2019 Ram 1500 Overview
The 2019 Ram 1500 marked a significant redesign for the iconic half-ton pickup truck, ushering in a new generation with advanced technology, a more refined interior, and impressive capability. This model year represented a substantial leap forward, solidifying Ram's position as a major player in the competitive truck market.
Highlights
- Powertrain Options:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: This capable engine offered a blend of power and efficiency, making it a solid choice for everyday hauling and towing needs. It featured Variable Valve Timing for optimized performance.
- 5.7L HEMI V8: The legendary HEMI provided robust power and torque for more demanding tasks, offering exhilarating acceleration and superior towing capacity.
- eTorque Mild-Hybrid System: Available on both the V6 and V8, this system provided an electric boost for improved fuel efficiency and smoother starts/stops.
- Advanced Safety Features:
- Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go: This system automatically adjusts the truck's speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
- Available Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path and Trailer Detection: This feature alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots and can even detect the presence of a trailer, providing enhanced awareness during lane changes and backing up.
- Available Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist: This system helps prevent unintended lane drifting by providing visual and audible warnings and can actively steer the truck back into its lane if necessary.
- Available Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: This system can detect potential frontal collisions and automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact.
- Trim Level Summary:
- Tradesman: The workhorse of the lineup, offering essential features for job sites and daily utility.
- Big Horn: A popular choice that balances capability with enhanced comfort and convenience features, often including more stylish interior and exterior elements.
- Laramie: A step up in luxury, featuring premium materials, more advanced infotainment, and additional comfort amenities.
- Rebel: Designed for off-road enthusiasts, this trim boasted unique styling, enhanced suspension, and off-road-focused tires and components.
- Laramie Longhorn: The pinnacle of luxury, offering a Western-inspired, high-end interior with premium leather and advanced technology.
- Limited: The ultimate in refinement and technology, featuring the most luxurious materials and the latest features Ram had to offer.
- Innovative Features:
- RamBox Cargo Management System: Lockable and illuminated storage bins integrated into the bedside of the truck, offering secure and convenient storage for tools or gear.
- Active Air Dam: Deployed at highway speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency.
- Multilink Coil Spring Rear Suspension: A significant departure from traditional leaf springs, this setup provided a smoother, more car-like ride without sacrificing payload or towing capabilities.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Ram 1500 generally translates to a comfortable and capable experience. The redesigned interior is a standout, offering premium materials and a quiet cabin, making it suitable for both work and family duties. The ride quality is remarkably refined for a full-size truck, especially with the coil-spring rear suspension.
Maintenance: Routine maintenance for the Ram 1500 is typical for its class. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks. The Pentastar V6 is known for its reliability, and the HEMI V8, while powerful, generally holds up well with proper care. Owners can expect to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule to ensure longevity and optimal performance. Access to parts and qualified technicians is generally good due to Ram's widespread availability.
Insurance: Insurance costs for a 2019 Ram 1500 will vary based on factors such as the chosen trim level, engine, optional features, driver's history, and location. Trucks with higher trim levels, more powerful engines, and advanced safety features can sometimes command slightly higher insurance premiums. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at a competitive rate.
Potential Considerations
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While the large Uconnect touchscreen was a highlight, some users noted occasional minor lag or unresponsiveness in the infotainment system, particularly in earlier production models.
- Size and Maneuverability: As a full-size pickup truck, the Ram 1500 can be a handful to maneuver in tight spaces, such as parking lots or urban environments. Parking sensors and a rearview camera are highly recommended.
- Fuel Economy: While the eTorque system offers some improvement, the inherent nature of a large, powerful truck means that fuel consumption will be higher than smaller vehicles, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Ram 1500 represented a significant step forward for the model, delivering a compelling combination of capability, technology, and refinement. With its impressive powertrain options, advanced safety features, and a significantly improved interior, it offered a premium truck experience that appealed to a wide range of buyers, from those needing a robust workhorse to those seeking a comfortable and well-equipped family vehicle. Its innovative suspension and available features like RamBox set it apart in the segment.