Model research hub

Ram 1500

Car and Driver rates the 2026 Ram 1500 10/10 as an Editors' Choice and 10Best winner, calling it an ideal pickup-truck partner for both work and play, with few new vehicles on the market having as broad a lineup, from the stripped-down Tradesman work truck to the off-road-ready Rebel to the luxurious Longhorn and Tungsten trims, and a trio of engines available: a base V-6, a revived Hemi V-8, or an upgraded turbocharged inline-six with two power-output levels. MotorTrend says the Ram 1500 has now won MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award three times, first in 2019, then 2021, and now for 2025, and engine options expand for 2026 with the glorious return of Ram's Hemi V-8, this time paired with an eTorque mild hybrid assist system that Ram says improves responsiveness and efficiency, alongside the powerful and refined Hurricane inline-six, rivaling the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500.

An ideal truck for work and play

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) rates the 2026 Ram 1500 10/10 as an Editors' Choice and 10Best winner, calling it an ideal pickup-truck partner for both work and play, with few new vehicles on the market having as broad a lineup, from the stripped-down Tradesman work truck to the off-road-ready Rebel to the luxurious Longhorn and Tungsten trims.

Three-time Truck of the Year winner

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Ram 1500 has now won MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award three times, first in 2019, then 2021, and now for 2025, rivaling the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500.

The Hemi V-8 returns for 2026

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says engine options expand for 2026 with the glorious return of Ram's Hemi V-8, this time paired with an eTorque mild hybrid assist system that Ram says improves responsiveness and efficiency, alongside the powerful and refined Hurricane inline-six.

Questions buyers ask

Does the Ram 1500 have a V-8 engine?

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says yes, the Hemi V-8 returned for 2026 with eTorque mild hybrid assistance.

How many times has the Ram 1500 won Truck of the Year?

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says three times: 2019, 2021, and 2025.

Research map

Every major decision path.

Current model year

2026 Ram 1500

MY2026 brings back the 5.7L HEMI V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) with 48-volt eTorque mild-hybrid assist, available on Tradesman through Laramie and standard no-charge on Limited/Limited Longhorn, alongside the carryover 3.6L V6 and 3.0L Hurricane I6 in Standard and High Output tunes.

Read specifications, trims, answers and sources

Model-year archive

3 indexed Ram 1500 model years.

202720262025
Number of trims per model year for the Ram 1500 (most: 1).
Model yearTrimsOpen record
2027 Ram 15002027 record →
2026 Ram 15002026 record →
2025 Ram 15002025 record →

Background and safety record

What public sources say about the Ram 1500.

The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010 when Ram Trucks was spun-off from Dodge) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year. Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks.

Special editions
Prospector – Prospector was a package available throughout the 1980s that usually included a different fuel tank, cloth seat, and carpeting. In the late 1980s, a light package and the large 6×9 mirrors were added to the list of options. This trim package was carried on until the end of production in 1993.
Drivetrain
Ram automatic transmissions are labeled such that the first number indicates the number of gears (including overdrive), the second number is the capacity rating, and the last letter is either E for electronic or H for hydraulic.
Motorsport
The Ram Pickup represented both the Dodge and Ram brands in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 1995 to 2016, having won the Manufacturer's Championship in 2001, 2003, and 2004. It returned to Truck Series competition in 2026. The Ram Pickup also won the San Felipe 250 in 2008 and 2009.

Source: Ram pickup (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.

Ram 1500 at a glance

Production
October 1980 – present
Model years
1981–present
Class
Full-size pickup truck, Heavy-duty pickup truck, Medium-duty chassis cab truck (Mexico only, possibly 1998–2002)
Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Predecessor
Dodge D series

Recent recalls (10 campaigns across the latest model years)

  • September 2026, Back Over Prevention:Software. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. A radio software error may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number… Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In… Consequence: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • July 2026, Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Anchorage. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row center and left-side seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number… Consequence: An improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Year by year

The Ram 1500 across 13 model years.

Model yearCombined MPG/MPGeEPA annual fuel costEPA recordsNHTSA recallsNHTSA complaintsNHTSA overall rating
2027 Ram 150012–22$2,950–$6,65012
2026 Ram 150012–22$2,850–$6,4501074 stars
2025 Ram 150015–23$2,700–$5,150784 stars
2024 Ram 150012–23$2,700–$6,4501065 stars
2023 Ram 150012–24$2,700–$6,45013114 stars
2022 Ram 150012–26$2,700–$6,45015164 stars
2021 Ram 150012–26$2,700–$6,45015156715 stars
2020 Ram 150017–26$2,700–$4,20013146225 stars
2019 Ram 150017–23$2,700–$4,20013301,4645 stars
2018 Ram 150014–23$3,100–$5,1007156564 stars
2017 Ram 150015–23$3,100–$4,8007138674 stars
2016 Ram 150015–24$2,950–$4,80010171,5314 stars
2015 Ram 150015–24$2,950–$4,80012181,4414 stars

Year-to-year changes

What changed in the Ram 1500, one model year at a time.

EPA certification record, change from the previous model year
StepEPA recordsCombined MPG/MPGe, midpointAddedNo longer listed
2026 to 202710 to 12Engines: 5.7L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl SIDI; Hybrid
2025 to 20267 to 1019.0 to 17.0Labels: 1500 Warlock 4WD; Engines: 5.7L 8-cyl Mild Hybrid, 6.2L 8-cyl; Drives: All-Wheel Drive; Fuels: MidgradeLabels: 1500 HFE 2WD
2024 to 202510 to 717.5 to 19.0Labels: 1500 HO 4WD, 1500 RHO 4WD; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDILabels: 1500 Classic 2WD, 1500 Classic 4WD, 1500 TRX 4WD; Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl Mild Hybrid, 6.2L 8-cyl; Fuels: Midgrade
2023 to 202413 to 1018.0 to 17.5Engines: 3L 6-cyl; Fuels: Diesel
2022 to 202315 to 1319.0 to 18.0
2021 to 2022Engines: 5.7L 8-cyl Mild Hybrid, 6.2L 8-cylEngines: 3.6L 6-cyl Mild Hybrid; eTorque, 5.7L 8-cyl Mild Hybrid; eTorque, 6.2L 8-cyl Hellcat engine
2020 to 202113 to 1521.5 to 19.0Labels: 1500 TRX 4WD; Engines: 6.2L 8-cyl Hellcat engine; Fuels: Premium
2019 to 202020.0 to 21.5Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl Mild HybridEngines: 3.6L 6-cyl FFV; Fuels: Gasoline or E85
2018 to 20197 to 1318.5 to 20.0Labels: 1500 Classic 2WD, 1500 Classic 4WD, 1500 HFE 2WD; Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl Mild Hybrid; eTorque, 5.7L 8-cyl Mild Hybrid; eTorque; Fuels: RegularTransmissions: Automatic 6-spd
2017 to 201819.0 to 18.5
2016 to 201710 to 719.5 to 19.0Labels: 1500 HFE 2WD; Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl; Fuels: Regular
2015 to 201612 to 10

Buying used

What the Ram 1500 recalls and complaints are about.

NHTSA recall campaigns by model year
Model yearCampaignsSystems recalledWarnings
20267electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); exterior lighting (brake lights); exterior lighting (headlights); 3 moreNone
20258wheels (hub); exterior lighting (headlights); tires (pressure monitoring and regulating systems); 4 moreNone
20246air bags (frontal); service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip); steering (steering control module); 3 moreNone
202311back over prevention (display function); fuel system, diesel (delivery); steering (steering control module); 6 moreNone
202216visibility (defroster/defogger/hvac system); back over prevention (display function); seat belts (pretensioner); 10 more1 fixable over the air
202115service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); back over prevention (display function); tires (temporary/emergency spare tire); 9 more1 stop-driving or park-outside
202014air bags; visibility (windshield wiper/washer); vehicle speed control (accelerator pedal); 8 more1 fixable over the air
201930electrical system (wiring); power train (axle assembly); seats; 23 more1 fixable over the air
201815power train (automatic transmission); electrical system (wiring); back over prevention (sensing system); 7 moreNone
201713power train (driveline); fuel system, gasoline (storage); power train (automatic transmission); 7 moreNone
201617power train (axle assembly); tires (temporary/emergency spare tire); steering (electric power assist system); 11 moreNone
201518seat belts; equipment (electrical); electrical system (12v/24v/48v battery); 12 moreNone

Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside

  • 2021, campaign 21V-037 (Feb 2021): service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components). A separated brake pedal can result in the driver being unable to apply the service brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
What owners complain about most, all model years together
SystemComplaintsShare of all complaintsWorst model year
engine1,54921%2015 (334)
steering1,40419%2015 (340)
electrical system1,35319%2019 (379)
power train94813%2015 (225)
unknown or other84512%2019 (233)
service brakes73110%2016 (277)
NHTSA crash-test stars by model year
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRollover
20264454
20254454
20245454
20234454
20224454
20215454
20205454
20195454
20184454
20174454
20164454
20154454

Trim by trim

Every 2027 Ram 1500 trim side by side.

2027 Ram 1500 trims: Kelley Blue Book specifications and base price
TrimDriveEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)Curb weight (lb)Max towing (lb)Combined mpgBase price
Tradesman (Pickup)4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)420469––19–
Express (Pickup)4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)420469––19–
Lone Star (Pickup)4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)420469––19–
Big Horn (Pickup)4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)420469––19–
Warlock4WD3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)305271––17–
Laramie4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)420469––19–
Rebel4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)420469––19–
RHO4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)540521––17–
Limited4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)540521––19–
Limited Longhorn4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)540521––19–
Tungsten4WD3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo)540521––19–
TRX SRT4WD6.2-liter V8 (HEMI, Supercharged)777680––12–
Tradesman (Pickup)4WD3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)3052715,031–––
Express (Pickup)4WD3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)3052715,031–––
Big Horn (Pickup)4WD3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)3052715,031–––
Lone Star (Pickup)4WD3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)3052715,031–––

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.

Specifications by year

Power, weight and towing for every Ram 1500 model year.

Kelley Blue Book trim data by model year
Model yearTrimsEnginesHorsepowerCurb weight (lb)Max towing (lb)Fuel tank (gal)
2027123.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque) / 6.2-liter V8 (HEMI, Supercharged)305–7775,031–26–33
2026113.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)305–5405,03111,37026–33
2025113.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hurricane, Twin Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)305–540–9,150–11,31023–33
2024165.7-liter V8 (HEMI, eTorque) / 6.2-liter V8 (HEMI, Supercharged) / 3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)305–702–8,220–11,34023–33
2023155.7-liter V8 (HEMI, eTorque) / 6.2-liter V8 (HEMI, Supercharged) / 3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)305–702–8,220–11,34023–33
2022175.7-liter V8 (HEMI) / 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo Diesel) / 5.7-liter V8 (HEMI, eTorque) +2260–702–8,220–11,34023–33
2021175.7-liter V8 (HEMI) / 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo Diesel) / 5.7-liter V8 (HEMI, eTorque) +2260–702–8,220–11,34023–33
2020155.7-liter V8 (HEMI) / 5.7-liter V8 (HEMI, eTorque) / 3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)305–395–10,260–11,34023–33
2019155.7-liter V8 (HEMI) / 3.6-liter V6 (VVT, eTorque)395–10,260–11,34023–33
2018265.7-liter V8 (HEMI) / V6, Turbo EcoDiesel, 3.0L240–395–7,940–10,39026–32
2017245.7-liter V8 (HEMI) / 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo EcoDiesel)240–395–7,940–10,39026–32
2016235.7-liter V8 (HEMI) / 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo EcoDiesel) / 3.6-liter V6 (Flex Fuel)240–395–7,940–10,39026–32
2015235.7-liter V8 (HEMI) / V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L / 3.6-liter V6 (Flex Fuel)240–395–10,100–10,39026–32

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.

Owning it

Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Ram 1500.

Maintenance figures from the owner's manual of each model year
Model yearEngine oilBrake fluidWheel-nut torqueA/C refrigerantKey-fob battery
2027–DOT 3130 lb-ft––
2026–DOT 3130 lb-ft––
20230W-20––––
2019–––R-134a–
2018–––R-134a–
2016–––R-134a–
20155W-20––R-134a–

Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.

Model-year recall record

Ram 1500: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.

More recalls than this model’s own average

  • 2019 Ram 1500 : 30 recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags and electrical system.
Model yearFederal recalls on fileComplaints on fileRecalls most commonly affected
20267not availableelectrical system, exterior lighting, backup camera, seat belts
20258not availableexterior lighting, electrical system, wheels, tires
20246not availableairbags, brakes, steering, backup camera
202311not availablebackup camera, steering, airbags, fuel system
202216not availablebackup camera, airbags, visibility/wipers, seat belts
202115671backup camera, airbags, brakes, tires
202014622airbags, visibility/wipers, seat belts, backup camera
2019301464airbags, electrical system, steering, powertrain
201815656powertrain, engine cooling, airbags, electrical system
201713867engine cooling, powertrain, airbags, fuel system
2016171531powertrain, engine cooling, airbags, door latches
2015181441engine cooling, airbags, equipment, electrical system

Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.

Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Ram 1500 model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.

Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.

Q01Is there a best year to buy a Ram 1500?

Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2019 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.

Q02Which Ram 1500 model years should I watch for recalls?

The 2019 Ram 1500 has 30 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags, electrical system, steering. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.

Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Ram 1500 by model year?

2026: electrical system, exterior lighting, backup camera, seat belts. 2025: exterior lighting, electrical system, wheels, tires. 2024: airbags, brakes, steering, backup camera. 2023: backup camera, steering, airbags, fuel system. 2022: backup camera, airbags, visibility/wipers, seat belts. 2021: backup camera, airbags, brakes, tires.

Q04Why do some Ram 1500 model years show "not available" for complaints?

The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Ram 1500 model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.

Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Engine and cooling, Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Transmission and drivetrain, Brakes, tires and steering.

2019 Ram 1500 owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Climate and electrical and Brakes, tires and steering and Transmission and drivetrain.

Compared with

Models this Ram 1500 is most often compared with.

Frequent questions

Answers with their conditions intact.

Browse the complete answer library
Q01How many trims does the 2026 1500 come in?

The 2026 Ram 1500 (full-size pickup) comes in 10 trims: Tradesman, Express, Big Horn, Lone Star, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, Limited Longhorn, Tungsten.

Source: Ram
Q02What are the 2026 1500 trims?

The 2026 Ram 1500 trims are Tradesman, Express, Big Horn, Lone Star, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, Limited Longhorn, Tungsten, listed from the entry Tradesman up to the top Tungsten.

Source: Ram
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 1500 use?

The 2026 Ram 1500 is built around 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque, returning 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque, 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (Standard Output), or 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (High Output), rated at 305–540 horsepower across its full-size pickup body style.

Source: Ram specifications
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 1500 have?

The 2026 Ram 1500 is rated at 305–540 horsepower (3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque, returning 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque, 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (Standard Output), or 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (High Output)).

Source: Ram specifications
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 1500?

The 2026 Ram 1500 is offered with RWD / 4WD.

Source: Ram specifications