2019 Ram 1500 Review
2019 Ram 1500 Review





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Used 1500 for sale
Ram 1500 model years
Ram 1500 types
- Crew Cab
- Quad Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Smooth-riding suspension delivers luxury sedanlike comfort
- Cabin is quiet, roomy and downright plush on higher trims
- Plenty of towing capability supported by new technology aids
- Off-road-focused Rebel trim promises big fun in the dirt and mud
Cons
- Common driver assist features are limited to higher trims
What's new
- The Ram 1500 is fully redesigned for 2019
- Reduced weight and increased payload and towing capacity
- More rear-seat space
- New mild hybrid power system
- Debuts the fifth Ram 1500 generation
The 2019 Ram 1500 is all-new and redesigned but hasn't abandoned its successes, namely a unique coil-spring rear suspension that delivers a smooth ride without sacrificing towing or hauling capability. Perhaps the Ram 1500's greatest feat is serving as a blank canvas to build your truck needs around. From work truck to luxury truck, the Ram 1500 offers a broad skill set.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 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 $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$197/mo
1500 Big Horn/Lone Star
vs
$247/mo
Avg. Large Truck
For 2019, the Ram 1500 has shed weight. Ram says the new truck is nearly 225 pounds lighter than its predecessor despite adding stronger steel construction to its frame. Maximum payload and towing capacity also increase, while the class-exclusive air suspension receives fine-tuning for improved ride comfort, off-road capability and load-leveling.
A mild hybrid engine assist technology called eTorque appears on this new Ram. Not a hybrid technology in the traditional sense of a gas-electric car, eTorque stores electricity in a lithium battery and helps the automatic engine stop-start system work more smoothly. It also provides a bit of extra power in short bursts. For now, the Ram's previously available 3.0-liter diesel V6 isn't offered, but it could show up in the 2020 model.
Inside, the Ram delivers new technology highlighted by an optional infotainment system with a massive 12-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. (Ironically, a single CD player is optional only on higher trim levels.) The new Ram's predecessor was one of the older designs among American half-ton pickups, but no more. Sharpened new design, additional technology, and increased capability vault the 2019 Ram 1500 back to its place as one of the top achievers in its class.
For more detailed information on this year's changes, check out our 2019 Ram 1500 First Look and our 2019 Ram 1500 First Drive articles.
Notably, we picked the 2019 Ram 1500 as one of Edmunds' Best Pickup Trucks, Best Off-Road Trucks, Best Trucks for Towing, Best Gas Mileage Trucks and Best Family Cars for this year.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds purchased a Ram 1500 and drove it for two years and nearly 50,000 miles. To learn more about our experiences, visit the long-term page for our 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy. Edmunds considers this our top-rated full-size truck, and although some customers reported quality concerns, ours was largely trouble-free. If you have questions about the Ram 1500, read our test. We've probably answered them.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
8.6 / 10The 2019 Ram 1500 is fully redesigned but it hasn't abandoned its successes, namely a unique coil-spring rear suspension that delivers a smooth ride without sacrificing towing or hauling capability. From work truck to luxury truck, the Ram 1500 offers a broad skill set.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ram 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab Standard Bed (5.7L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD) and Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab Standard Bed (5.7L V8 | 8-speed automatic | 4WD).
Scorecard
Overall | 8.6 / 10 |
Driving | 8.5 |
Comfort | 8.5 |
Interior | 9.0 |
Utility | 9.5 |
Technology | 8.5 |
Driving
8.5The Hemi V8 engine and eight-speed transmission work so well together that we could recommend this truck on that basis alone. But the Ram takes things a step further with confident steering, handling and braking, too. Ram's decision to walk away from leaf springs continues to pay dividends here.
Acceleration
8.5It's hard to argue with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. It feels strong off the line, and it serves up excellent roll-on acceleration when it's time to merge or make a pass. Our measured 0-60 mph test time was 6.6 seconds with a truck with economical 3.21 axle gearing. This is a no-nonsense truck engine.
Braking
8.5The Ram 1500 has powerful brakes that are easy to regulate smoothly thanks to a firm pedal and dependable consistency. And they're equally adept whether you're poking along in traffic or rushing into corners on a winding road. Our 60 mph panic-stop test took 132 feet, which is as expected for the class.
Steering
8.0It feels well-connected while cruising straight, with modest steering effort that increases predictably in corners to keep the driver in the loop. The ratio is quicker than past years, so there's little need to go hand-over-hand in tight places. Still, it never feels jumpy or darty on the highway.
Handling
9.0The Ram 1500 always feels balanced and coordinated, with nicely controlled body motions. Many pickups feel unsteady when cornering through dips (such as intersections with prominent cross-drainage), but the Ram's coil spring rear suspension and rear stabilizer bar put it in a class of its own.
Drivability
9.5It's hard to imagine it being better than this. The power of the 5.7-liter V8 is easy to manage thanks to a throttle pedal that's neither too jumpy nor too dead. It also helps that there's plenty of torque, and the smart-shifting eight-speed transmission also seems to be in the right gear at the right time.
Comfort
8.5The seats are so good that even the cheapest Tradesman with simple four-way controls feels supportive and comfortable. Rear coil springs give it a better ride than any other truck, and this new crew cab is tight and quiet. The new dash design includes nicely positioned vents and easy-to-use climate controls.
Seat comfort
9.0The front seats are nicely shaped to provide comfort and support over long distances, and that even applies to the Tradesman and its basic adjustments. The rear bench is nicely shaped and has an agreeable backrest angle, and in higher trims it reclines a surprising amount. Yes, it has a reclining rear seat!
Ride comfort
8.5It's smooth and steady on a wide range of surfaces, with body motion that's never allowed to get too buoyant or floaty. Rough road impacts are neatly absorbed with very little kick or shake. The Ram 1500 is probably the least "trucky" full-size pickup we've tested, and ours didn't even have the optional air suspension.
Noise & vibration
8.0Admirably quiet inside, with low levels of wind and road noise — although the low-priced Tradesman isn't as hushed as pricier trims. The Hemi V8 makes some thunder when you lay into it, but it's a sound you don't mind hearing at all. When cruising at a steady speed, it fades into the background.
Climate control
8.5The Tradesman has a system with easy manual controls, and the more full-featured automatic control system further up the range is simple and effective, too. The large vents make it easy to cool the entire cabin, and even a Tradesman with a front bench seat manages to have center vents for the rear passengers.
Interior
9.0The Ram 1500 crew cab's interior is a very pleasing place to spend time. It's attractively and intelligently designed, easy to get in and out of, and easy to see out of. More than anything, it's very spacious, especially in the back seat, which offers class-leading legroom.
Ease of use
8.5The nicely designed center stack protrudes just enough to put all the controls close at hand without feeling imposing. Buttons and knobs feel good to the touch and operate just as you'd expect. Push-button start and an electric parking brake are standard even on the budget-level Tradesman.
Getting in/getting out
9.0The Ram has wide door openings, and the extra rear legroom means there's tons of foot clearance as you enter the backseat area. All four doors have their own chunky and well-positioned grab handles. Easy-grab door release handles, inside and out. You'll step up to get in, but no more than in any other truck.
Driving position
9.0Every Ram 1500 has a telescoping steering wheel this year. There's a generous amount of tilt-and-telescoping adjustment range, too. The seating position gives you a commanding view of the road yet keep the pedals and controls within easy reach. Adjustable pedals are present in higher trims.
Roominess
9.5Plenty of headroom, legroom and shoulder room in all seating positions. The amount of side glass and the design of the dash help it feel spacious, too. Newly redesigned crew cab offers more rear legroom than anything else in the class by a long ways, and the back seat even reclines in many models.
Visibility
8.0It's easy to see over the hood, which steps down above the headlights to improve the view to the corners. The side glass is ample and the door mirrors are big, too. The rear view is good, but the center mirror is a bit skinny and the new Ram's tailgate is taller than before. A backup camera is standard, though.
Quality
9.0Interior materials and the switchgear on the Laramie and Limited are quite impressive. This is the best truck interior we've ever come across. The low-cost Tradesman is more utilitarian, but that's in line with its much lower price. Panel gaps are tight and consistent no matter which version we examine.
Utility
9.5The Ram 1500's chassis has been upgraded to permit higher payload and tow ratings than ever before, and the optional RamBox remains unique in the segment. The redesigned crew cab has abundant storage and its much-improved rear-seat folding mechanism reveals a broad, flat load floor.
Small-item storage
10.0The Ram offers dual gloveboxes and huge front and rear door pockets, as well as large sub-floor bins under the feet of the outside rear passengers. The center of the bench seat folds down to reveal a good-size bin, and the center console box between bucket-equipped trucks is by far the biggest and most configurable we've ever seen.
Cargo space
10.0The back half of this huge crew cab is very well-suited to carrying cargo. The rear seat bottoms lift and fold straight up, revealing a floor that is completely flat and free of obstructions. The fold-up rear seat bottom is one piece in budget trims and split into 60/40 segments in more expensive ones.
Child safety seat accommodation
9.5Huge crew cab with the most rear legroom in the truck class means that even the bulkiest rear-facing car seats fit with ease, with no need for front occupants to compromise their seating position. LATCH anchors are easy to access in the outer positions, as are the three tethers across the top.
Towing
8.5Tow ratings for the V8 crew cab are about 11,200 pounds (4x4) and 11,500 (4x2) pounds with the 3.92 axle option. Other options include a zoomable backup camera for easy hitching, a blind-spot system that adjusts for trailer length, excellent flip-up tow mirrors and an integrated trailer brake controller.
Hauling
9.0Payloads are up and are now very competitive. Cargo lighting is standard, movable tie-down rails are optional, and Ram is the only one that offers anything like the RamBox: a pair of large power-locking outside storage bins (now with 110-volt power inside), movable cleats and a movable cargo fence.
Technology
8.5Ram has leapt ahead of the pack, and not just because of the eye-catching 12-inch touchscreen. The 8.4-inch touchscreen is impressive and widely available across the line, with better smartphone integration than many high-end luxury vehicles. Crash avoidance tech exists but is strictly optional.
Audio & navigation
9.5Wow, that 12-inch screen and its sharp graphics and huge map display are amazing. It's optional, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect system that most will get still has impressive controls, graphics and sound. The standard 5-inch touchscreen audio in Tradesman lacks navigation but is capable and easy to use.
Smartphone integration
9.5Multiple USB and USB-C inputs (front, rear and inside the console) feed into the 8.4- and 12-inch touchscreens. Both systems have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention Bluetooth streaming audio. The basic 5-inch system still has Bluetooth and dual USB inputs. All are easy to pair to and use.
Driver aids
7.5Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert systems are available on most trim levels, but parking-assist sensors and forward collision and lane departure mitigation systems are only available on the Laramie and above. None of these aids is standard on any trim level, which is odd.
Voice control
8.5The voice control system recognizes most names with few errors, and the activation buttons are easy to find on the steering wheel spokes. That button will go straight through to Siri if you have your phone connected, and that's even true if your Ram has the basic 5-inch touchscreen audio system.
Which 1500 does Edmunds recommend?
Today's pickups are chameleons, capable of being everything from economy workhorses to luxury rides with tremendous cargo capability. The 2019 Ram 1500 offers broad options, and if we were getting one for work-and-play double duty, we'd go with the Big Horn with a handful of options — with one exception. If our "play" regularly included dirt roads, the Rebel would be the only sensible choice.
2019 Ram 1500 models
The 2019 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup available in a handful of body style, bed length and powertrain configurations. Most Ram 1500s come standard as a Quad Cab that can seat up to six passengers. The optional Crew Cab increases rear-seat legroom and offers full-size rear doors (Quab Cabs feature three-quarter-size rear doors). Quad Cabs have a standard bed size (6 feet 4 inches), while most Ram 1500 Crew Cabs offer either the standard bed or a short bed (5 feet 7 inches).
The Ram 1500 offers seven trim levels: Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited.
Standard on all trims is a 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque). Optional on all but the HFE is a 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft). Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a 3.21 axle ratio, and rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is available on all but the HFE. Lower axle ratios (3.55 and 3.92) are also available on most models.
The workhorse of the lineup, the Tradesman makes minimal concessions to luxury with 18-inch steel wheels, vinyl flooring and upholstery, and the Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen display.
But it's not totally devoid of conveniences or creature comforts. Standard features include automatic headlights, a locking tailgate, a Class III hitch receiver, trailer sway control, heated side mirrors, push-button ignition, cruise control, a 40/20/40-split folding bench seat, air conditioning, a rearview camera, rear-seat USB charge ports, Bluetooth, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system with dual USB inputs and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Tradesman can be upgraded with options that include a Class IV hitch receiver, trailer brake control, an electronic locking rear differential, towing mirrors, chrome exterior trim, a spray-in bedliner, cloth upholstery, a folding rear seat, satellite radio and a CD player.
The HFE is equipped like the Tradesman but offers increased fuel efficiency from its V6 engine. It's available only with rear-wheel drive. Ram had not yet revealed details on this specific trim level at the time of our review.
The Big Horn (called the Lone Star in Texas) adds more features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, tinted windows, floor carpet, cloth upholstery, and a 60/40-split folding rear bench seat, but far more options are available for the Big Horn than the Tradesman. They include 20-inch wheels, an air suspension, LED headlights and taillights, side steps, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control, and Uconnect infotainment with the 8.4-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. Off-road underbody protection, larger fuel tanks and bed utilities are also available.
The Rebel is geared more toward off-roading and comes standard with specialized off-road tires, front tow hooks, skid plates, fortified shocks and suspension, an electronic-locking rear axle, a 3.92 axle ratio, and hill descent control. It also builds on the Big Horn's features with a Class IV hitch receiver, LED headlights and foglights, a 115-volt power outlet, a power-adjustable driver seat, front bucket seats, a larger driver information display and satellite radio.
The Ram 1500 moves into luxury territory at the Laramie trim level, which adds to many of the optional features listed above with front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, power-adjustable 40/20/40-split bench front seats, heated and ventilated front outboard seats, driver-seat position memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry.
Other upgrades include dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 115-volt rear seat outlet, two rear seat USB inputs (one is charge-only), the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and emergency notification,
Moving deeper into creature comforts, the Longhorn adds 20-inch wheels, a spray-in bedliner, chrome side steps, power tailgate release, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, front bucket seats with upgraded leather upholstery, heated and ventilated reclining rear seats, a leather-wrapped wood steering wheel, a navigation system, and, yes, a CD player.
Note that the Longhorn comes with a short bed, but the longer bed is optional. The Longhorn can also be ordered without the spray-in bedliner.
The Limited trim caps off the amenities with a standard adjustable air suspension, chrome exterior trim, power-retractable side steps, premium-leather bucket seats, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Many of a specific trim level's standard features are optional on the trim level below it. There are also several cosmetic appearance packages available, ranging from chrome to blacked-out grilles, exhaust tips and other accents. Options for all models include various bed utilities (adjustable tie-downs, bed lighting and RamBox bed storage), and components for off-roading, towing and trailering. More select options, like 22-inch wheels, are reserved for higher trims such as the Laramie and the Limited.
Optional advanced safety features (reserved for Laramie, Longhorn and Limited trim levels) include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, a surround-view camera system and a self-parking system. An optional Uconnect package with a large 12-inch touchscreen is also exclusive to those trims.
Jump to:Related 2019 1500 articles
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Ram 1500.
5 star(39%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(20%)
226 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Disappointed long time Dodge/Ram owner.
Steven, 09/14/2018
2019 Ram 1500 Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
I have had several versions of the Dodge ram 1500 since it was redesigned in 2009. They have all performed very well with high-quality interiors and technology. I was very excited when I bought my 2019 Ram Laramie this past July. Within two weeks of ownership, the phone system stopped functioning properly and the audio quality sounded as though only one speaker was working. I have … the Harman Kardon Soundsystem which is wonderful. But in order to get the phone sound quality back to all speakers, you have to turn off the surroundsound manually for each call. That was the fix that Chrysler has so far. The new heavy duty brakes are squeaking like crazy. The incredibly smooth ZF transmission has intermittent clunking when down shifting when coming to a stop. The air conditioning is not as cold as my previous Ram 1500. The final straw which prompted me to write this review, was when the truck stalled at a light yesterday. The truck is so quiet on the inside that I didn’t even know it stalled until all the alarms went off telling me to put the truck into park and restart it. When trying to contact Chrysler Corporation, I get an overseas call center with an agent but most likely has no idea what a truck is. The Chrysler dealership in Palm Springs, CA has been very helpful but they are baffled at the truck’s issues and their arms are tied waiting for Chrysler to get the bugs worked out. If I had known I was going to have all these troubles I would have kept my old truck. I believe Chrysler released this truck too early without properly testing all if it’s systems. I will open an official complaint with Chrysler and will start the Lemon Law procedure If it’s not repaired within the legal amount of time it takes Chrysler to repair it. It takes a long time but the law does work ( used it with a defective Ford product years ago). I will say, the truck is very quiet and very roomy. The interior is incredibly comfortable compared to my previous truck. The ride quality is the best. That said, the technical issues outweigh the comfort. I would recommend not buying one of these trucks until after the bugs are worked out. Maybe a 2021 model.
1 out of 5 stars
Vehicle Problems and terrible customer support
Ryan , 08/28/2019
2019 Ram 1500 Limited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
I purchased a 2019 Ram 1500 Limited and started experiencing problems with the touch screen technology within the first week of ownership. That was the first of many problems I had over the course of a year including the side view mirrors not tilting, windows randomly rolling down, side steps deploying at random times, squeaks etc. etc., ultimately resulting in a case filed with FCA. … That was over a month ago and still no resolution. One of the reasons I was told that things were taking so long was that the Area Manager was on vacation!!! To sum it up- Ram quality is terrible and FCA could care less about their customer.
1 out of 5 stars
Official Lemon by law and RAM says too bad!
Brian Tepesch, 07/29/2019
2019 Ram 1500 Limited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
I had to take my brand new 2019 new style RAM 1500 into the shop 5 times within the first 2 months and 1500 miles due to the check engine light randomly coming on. They replaced many components including the entire engine. I was without the truck for over 30 days, so by law it is a lemon. I just want a replacement as this truck that has had a lot of work done to it is not, and never was, … the truck I was sold. Best part, RAM says too bad, and for confidential reasons they will not replace it. Confidential... as in the loyalty of the company doesn't match the loyalty of this 3rd generation RAM owner who has owned numerous RAMs including this 3rd in a row new purchase??? Loyalty only lives on the consumer side these days, and RAM proved it with how they have responded to this situation.
3 out of 5 stars
Don't Get Sucked in by the Looks and Comfort
Jeff, 05/03/2019
2019 Ram 1500 Limited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
I can't in good conscience give this truck more than three stars due to reliability issues. Let me explain. The all new 2019 Ram 1500 is beautifully designed and engineered as long as you are wanting to spend $58,000 on a piece of yard art. I hope that you enjoy spending a lot of time at your local dealership where you purchased it because it will either be sitting in your yard or at the … dealership. I purchased mine on 1/18/19 which was the day the problems began. I noticed a damaged trim piece and I called it to the salespersons attention who in turn got the body shop manager involved. They said they would take care of the issue. When we went to sign the papers no we owe for the trim piece. Oh yeah, I forgot about that, after reminding them the paperwork was filled out. Well, it only took 3 times of ordering the part and trips to the dealer to get the proper piece put on. No big deal, its installed. The real problems started six days after I purchased the truck. Here comes the first recall in the mail. This one has to do with an intermittent steering failure due to a faulty ground connection. No parts in stock. Have to order it. Parts comes in, I have to take it back to have the work performed. Then almost 30 days later here comes the second recall notice in the mail. This one was for the brake pedal that could possibly fall off if you use the adjustable pedals. Again, no parts in stock. Have to order and be put on a waiting list. After several calls to FCA, and being hung up on one of those times, I was told that the repair parts were being issued to dealers in limited quantities. Can’t slow down production to take care of current customer issues, now can we? FCA advised me in the meantime, just don’t use the adjustable pedals. Of course, I already had, and the vehicle will be safe to drive. I don’t know about you but I’m not willing to risk driving a vehicle that the brake pedal could possibly fall off of because a customer service rep from FCA tells me it’s safe. I still haven’t been able to figure out how intermittent steering loss and the possibly of your brake pedal falling off is safe but I digress. FCA did give me four free oil changes for my trouble. SCORE!!! Then the front brakes would squeal terribly during stopping. Apparently, this is a known issue as there is a service bulletin on the condition. The solution, replace both front brake calipers and pads. That’s right, all new front brakes. Mind you there are only 2300 miles on the truck. Most of which was going to and from the dealer. The other issue is the speed adjustable volume can barely be heard at all. Why is the volume adjustment inadequate you ask? The reason the service advisor gave me was because the active noise control module is interfering with the speed adjustable volume. FCA has designed two systems that interfere with each other and installed them on a vehicle. The current solution to this? Use the steering wheel controls to adjust the volume. Service said they tested other 2019 Ram’s on the lot and they all display the same condition so it’s not really a problem. By that logic if every engine explodes at 5000 miles then it’s not really a problem because hey, they all do it. I spent an extra $4,595.00 for the level 2 equipment group and another $1,095.00 for the 12-inch display and this is the answer I get. Completely unacceptable. I have been buying Dodge Ram’s since 2001, which is still on the road, and this by far is the worst Ram I have ever purchased. Three months in with these many issues I don’t want to think of what is next. If you are in need of a new truck now, stay as far away from the Ram as possible. I should have gone with my gut feeling and spent the extra money and bought the Ford. Save yourself a lot of time and trouble and buy something else. Time to see if I can get FCA to hang up on me again.
2019 Ram 1500 videos
[MUSIC PLAYING] CARLOS LAGO: We were excited to buy the now current generation Ram 1500 as soon as it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in 2018. We wanted to test out the new updated interior, see what this vertical touchscreen was like in operation, and experience the ride quality from the improved rear coil spring suspension. In July 2018, we actually bought this exact truck, a Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 with a short bed and the 5.7 liter V8 for about $55,000. We added it to our long term test fleet where a diverse range of staff and editors drive the truck just like you would.
Now as of April 2020, we have just under $35,000 miles. And in this video, we're going to talk about the broad points of ownership-- what we liked, what we didn't like, what kind of problems, if any, we had along the way. Now, if you want to go into more detail, make sure to click the link below to read the Edmunds long-term blog on this truck and the rest of the vehicles in our fleet.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
We had to go all the way to Cheyenne, Wyoming to find the right truck because we wanted that 12-inch center touchscreen and a couple of towing features, and that combination was hard to find when we were looking to buy. We wound up with this crew cab Ram obviously, and it had a couple of features that we had to take along the way. And it was nice to evaluate them as well-- a 33-gallon gallon fuel tank, a 392 to 1 axle ratio. Center console front seat-- we had buckets with that large, deep storage area and a couple other things too that we'll explore.
[OPEN CAR DOOR ALARM]
We used this truck for everything-- commuting, family hauling, road trips, moving, hauling heavy items. And everyone on staff generally loved using this truck in particular for all those things because this thing could be a workhorse and had a genuine sense of luxury while doing so. This interior is masterful. It's big sure. In fact, one of the editors commented that the size of the rear seat allows for a neutral or "no fire zone"-- his quote-- between his kids. It's funny, but it's true.
And then you have just the general niceness of everything. and that extends to the space, of course, but also the range of adjustability in the seats. The back seats even recline. The materials, the general appearance-- yeah, brown isn't my interior color of choice. But beyond that, this is a really usable and nice place to sit in.
And then there's the ride quality too. This thing rides really well for a 1500 series pickup truck, better than you've experienced or might expect. And we haven't even talked about the center console, but I really want to explore this because I love this space.
Sure, you've got two cup holders here. You've got a large center. Flip up arm rest with storage space here with a USB port here, which is really nice for additional power. Underneath that, you have more storage space, two more cup holders. This whole thing slides to reveal more storage space beneath that. There's little partitions you can flip up to make sure that your load doesn't shift around. And there's even the Pythagorean theorem right here just in case you need it for some reason.
Slide this back and you have more storage space right here-- a little pocket underneath for additional storage space, places for your phones, a wireless charging setup, four USB ports-- two USB-C and two traditional or older USB format. This is really, really clever. Pass this screen, you have an additional cubby up here for my sunglasses right now but also another power port if you're going to hang something off the windshield. This is really well thought out stuff.
Now when it comes to talking about the Ram's technology, you really have to start with this center screen because it commands your attention as soon as you hop in the truck. We had a lot of comments from our staff about the screen, and most of them were positive. The only complaints we really had were on the base navigation system, which was somewhat clunky in use. But you'd only really need to rely on it if you were driving in a place that didn't have cell phone reception. And that's because this truck both supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the implementation of both of those projection systems is actually really clever.
This vertical screen layout means that you get the top half of the screen devoted to one of those phone projection systems, while on the bottom half you still have access to the normal vehicle controls. Like if you wanted it you'd get easy access to AM, FM, or satellite radio, if you wanted to use your climate controls, and your seat heaters, and your seat ventilation-- that all happens down here. It's really nicely done.
I also want to comment too on the physical buttons surrounding the screen. They're really helpful because these are the controls that you might want to use frequently that you don't want to use voice controls for. A lot of car makers are turning these into capacitive or touch sensitive switches, and it's really nice to have the tactile feedback of a mechanical button because it doesn't command as much of attention when you're driving on the freeway.
Now when it comes to safety and driver assistance features, this Ram was actually fairly well loaded. We have to comment on the surround view system it was extremely helpful multiple times in Los Angeles parking lots, which generally are not accommodating to trucks like this. And using this system really made it easy to park a truck this size.
We also had an automatic parking system that tried its best to help parallel park. When you turned it on, it would control the steering wheel automatically. Though, you would still be responsible for doing the gas, braking, and shifting into drive and reverse. And it works about as well as they can. These systems aren't perfect. And when they do work, it's great. But they don't, you just, you know, parallel park it yourself.
We also have to highlight the blind spot monitoring system on this truck, which is really neat because it automatically learns the length of your trailer after a turn or two with no additional work required on behalf of the driver. That's really helpful. And so too was the adaptive cruise control because the buttons allowed you to switch between smart adaptive cruise control and, let's say, dumb traditional cruise control. So you can choose between the two depending on the driving situation.
I, for example, like using adaptive cruise control in stop and go traffic. But when traffic's moving at normal freeway speeds, I'd rather just let the computer choose the speed and stick to it. Altogether, really nice sophisticated stuff. Now let's hear some experiences from the rest of the team.
BRENT ROMANS: I really liked that truck. In particular, I remember I did a trip with its spring of 2019 with my family about 600 miles. Kids were in the back. My wife was in the front. The backseat is just huge, which was fantastic because the middle seat was essentially like a demilitarized zone for the children so they couldn't touch each other. And upfront, just like smooth ride quality, comfortable seats, really quiet, great sound system. Just overall, it really reinforced like how luxurious today's trucks are and the Ram 1500 in particular.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: The biggest thing that always impressed me about our Ram was just overall level of refinement. I remember taking it up to big Bear Mountain Thanksgiving 2018 and being super impressed by the quality the interior, the easy power of the engine, and also the ride quality, which meant that people often choosing the truck even if they didn't actually need one. That trip was also memorable because we were expecting our first child at the time, and I ended up buying this enormous teddy bear which then got strapped into the passenger seat.
What didn't I like about the Ram? Let's be honest, that interior was just a sea of beige. What were we thinking?
SCOTT JACOBS: So I spent a lot of time in our RAM pickup truck. I did all the truck stuff that you're supposed to do. I helped people move. I helped my dad move. I did some wetland restoration in it. I did all kinds of adventures with my dogs.
The inside of the vehicle is fantastic. And it's got excellent visibility, tons of power. The screen is-- no joke, It gets lots of mentions. The small storage is great.
But what I think one of the most overlooked things is just how comfortable the truck is. On those adventures I did like 10-hour straight road trips throughout California and the southwest, and I never got tired in the vehicle. And I think that says a lot about a truck.
CARLOS LAGO: Let's talk about reliability. Our Ram had its fair share of issues, but none are what we would determine or call dramatic. We bring this up because Edmund's customer reviews for this particular year, make, and model have been less than stellar, let's say.
We can only report on what we've experienced, so we always recommend you read customer reviews to get a feel for what might be common issues with the truck. As far as recalls go, 2019 Ram 1500s had, at the time of this recording, 17 recalls. That seems like a lot. Remember, there's a lot of model variation underneath that 1500 name. Ours was subject to five of them, including one technical service bulletin, and most of the issues were addressed at the 20,000 mile service interval.
Our truck automatically notified us when it was time for an oil change like many new vehicles do out there. With that as our guide, we had three service visits-- one at 8,700 miles, one at 20,000 miles, and one at 30,000 miles. These were for all the usual stuff-- oil change, oil filter change, cabin air filter change, tire rotation, and inspection-- stuff that anybody with any mechanical inclination could do at home.
Outside of normal maintenance, we had to replace our tires at about a 30,000 mile mark because we got a couple of nails, and it seemed appropriate. All that sounds pretty plain, so you wonder where some of these customer complaints come from. Well, in the case of our truck, we experienced a number of gremlins. Most of them were insignificant and largely related to fit and finish, but there were quite a few. I have a list that I compiled from all the editor's notes during our ownership period.
A phantom tailgate open alert, opera glove box gap that lets you see the light inside shining through. Trim started falling off one of the rear doors. One of the sun visors simply fell off. The blind spot monitoring system was just unavailable at one point. And the passenger side view mirror housing developed a rattle. Though, I suspect that's probably from a fellow Angelino giving it a solid bonk in a parking lot or something. We have to say that a lot of these were minor, and a lot of the technological ones came as quickly as they went.
You can get the current Rand 1500 with a diesel engine or a mild hybrid, let's call it, V8. We've got the 5.7 liter V8 all natural, and we really liked it. It sounds awesome for 1. And 2, aside from the occasional clunky upper shift, driveability was otherwise good.
And so let's talk fuel economy. Over the course of ownership, our truck averaged 14.7 MPG. And that's a number that doesn't even match the EPA's city rankings or estimates. Why is that? Well it's likely a combination of factors. One is how we option that truck, like by getting the 392 to 1 axle ratio. Just numerically shorter means the engine will rev more to get the same amount of work done.
We also used this truck a lot for hauling in towing, which can produce fuel economy. And because that engine sounds so good, there's probably a good chance that we wanted to hear it more often, which meant stepping on the gas. Your mileage will vary depending on a variety of these attributes. Now on the upside because we have a 33-gallon fuel tank, that meant that on a full fill our distance to empty would regularly exceed 500 miles. That's great because on road trips let your brakes were only defined by your gut and bladder.
What's our truck worth now? Well, the only way to know for sure is actually by selling it. But using the Edmund's appraisal tool, we can get an estimate for a starting point based off our condition, location, trim, options, and so on. After tallying it all up, our estimates for trade-in are around $31,000 and for a private party transaction about $34,000.
And now we've come to the end of our long-term ownership experience with the Ram 1500. And the question is, would we still recommend this truck? The answer is yes, absolutely.
Yeah, we had our fair share of problems with this truck, including things that literally fell off. But in our mind, those were outweighed by all the positives by everything else from the interior quality, to the usability, to the functionality, and the raw capability of this particular truck as it was outfitted. They, combined, elevated our expectations for what a full-size truck should be and what it should offer, and they should do the same for yours.
That's going to wrap of this video. If you like what you saw, click like and subscribe. And be sure to visit edmunds.com to find your next perfect car.
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How Reliable Is a Dodge Ram 1500 After 35,000 Miles? Long-Term 2019 Ram 1500 Review
Today, Edmunds expert Carlos Lago shares his review of Edmunds' long-term Ram 1500 after 35,000 miles. Let's see how the short-bed 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 held up in our long-term vehicle test.
2019 1500 Highlights
Crew Cab
Tradesman
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
---|---|
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Towing & Hauling | 11,440 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the 1500 models:
- Forward Collision Mitigation
- Warns the driver of an imminent impact and, if necessary, can initiate emergency braking.
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot and can extend its coverage when you're towing a trailer.
- Lane Departure Warning Plus
- When the system detects the vehicle drifting from the lane, can apply steering effort to assist the driver with corrective action.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover19.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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More about the 2019 Ram 1500
Used 2019 Ram 1500 Overview
The Used 2019 Ram 1500 is offered in the following submodels: 1500 Crew Cab, 1500 Quad Cab. Available styles include Big Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Big Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Rebel 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Big Horn/Lone Star 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Big Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Big Horn/Lone Star 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Laramie 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Rebel 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab 4WD SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Big Horn/Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Rebel 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Tradesman 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 5.6 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Laramie 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A), and HFE 4dr Quad Cab SB (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A). Pre-owned Ram 1500 models are available with a 3.6 L-liter hybrid engine, with output up to 305 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2019 Ram 1500 comes with four wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2019 Ram 1500?
Price comparisons for Used 2019 Ram 1500 trim styles:
- The Used 2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star is priced between $26,900 and$43,998 with odometer readings between 12173 and149787 miles.
- The Used 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie is priced between $35,590 and$64,998 with odometer readings between 15521 and97981 miles.
- The Used 2019 Ram 1500 Limited is priced between $39,998 and$56,998 with odometer readings between 11191 and90164 miles.
- The Used 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel is priced between $35,494 and$49,998 with odometer readings between 20405 and80416 miles.
- The Used 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn is priced between $36,701 and$53,998 with odometer readings between 16580 and126432 miles.
- The Used 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman is priced between $31,000 and$36,999 with odometer readings between 15278 and52659 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2019 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) 2019 Ram 1500 for sale near. There are currently 213 used and CPO 2019 1500S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $26,900 and mileage as low as 11191 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2019 Ram 1500.
Can't find a used 2019 Ram 1500s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Ram 1500 for sale.
Find a used Ram for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Ram 1500 for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Ram for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 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
Check out Ram 1500 lease specials
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