The current Ram 1500 came out in 2019 as part of the pickup truck’s fifth generation. Entering its fifth model year on sale, Ram is preparing to come out with a refreshed model. An all-electric Ram Evolution variant is expected to arrive for the 2024 model year.
The Ram 1500 has one of the more premium designs in the full-size pickup truck class. We’re not sure what exterior changes Ram will make for the 2023 model year, but we expect exterior lighting to be updated, the design of the grille to change, and small updates to the bumpers. Being a pickup truck, there’s only so much an automaker can do to make it look radically different. We expect the 2023 model to continue to be available with a large amount of chrome and have subtle body lines with a premium feel.
While the Ram 1500 was one of the first pickup trucks to have a luxurious cabin, others in the segment have caught up. We expect the 2023 model year to arrive with a more high-end look, more high-quality materials, and range-topping trims that further push the truck into luxury territory. We expect things to mostly stay the same for lower trims, which should continue to have large analog controls and sturdy materials.
Against newer rivals, the 1500’s tech features don’t look as impressive as they once did. The current model comes standard with a five-inch touchscreen, six audio speakers, and Bluetooth. Available tech features include an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 12-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Ram offers the current 1500 with four different powertrains. A 3.6-liter V6 engine is standard, while a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a 6.2-liter V8 engine are available. Power ranges from 305 horsepower up to 702 hp. All engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. We don’t expect these engines to change, beyond some minor upgrades at the most. We could see Ram bolster the 1500’s capabilities, as the current truck is rated to tow up to 12,750 pounds and haul up to 2,300 pounds. These figures trail rivals.
We expect the 2023 Ram 1500 to arrive with more standard safety features. A rearview camera is the only noteworthy standard feature on the current model. Available features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, park assist, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
