By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 23, 2018) At dealer showrooms now, the 2019 Ram 1500 half-ton pickup has been completely redesigned and is nothing short of spectacular.

A few months ago, we drove the new Ram at its media launch in Scottsdale, Ariz. While we were only able to get driver’s seat time for a few hours at that event, I recently spent an entire week driving the 2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn Sport Crew cab 4X4 for a more comprehensive review.

Powered by the terrific 395-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 410 lb-ft of torque that’s delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission, my tester attained a respectable 19.1 miles per gallon. That isn’t bad, considering it’s a V-8 powered 4X4 truck. That compares to EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. A 305-horsepower Pentastar V-6 is also available, and both engines can be equipped with an eTorque mild hybrid system, adding up to 90-pound-feet torque to the V-6 and 130 pound-feet to the V-8.

We also expect to see the 3.0-liter eco diesel return and it should be very close to the 240-horsepower diesel currently offered in the Ram 1500.

Full-time four-wheel drive is also now available on more trim lines, meaning that the transfer case can be kept in automatic 4WD. This feature used to be reserved for just the upper trim levels.

On the road, power from our Hemi comes on strong, and feels powerful and seamless with intoxicating muscle-car exhaust notes when pushed hard. Handling is excellent for a big truck this size, with minimal body lean on cornering, and steering that’s confident and precise. We also immediately noticed the improved ride quality and quieter cab.

When properly equipped — meaning the inclusion of the new Max Tow Package — towing capacity ramps up to 12,750 pounds. Maximum payload has increased to 2,300 pounds.

The light-duty pickup truck market is huge and gaining more popularity by the day, often exceeding the sale of cars. Further, Ram, Chevrolet, and Ford account for more than 90 percent of truck sales in the U.S., dwarfing Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan and Honda Ridgeline.



Earlier this year, the industry’s top selling Ford F-150 got a refresh, raising the competitive stakes. Chevrolet has already previewed an all-new Silverado that will be out later this year. 

The new Ram Big Horn is lighter, having shed some 225 pounds over the previous model by using high-strength steel, composite materials and broader use of aluminum. It also has improved fuel economy. Ram has made additional room for passengers adding four inches to its cabin length; it’s even roomier than before.

The Big Horn is the volume leader for Ram trucks and slots above the Tradesman trim level and below more expensive trim levels including Laramie, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. The Rebel is the off-road-specific model.

Our Big Horn was also more comfortable, more refined, and rides better than any big truck I’ve ever driven – and I’ve driven them all. Ram always had best ride in the truck segment, but for 2019 its been improved even more with all-new frequency response damping shocks and next generation, class-exclusive air suspension.

Inside the largest cab in the segment, Ram designers have done a complete redo, affording the ability for more personification and customization. There’s a newly available 12-inch fully configurable split-screen touchscreen for most vehicle operating controls, including the Uconnect features, navigation, infotainment and display. For the first time, there’s a new 360-degree Surround View Camera system with birds-dye positioning.

For those who prefer not to use the touchscreen for some features like the HVAC, there are redundant controls on both sides of the display screen. The customizable center console can be configured in 12 different ways to accommodate whatever assorted items are being toted at any given time.

The new fourth-generation Uconnect infotainment system includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system will be optional, delivering 900-watts with a 10-inch subwoofer.

Along with the additional interior room, the second row features eight degrees of slide-recline with best-in-class legroom of 45.1 inches, passenger comfort and an exclusive SmartFold center armrest that creates a captain’s chair experience.

The rear floor is flat for increased passenger comfort. The rear bench seat folds up, revealing additional contained storage space with under-seat compartments perfect for concealing items like cameras, binoculars, packages and other personal property. An optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof expands over both rows of seats.

Outside, the new Ram has undergone its most radical design change in years. Gone from the new Ram is the signature crosshair grille in favor of full frontal chrome sophistication and contemporary design. The new aluminum hood styling is designed to push air over and away from the windshield, improving aerodynamics as well as visual appeal. Drag coefficient is now a segment-leading .357, down from .360.

Safety-wise, the new Ram offers forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with a stop, go and hold feature. ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park and Hill-Start Assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help the driver perform technical maneuvers. In all, the 2019 Ram offers more than 100 safety and security features.

The 2019 Ram has not been crash tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the non-profit, independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Overall, the Big Horn Sport Crew Cab, while not as luxuriously equipped as some of the upper trim levels like the Laramie and the Limited, still delivers a truck that‘s got most of the features and conveniences that most truck buyers will want. That’s especially true when adding the relatively inexpensive Level 2 Equipment Group ($2,400) and the Sport Appearance Package ($995) that, when combined, includes a long list of desired equipment.

The new Ram has significant class-leading advantages over listed competitors, such as the surprisingly-smooth ride quality that doesn’t beat you up on long drives. Add the roomiest cabin in the segment, the superb Hemi V-8, fantastic Uconnect infotainment system, and it’s easy to see that while it may not be the best-selling full-sized pickup, it does enjoy the highest owner loyalty of any in its class.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $43,540
Price as Tested: $49,560
Powertrain: 5.7-liter 395 horsepower Hemi V8 and 410 lb-ft torque connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 15-mpg City – 22-mpg Highway 17-mpg combined
Seating: 5

Competes With:
Chevrolet Silverado
Ford F-150
GMC Sierra
Nissan Titan
Toyota Tundra

Fab Features
Smoothest riding, quietest full-sized pickup on the market
Advanced integrated technology, safety and driver assist features
Bargain pricing on optional equipment