What's New
Aptly named, the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic is the previous generation of the pickup that continues to be sold alongside the newer generation. Last year’s Big Horn and Laramie trims are no longer available, leaving the Warlock as the range-topping model.
If you aren’t interested in the new Ram 1500, the 1500 Classic is an interesting proposition. While the truck doesn’t have the same powertrains or high-tech features as the newer gen-model, it’s still immensely capable and comfortable to live with. The 1500 Classic’s price tag makes it a better option for consumers on a budget, too.
Choosing Your Ram 1500 Classic
The Ram 1500 Classic is offered in three trims: Tradesman, Express, and Warlock. Prices start at $29,640 including destination for the Tradesman and can go up to $37,590 for the Warlock.
The Tradesman and Express come standard with a Regular Cab and optionally offer a Quad Cab and a Crew Cab. The Warlock comes standard with the Quad Cab while the Crew Cab is available.
The Regular Cab is available with a 6-foot-4-inch bed, or an 8-foot bed on the Tradesman; the Quad Cab comes exclusively with the 6-foot-4-inch box; the Crew Cab comes with either a 5-foot-7-inch or 6-foot-4-inch bed.
Engine Choices
All 1500 Classic get a 3.6-liter V6 engine as standard. A 5.7-liter V8 is available across the lineup for $1,450.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing Capacity | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
3.6L V6 | 305 hp | 269 lb-ft | 7,600 pounds | 20 mpg |
5.7L V8 | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft | 10,680 pounds | 17 mpg |
Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is available for an additional $4,600 on the Tradesman and Express, or an extra $3,700 on the Warlock.
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine is the more impressive motor of the two. It brings nearly 100 more horsepower, can tow 3,080 more pounds, and only loses three miles per gallon combined compared to the V6.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The 1500 Classic can seat three passengers with the Regular Cab, and up to six with the Quad or Crew Cab. The 5-foot-7-inch bed offers 50.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the 6-foot-4-inch bed brings 57.5 cubic feet, and the 8-footer has 74.7 cubic feet.
Safety Features
The 1500 Classic doesn’t come with any active safety features outside of the federally-mandated rearview camera, but the Warlock trim does get rear parking sensors. Ram doesn’t offer any other available safety features, either.
The 1500 Classic carries a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Connectivity
There isn’t much in the form of connectivity features for the 1500 Classic. The base pickup truck comes with a six-speaker audio system, a couple of USB ports, an auxiliary input jack, a 3.5-inch display in the instrument cluster, and a 12-volt power outlet.
Moving up to the Warlock brings a 5-inch touchscreen, the Uconnect 3 infotainment system, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.
The available $695 Electronics Group package brings an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Uconnect 4, Apple CarPlay, voice command, HD radio, and satellite radio. It costs $795 on the Warlock trim. We’d say it’s a mandatory package for the 1500 Classic.
The Tradesman is a work-first truck. It doesn’t come with many creature comforts as standard. Things like 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, vinyl upholstery, air conditioning, manual door locks, and manual windows are standard.
The Power and Remote Entry Group ($735) comes with heated and power exterior mirrors, power door locks and windows, and remote keyless entry. Cloth upholstery is part of the Popular Equipment Group that costs $825, while trailer brake control and trailer-tow mirrors are included with the Trailer-Tow Mirrors and Brake Group that'll set you back an additional $480.
The Express doesn’t add that many features over the base Tradesman, but it does bring 17-inch aluminum wheels and a body-color front fascia, rear bumper, and grille. You’ll still have to lock the doors and roll up the windows yourself.
Black exterior accents, 20-inch black aluminum wheels, rear parking sensors, and LED fog lights are standard on the Warlock. Power-heated exterior mirrors, power door locks, and power windows are also included.
Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are an additional $595. The Luxury Group costs $795 and brings auto-dimming exterior mirrors, LED bed lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power exterior mirrors, and a universal garage door opener.
Compare 1500 Trims Side-By-Side
The whole reason for going with the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic over the regular Ram 1500 is affordability. With that in mind, the base Tradesman trim is where we'd look since the Express barely adds any features over it and the Warlock is almost $8,000 more expensive.