Which 2019 Ram 1500 Is Right for You?

a red 2019 ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is all-new for 2019. It has also won the coveted “Truck of the Year” award from Motor Trend. This fifth-generation redesign, dubbed the DT, brings with it many differences from the previous fourth-generation design, known as the DS.

While last year’s Ram 1500 had a hefty 11 available trim options, the 2019 Ram has four fewer, including only one regular cab option, as of now. Because Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the parent company of Ram Trucks, is updating production plants, a regular cab model based on the newer DT redesign will not be available for model year 2019. Instead, the previous 2018 DS design will continue to be sold as the rebranded 2019 Ram 1500 Classic. As the Classic offering becomes available, we will update this article with more information. Additionally, a diesel version of the 2019 Ram 1500 isn’t available just yet, as the company’s EcoDiesel engine is still waiting to be approved by the EPA. It should return to the new DT lineup in 2019.

Quad vs. Crew Cab

Focusing now on the new 2019 Ram 1500, there are a total of six trims buyers can choose from featuring the DT redesign. All trucks have different cab and bed options, which can give you more legroom or cargo space. The Crew and Quad Cabs are two of the larger options. Between the two, the Crew Cab gives you more rear legroom at approximately 45.2-inches while the Quad provides about 35.6-inches of legroom. However, the Quad Cab allows more cargo space with a 6’4″ box. The base Crew Cab initially comes with a 5’7″ box unless buyers upgrade for the larger 6’4″ box that adds additional length to the overall vehicle.

For this article, we’ll be comparing Quad Cab 4×2 prices unless otherwise noted. Four-wheel-drive options are also available for an additional cost.

Tradesman

The 2019 Ram Tradesman is the cheapest option, with a starting MSRP of $32,245. The transmission comes standard with an electric shift and engine oil cooler. The interior also comes with a 40/20/40 split-bench and vinyl floor covering for durability. The cabin comes equipped with a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, an audio jack input, six total speakers, remote USB port, and rear back-up camera.

The exterior of the Ram 1500 Tradesman is equipped with 18-inch steel wheels and all-season tires for maximum control. It also comes with a seven-pin wiring harness and a Class III receiver hitch. The Tradesman is rated for maximum towing of up to 12,750 pounds when properly equipped, while you can have a maximum payload of 2,100 pounds.

The Tradesman will do everything you need it to do without much flair. It doesn’t contain any particularly cutting-edge safety features, though. Drivers can find most of those features on the Lone Star trim.

Big Horn

The 2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn features 18-inch aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and fog lamps. The trim also comes with a chrome grille, front and rear bumpers, and door handles. An upgrade to a crew cab model also comes with in-floor storage. The same standard 5-inch touchscreen display from the Tradesman is also featured on this trim; however, the option to upgrade to an 8.4-in touchscreen is now available. The Big Horn MSRP starts at $36,890.

Laramie

The 2019 Laramie Quad Cab has a starting MSRP of $41,430. This trim is a luxurious option, which is ideal if you spend several hours in your truck every day. One of the best additions is leather seating with front heating and ventilation, along with 12-way power driver and front passenger seats. No matter the season, you’ll always be comfortable.

Drivers will also gain an 8.4-in standard touchscreen for infotainment input that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a 9-speaker Alpine sound system. Buyers can upgrade to a 12″ navigation touchscreen for an additional price.

Rebel

The 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel is the last to offer both Quad and Crew cab options. However, the Crew Cab with 6’4″ box is not an available option. Four-wheel-drive is also the standard on this trim, as there is no two-wheel-drive Rebel offering. With a base MSRP of $45,320, the Rebel comes with a more rugged, off-road appearance. The chrome grilles of the previous trims are replaced by an aggressive, blacked-out version. The 33-in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires and tow hooks also complete the rugged cosmetic styling.

Additionally, the 2019 Rebel has LED headlamps, taillamps, and fog lights; an Elocker electronic locking rear differential; fully dampening, assisted tailgate; and a rear power sliding window. The driver’s seat also features 12-way power with four-way power lumbar adjustment.

Limited Longhorn

The last two trims are only available in a Crew Cab configuration, though the option of two-wheel-drive returns. The 2019 Laramie Longhorn starts at $52,180 and comes with premium leather seating with available filigree. Genuine wood, leather, and metal all trim the interior of the cabin. It also has standard 20-inch aluminum wheels, along with chrome wheel-to-wheel side steps and front tow hooks on the exterior. Also found on the outside are LED projector headlamps.

Limited

As great as the other trims are, it’s hard to beat the 2019 Ram 1500 Limited. With a starting MSRP of $56,250, this trim leaves the others in the dust. It comes with Uconnect 12.0 infotainment system with navigation and 12-inch touchscreen standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still supported on this trim. There is also a wireless charging pad for mobile phones. An available upgrade for the interior is the 19-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.

Standard exterior features include power running boards, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path and trailer detections, and active-level corner air suspension.