Used Ram 1500 Buying Guide
The used Ram 1500 is the total package — powerful performance, classy cabin, and rugged potential — wrapped up with a friendly price tag. This all-American light-duty pickup truck is ready for some impressive towing and hauling action. Cabin options provide all the comfort and tech features you can dream up. But these trucks have seen some changes over the years, so our used Ram 1500 buying guide is here to help you tell them apart.
Second Generation: 2019-Current Model Year
Compared to previous generations, these used Ram 1500 trucks are both more capable and increasingly agile. The new body design is about 225 pounds lighter, in spite of a newly reinforced steel frame. And that means that these Ram 1500 trucks can tow and haul more than ever before.
And these Ram 1500 light-duty pickup trucks are as comfortable as ever, thanks to their trademark coil-spring rear suspension, which are always good for a smooth ride. You’ll be equally pleased with the Ram’s cabin options, which treat you to high-end materials and sleek modern design.
When you’re shopping for a second-generation used Ram 1500, you’ll find quite the trim model selection. Choose from seven trim levels: Tradesman, Big Horn (known as the Lone Star in Texas), Rebel, Laramie, Long Horn, Limited, and TRX. Each adds to the last with luxurious features.
These models are available with a few different body styles. The extended quad cab is paired with a long, 6-foot-4-inch bed. The crew cabin can be paired with either the short, 5-foot-7-inch bed or long bed.
Engine options include the 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque), the 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb.-ft.), and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (260 hp, 480 lb.-ft.). With the TRX model, you can take Ram capabilities to the max via a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (702 hp, 650 lb.-ft.).
- 2021: Newly optional heads-up display debuts. New Trailer Reverse Steering Control system helps you avoid a jackknife situation. The new off-road-ready TRX model with a smoking 702-horsepower V8 engine.
- 2020: A newly revised 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine rejoins the lineup, with more power and torque than before. A new HFE trim model arrives for a better balance of everyday trucking and fuel economy.
First Generation: 2011-2018
The original Ram 1500 is available with one of three body styles: regular, extended Quad Cab, or crew. The regular cab is paired with either the standard 6-foot-4-inch bed or a long 8-foot bed. Quad Cabs come standard with the standard bed. The roomy crew cabin is paired with a short, 5-foot-7-inch bed.
There are three trim models from this generation: the base ST, mid-range SLT, and top-of-the-line Laramie. Each model adds more standard comfort and convenience features to the last.
The standard engine is a 3.7-liter V6 rated for 215 horses and 235 pound-feet of torque. However, all SLT and four-wheel drive ST models feature a 4.7-liter V8 (310 hp, 330 lb.-ft.). The bigger 5.7-liter V8 engine (390 hp, 407 lb.-ft.) is available for drivers in need of extra output. Later model years also offered a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine (240 hp, 420 lb.-ft.).
- 2016: Last year’s smartphone-friendly new center console is now standard for all models. LED cargo box lights become optional.
- 2015: New center console, which includes a mount for your smartphone, is standard for the Laramie Limited and Rebel models. New R/T trim model, based on the Sport trim, debuts with regular cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, limited-slip differential, black grille, and a unique hood.
- 2014: The optional turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 engine (240 hp, 420 lb.-ft.) debuts. The 4.7-liter V8 engine is discontinued.
- 2013: The standard V6 engine gets a power bump, boosting capabilities with 305 horses and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. These models also introduced a stronger frame and additional tech features, including an 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment interface.
- 2012: A six-speed automatic transmission improves overall fuel economy.
Previous Models: The Dodge Ram 1500
The first generation of Ram trucks technically debuted for the 2011 model year. However, you probably remember Ram trucks from way back. What’s going on here?
For the 2011 model year, Ram moved out on its own, shedding the Dodge tag to become its own brandname. The 2011 Ram 1500 is essentially a continuation of the fourth-generation Dodge Ram truck, but without the “Dodge.”