Ram 1500 Classic

You probably know that the 2020 Ram 1500 is a full-size light-duty pickup truck. But what's this 1500 Classic all about? Well, when Ram introduced its fully redesigned 1500 last year it decided to keep building the previous-generation truck at the same time. That means you're going to find the old truck, now called the Classic, alongside the new Ram 1500 on dealer lots.

Why bother with the 1500 Classic? Well, it's sort of a budget model. It has a lower base price than any version of the new model, but it's also unavailable with many of the new truck's features and equipment. Compared to the latest offerings from Ford and Chevrolet, the Ram 1500 Classic looks and feels dated. That said, if you're in the market for a relatively affordable utility vehicle and don't mind the lack of bells and whistles, the 1500 Classic is definitely worth a look.

Which 1500 Classic does MatoCar recommend?

The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic is available in three trim levels: Tradesman, Express and Warlock. There are three cab configurations (Regular, Crew Cab and Quad Cab) and three bed lengths (5 feet 7 inches, 6 feet 4 inches, and 8 feet) available, though certain combinations are limited to specific trims.

Each 1500 Classic is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft) paired to an eight-speed automatic. A 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) is optional on all three trims. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.

Tradesman The base comes standard with features such as:

• A 40/20/40-split vinyl bench front seat (cloth is optional)
• Vinyl floors
• A Class IV receiver hitch with integrated trailer wiring
• Power heated mirrors
• 2 USB ports

Express The midlevel trim adds on:

• Body-colored exterior trim
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Tinted glass windows
• Carpeted floors

Warlock Going with this top-grade trim gets you:

• 20-inch black-gloss alloy wheels
• Black trim with Ram logo grille
• Rear sliding window
• Projector headlights with LED foglights
• A 5-inch touchscreen display

Notable options for the Ram 1500 Classic include:

• A limited-slip differential to help improve traction
• Various axle gear ratios
• Cargo bins in the bed sides (RamBox)
• An 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• A tow package with tow mirrors and a trailer brake control