Ram 1500 Model Years and History

The RAM 1500 carries over with minimal changes into 2026, apart from the reintroduction of the classic V8 Hemi engine as an option for the powertrain.

The Ram 1500 gets an updated engine and trim lineup for 2025.

The Ram 1500 carries over with minimal changes for 2024.

For 2023 the Ram 1500 comes with, a newly available 12.0-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and this year 2023 will be the final model year the Ram 1500 will be available with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. The glove box features a hygienic UV light, and all Ram 1500s now have rear seat reminders and LED hitch lamps as standard equipment. Models equipped with the larger 12-inch center screen now feature an Emergency Vehicle Alert System, which warns drivers of approaching ambulances, police cars, and other emergency vehicles. New special edition models are available including the Limited Elite and Emergency Medical Services editions. The RED Edition returns based on the Limited Crew Cab. Lastly, the Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited models offer new 22-inch all-terrain tires as part of their off-road package.

For 2022, the Ram returns mostly unchanged, a couple packages are added and the Uconnect 5 infotainment is available for most trims.

For 2021, the Ram returns mostly unchanged except for the introduction of the high-performance Ram 150 TRX. This highly anticipated model comes with the popular Hellcat engine and can generate 702-horsepower, all while being fully capable off-road. The rest of the Ram line-up also receives some upgrades for off-roading and hauling, along with some new tech. A special Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition.

After an extensive re-design last year, the 2020 Dodge Ram looks to add even more value with the return of its 3.0L EcoDiesel engine boasting a class-leading 480 lb-feet of torque. Also new this year is the return of Night Edition Big Horn and Laramie models while the off-road orientated Rebel trim now includes a power liftgate, heated rear seats and a 12-way adjustable driver's seat. Rebels also can be equipped with the Driver Assistance package offering adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.

The Ram 1500 is an all new vehicle for 2019, which means a totally redesigned chassis with tons of improvements. The new styling is the first thing that will stick out to anyone who looks at the truck, with Ram having ditched any semblance of retro aesthetics in favor of a truck that feels like it's from the future. There's plenty of futurism underneath that skin as well, with a lighter frame, new shock technology, an electronically locking differential and Ram's eTorque mild hybrid system. Inside, the new 1500 gets Chrysler's 4th generation Uconnect system and has an available 12-inch touchscreen.

2018 see the addition of a backup camera to all Ram 1500 models while 2 new trims have been added: the Limited Tungsten and the Harvest. Rebel models get a new leather interior and the 8.4 inch Uconnect touchscreen gets new functionality that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For 2017, the Ram 1500 features a few changes. Among them, the Ram 1500 Rebel adds several standard features, like Uconnect 8.4, remote start, and rear park assist with rearview camera. Elsewhere, the Ram 1500 Sport adds remote start and an alarm system, the Laramie Longhorn adds LED bed lighting, Keyless Go, SmartBeam headlights, and rain-sensing wipers, and the Big Horn adds automatic temperature control. The Ram Outdoorsman trim has been discontinued, as has the 6-speed automatic transmission, leaving only the 8-speed automatic to transfer power in the 1500 series. Across the entire 1500 range, a 5-micron cabin air filter is standard.

The Ram 1500 is essentially unchanged for 2016, though a few new updates to the interior have been added for this year, most notably a redesigned center console. The Ram 1500 Rebel, a mid-year addition in 2015 returns for 2016, offering air suspension, increased ride height, standard 33-inch tires and a skid plate.

For 2015, the Ram 1500 receives no substantial changes.

For 2014 the Ram 1500 sees a number of refinements to help keep it competitive in the full-sized truck genre. The old 4.7L V8 is gone, as it made barely any more power than the Pentastar V6, which gets better mileage. Ram expects to release a 3.0L V6 diesel later in the year to supplement the engine choices available on the 1500. For 2014 the V6-powered Ram also sees a dramatic increase in towing capacity, up to 7,450 lbs. A parking assist feature is now available on some of the more luxurious trims.

While the 2013 Ram 1500 full-size pickup looks a lot like last year's truck, the changes are, in fact, far more than skin deep. In fact, the new Ram rides on a new, stronger chassis. Under the hood, the old 210-hp 3.7L V6 and 4-speed automatic powertrain is gone, replaced by a new 305-hp 3.6L "PentaStar" V6 mated to a new 8-speed automatic, which results in an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway -- a 20 percent increase over the outgoing V6. The new engine is also rated to tow up to 4,800 pounds. The 8-speed automatic is slated to make its way into 4.7- and 5.7L V8-powered Ram 1500s midway through the model year, to replace the current 6-speed auto, which should aid in fuel economy on those models as well. New available air suspension offers five separate settings for controlling ride height, which allows for increased ground clearance off road or improved fuel efficiency on the highway, as well as automatic load leveling to aid in towing and hauling. Electric power steering replaces the previous hydraulic setup, making for an easier steering experience, particularly at low speeds. Inside, the cabin has been rethought, with new materials, improved sound deadening and noise reduction, a more functional design, and improved gadgetry, with Uconnect multimedia and an intuitive touchscreen at its core. Finally, the column shift lever has been replaced by a small rotary dial on the lower left corner of the dashboard.

For 2012, Dodge has given the 6-speed automatic transmission a new calibration, with Electronic Range Select, and there's a new steering wheel with integrated cruise-control buttons on most models. A new Mossy Oak Edition gives the Ram 1500 a camouflage look, while a new Tradesman HD model ups the Ram's trailer and payload ratings. Six new exterior hues are offered for 2012: Black Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red, Deep Molten Red, Sagebrush, Tequila Sunrise and True Blue Pearl. Last year, Ram trucks no longer fit under the Dodge brand; rather, they're being sold and marketed under their own brand--Ram--to better distinguish them from the Dodge car and SUV lineups.

For 2011, the Dodge Ram 1500 receives some minor trim and accessory updates. New in the SLT trim is an Outdoorsman package, which replaces the previous TRX package and includes various off-road goodies. Also new is the luxury-oriented Laramie Longhorn package. Optional on Ram 1500s is a spray-in bedliner and a new hard-drive navigation system. Sport models will get a standard touch-screen stereo with hard drive.