented variant called the Rebel. On the outside, you'll find features similar to those on the Sport R/T, but the Rebel has 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, black fender flares, Bilstein shock absorbers, tow hooks, LED foglights and keyless entry. The Rebel's interior is similar to that of the Sport, though with a few more features.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our drive of the Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab (turbo 3.0L V6 diesel | 8-speed automatic | 4WD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2014, the current Ram 1500 has received some revisions, primarily around a new infotainment system and updates to trims and packages. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Ram 1500.
Driving
8.5Acceleration
7.5Braking
8.0Steering
9.0Handling
9.0Drivability
9.5Off-road
Comfort
8.5Seat comfort
8.5Ride comfort
9.0Noise & vibration
7.5Climate control
Interior
8.5Ease of use
9.0Getting in/getting out
8.0Roominess
8.5Visibility
8.0Quality
9.0Utility
8.5Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Ram 1500.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 1500 safety features:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Helps maintain control of the truck in low-traction conditions. Uses the brakes to mitigate wheel slip 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.
2018 Ram 1500 for Sale
Get more for your trade-in
Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
Receive offers from our dealer partners fast.
See your car's valueWhile the 2018 Ram 1500 has a unique rear suspension design that sets it apart from the competition, it fundamentally follows a familiar full-size truck recipe: Offer a plethora of body styles, engine options, bed lengths and features. From fleet use to near-luxury spec cruisers, the Ram 1500 can be configured the way you need it.
Many of the Ram 1500 variants comes with a 3.6-liter V6 (305 hp, 269 lb-ft) as standard equipment, although a 3.0-liter turbodiesel (240 hp, 420 lb-ft) and a 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) are also available.
All Ram 1500s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Like other trucks in the segment, you can order your truck with different gear ratios, and some models offer locking differentials.
The Tradesman and Express represent your traditional worker's truck, while the Lone Star and Big Horn variants add a few more features. The Sport model features full body-colored front and rear fascias, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, heated bucket seats and steering wheel, and a larger 8.4-inch Uconnect system. The Night model follows suit, except it comes with gloss black 20-inch wheels and a black honeycomb grille.
Harvest models come in colors matching industrial farm machines from Case IH and New Holland. An additional inch of ride hight, all-terrain tires, skid plates and tow hooks increase usability over rough terrain.
Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models are luxury-oriented trucks, with the Longhorn offering the 5.7-liter V8, a spray-in bedliner, a 32-gallon fuel tank (vs 26), body-colored fascias, a chrome Ram logo on the tailgate, running boards, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, full-size floor console, and heated and ventilated 10-way power-adjustable bucket seats wrapped in leather. At the top, the Limited is equipped like the Laramie Longhorn, but it adds an active air suspension and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with gray inserts.
The Ram 1500 Rebel is an off-road-oriented truck that comes standard with a shorter final drive, locking rear differential and off-road Bilstein shocks. Front and rear bumpers are powder-coated in black, and black fender flares set off 17-inch aluminum wheels shod with all-terrain tires.
No matter which variant you choose, make sure to visit Edmunds to ensure you build the right 2018 Ram 1500 for your needs.
2018 Ram 1500 Overview
The 2018 Ram 1500 is offered in the following submodels: 1500 Crew Cab, 1500 Regular Cab, 1500 Quad Cab, 1500 Diesel. Available styles include Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Express 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Express 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Express 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Rebel 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Big Horn 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Express 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Night 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Harvest 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Big Horn 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Express 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Sport 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Laramie 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Harvest 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Night 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Harvest 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Harvest 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Sport 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Rebel 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Sport 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Express 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Sport 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Harvest 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Night 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Lone Star 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Harvest 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Sport 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Lone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Sport 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Night 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Laramie 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Lone Star Silver 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Night 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Night 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Night 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Sport 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), HFE 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A), SLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), SLT Fleet 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), SLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), SLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), SLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), SLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), SLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab LB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), SLT Fleet 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A), SLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (5.7L 8cyl 8A), and SLT Fleet 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A).
What do people think of the 2018 Ram 1500?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Ram 1500 and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 1500.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ram 1500 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 1500 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Ram 1500?
2018 Ram 1500 Express 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
The 2018 Ram 1500 Express 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $43,315. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ram 1500 Express 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is trending $11,512 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $11,512 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$31,803.
The average savings for the 2018 Ram 1500 Express 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is26.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Ram 1500 Express 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
The 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $39,035. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is trending $8,870 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,870 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$30,165.
The average savings for the 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is22.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
The 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,285. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is trending $8,665 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,665 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$24,620.
The average savings for the 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) is26% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Ram 1500s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Ram 1500 for sale near. There are currently 268 new 2018 1500s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $32,925 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Ram 1500. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $18,047 on a used or CPO 2018 1500 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Ram 1500s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Ram 1500 for sale - 8 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $10,249.
Find a new Ram for sale - 6 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $14,862.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Ram 1500?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ram lease specials
Related vehicle information
2018 Ram 1500 Information
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- 2018 Ram 1500 Review
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- 2018 Ram 1500 Ownership Costs