Your Fifth-Generation Ram 1500 Buyer’s Guide
Although Ram was only separated from Dodge and made into its own brand about a decade ago, Ram trucks build on a legacy that goes back much further than that. The modern generation of the Ram 1500 is one of the most impressive to ever hit the market and these are amazing trucks designed for people who demand the most from their pickups. If you are looking for a used Ram for sale, then you'd do well to focus on the fifth generation, which kicked off with the 2019 model year and continues to this day. These models have amazing features and powerful engines, but there are numerous options available so that you can find very different things from one truck to the next. Let's take a look at this truck over the last few years to see what Ram offers and what you should consider when looking at one model year compared to another.
The 2019 Ram 1500: Launching the Fifth Generation
Ram's engineers redesigned the Ram 1500 for the 2019 model year, which kicks off the fifth generation and establishes the foundation of everything that's come after. This is a full-size, light-duty truck and a great choice if you are looking for something to get some serious work done. Two cab sizes are available for the 2019 Ram 1500: a Quad Cab with a smaller backseat and a Crew Cab with more room inside. In addition, a short five-foot seven-inch bed is available, or a longer six-foot four-inch option. This means you have several different configurations to look for when considering a used Ram truck.
In terms of power, the 2019 Ram 1500 has three different engines that you'll find when looking at used models, and each brings its own level of performance. The standard engine is a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque technology that offers 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Ram's eTorque system is a mild hybrid that uses a battery-powered motor to provide a supplemental 90 lb-ft of torque when you're driving. For enhanced performance, a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is on offer that delivers 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque; this also has an eTorque system available for 130 lb-ft of supplemental torque.
When properly configured, all of this muscle gives the 2019 Ram 1500 up to 2,300 lbs of payload capacity or 12,750 lbs of maximum towing. Please keep in mind that the exact features and configuration of any truck you find can impact these ratings, so always look at the payload and towing for a specific used truck you're interested in. Still, the Ram 1500 is a great choice for hauling materials to a jobsite, taking a boat to the river, or tackling anything else you need.
There are all kinds of great exterior features you can find on this truck including the available RamBox Cargo Management system that gives you a versatile, weatherproof storage bin on the side of the bed, which is both drainable and lockable. Inside the Ram 1500, you can find one of the most luxurious truck interiors on the market-this thing pushed every other brand to step up their game to try to match it. From available leather seating that's incredibly comfortable to stunning available technology like a configurable seven-inch Driver Information Display, a gorgeous Uconnect 4 infotainment system and 12-inch display in the center, and an 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The 2020 Ram 1500: Enhanced Diesel Performance and More
The big news for the 2020 Ram 1500 is that a third engine is on offer: a powerful diesel engine that Ram revitalized and improved for this new generation. It's a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine with 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, giving it incredible capabilities and greater performance than the previously-available diesel engine for the Ram 1500. Along with this impressive engine, you'll still find the same great features from the previous year, including numerous trim levels like the standard Tradesman, the enhanced Big Horn model, off-road focused Rebel, and the high-end Limited trim. A new Night Edition appearance package for 2020 for the Tradesman and Big Horn adds details like a black grille, black wheels, and darkened badging on the exterior.
The 2021 Ram 1500: Improved Tech Features and Options
Updates for the 2021 Ram 1500 weren't as dramatic as a diesel engine and largely came from the introduction of a powerful Ram 1500 TRX model. The good news for drivers not interested in all of that enhanced performance is that many of the great tech features on that model make their way to other Ram 1500 trims. For example, a heads-up display is available for 2021, along with a digital rearview mirror and Trailer Reverse Steering Control for easy maneuvering with a trailer or when backing up to hitch a trailer onto your truck. Enhanced off-road features are also available for this model year, making it better than ever.
The 2022 Ram 1500: New Editions and Features
Year after year, the Ram 1500 just keeps getting better, even if the improvements and new options are often pretty minor. They say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," and few examples of that are as clear as the fifth generation for this truck. The Ram 1500 remains as powerful and sophisticated as ever, with engines designed to ensure you have a great time behind the wheel and interior features that are among the most luxurious and technologically advanced in the auto industry. Updates for 2022 include a new G/T package that features a cold-air intake, a unique exhaust system, and paddle shifters for a sporty driving experience. A BackCountry Edition is also available for 2022, which adds off-road features to the Big Horn trim, giving you a great option if you like heading outdoors in your truck but need to stick to a tight budget.
The 2023 Ram 1500: The End of an Era for Diesel Fans
Probably the biggest news for the Ram 1500 is that 2023 marks the last models that have a diesel engine available-though it wasn't offered throughout the entire model year. If you're looking for a diesel on your light-duty truck, then you might find it on some 2023 Ram 1500 models, but you're better off looking for a 2020-2022 truck to find the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine more easily. Beyond that, the 2023 model also introduces a new Emergency Medical Service special edition for the Ram 1500 as part of Ram's "Built to Serve" initiative that celebrates first responders and those people who work hard to help others. It's a great edition with a gorgeous design, large wheels, and off-road equipment like tow hooks, underbody skid plates, and more.
The 2024 Ram 1500: Getting Ready for a Refresh
Changes for the 2024 model year are minimal if any; you can essentially view this as an extension of 2023 in most regards. You won't find any 2024 Ram 1500 trucks with a diesel engine since it was discontinued during the previous model year, but otherwise most performance and tech features on offer can be found here too. Ram announced a refresh and major updates for the 2025 Ram 1500, which we can now see, so this was a pretty quiet year with great features on offer before major updates and revisions. That makes it a terrific choice when looking at used models since some people will pay more for the refreshed truck.
How to Find the Perfect Used Truck
As you can see, your choice of model year might not always have a huge impact on the kinds of features you find on the Ram 1500, but it's still important. If you want a diesel engine, then you should focus on models from 2020 through 2022, while certain years have distinct packages and special editions available. For most of us, however, the model year comes down to an indication of how much a used truck has been, well, used. So, if you're looking for features and options available throughout the fifth generation, then focus on use, mileage, and the condition of a pre-owned pickup you're interested in, as well as the engine and features you need. And if you're still unsure which Ram 1500 is right for you, we're happy to help you find it.