Jul 9, 2019, 14:33 PM by Mike Blake

Dodge heralds its Ram 1500 half-ton as “America’s most awarded half-ton pickup.” All-new for 2019, Ram is hauling in awards from coast to coast. After a 1300-mile performance test, Truck Trend named the 2019 Ram “2019 Pickup of the Year.” Edmunds editors gave it their “2019 Best Family Truck Award”; Autotrader placed it on their “Best New Cars for 2019” list; and The Fast Lane Truck (TFLtruck) has awarded the all-new half-ton with a Gold Hitch award in the light-duty segment. The awards keep coming, and so do the sales, as Ram 1500 is the No.3 best-selling vehicle in America, and during some months this year, have come in at No.2.

Many of the tributes come from the modifications and re-engineering of the all-new 2019 edition. The fifth-generation Ram starts its new version with its design. Overall weight reductions total nearly 225 pounds net; its new frame features 98 percent high-strength steel to improve durability, weight and rigidity for improved handling; its maximum payload increased to 2,300 pounds, maximum trailer tow to 12,750 pounds and the new Ram 1500 is the segment’s most aerodynamic pickup with .357 coefficient of drag and features exclusive active aerodynamics: grille shutters, air dam and air suspension. From a looks perspective, the 2019 Ram shows off a new face with a chiseled Ram’s head logo and “RAM” grilles, straighter lines and clean ruggedness. Ram now also provides its most dramatic differentiation between models and trim levels.

Offered in 6 trims, with 12 color options, three engine choices, 2WD or 4WD configurations, three cab sizes and three bed sizes, I tested the 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab and it was rugged, sporty and bold, from its sculpted hood to black grille. Bigger all around this year, my 4WD Crew Cab with a 5.7-foot bed measured 232.9 inches long, 82.1 inches wide and 77.5 inches high on a 144.6-inch wheelbase. That represents a 3.9-inch gain in length, 2.7 inches in width and 1.8 inches in height. Ground clearance is 7.8 inches at the front axle, and the tailgate is 34.5 inches above the ground.

Inside is a more modern cabin and cab with more tech, twice the storage capacity, a modular design that allows for more personification and customization, and an available 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen. There is also an active noise cancellation system on 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 equipped models and acoustic glass reduce ambient sounds down to a low 67.1 db – the quietest Ram 1500 ever. The new HVAC system features nearly 25 percent more air flow at lower noise levels, and interior space remains about the same, with 40.9 inches of front Crew Cab headroom and 39.8 inches in row two; legroom is 40.9 inches up front and 45.2 inches in the rear, and shoulder room is 66 inches and 65.7. 

Powerwise, Ram for 2019 delivers significant gains in fuel efficiency with the eTorque mild hybrid system on second generation 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines. Standard is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with variable-valve timing that offers 305 horsepower, 269 lb.-ft. of torque and fuel economy of 18mpg/city and 25 mpg/highway. And for those of us who believe Ram means HEMI, my Ram 1500 Rebel muscled up with the iconic 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with fuel-saving cylinder shut-off and VVT. The system thunders out 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 15mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway.

Off road, my test Ram 1500 Rebel was a conquering beast; on the highway, it was quick, powerful and attentive; and on the track, it was exciting and a half-second faster than my 2018 review Rebel. After a tire smoke, my Rebel polished off a zero-to-60mph run in 6.6 seconds during a 15.1-second quarter-mile. True, I burned lots of rubber and climbed some rocks, but my fuel economy suffered and I only averaged 14.4mpg – 1.5mpg less than last year.

The base 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman starts at $31,795 in 4x2 configuration with a 6-ft.-4-in. box, and 395-hp engine, and moves through 6 trim levels to the $53,240-base Limited. My test 2019 Ram 1500 in Rebel trim is the fourth trim and starts at $44,490 in 4x4 with a Quad Cab, 6.4-foot box and 3.6-liter V6 eTorque engine. Gaining a Crew Cab and a 5.7-foot box added $3250. Upgrading in power to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine added $1395 and uptweaked the transmission to an 8-Speed automatic 8HP50 transmission as well. 

Flame Red and Black two-tone exterior paint is now standard, but we added Black tubular side steps for $695 and the Level 2 Equipment Group (Remote Start, 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror; Exterior Mirrors with Turn Signals and Courtesy Lamps; Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel, A/C Auto Temperature Control with Dual Zone Control, Power adjustable pedals, ParkSense® Front and Rear Park-Assist with Stop, Uconnect®  and much more, for $3000. 4C NAV with 8.4-Inch display added $795; 9-amplified speakers with subwoofer added $595; a sunroof added $1495; Blind-Spot with Cross-Path detection added $595; and destination charges added $1695, for a sticker-as-tested of $58,005 before incentives, which could discount by as much as $3,000, so check with your local dealer.

You can see 102 years of Dodge/Ram trucks and nearly 2700 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand, as classics, muscle cars and high-performance new models all converge at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, July 12-14. Special displays include “50 Years of the Dodge Charger Daytona and 500,” “50 ½ years of the A12 Roadrunner and Super Bee,” “50 Years of Summer ‘69”, or you can take a free thrill-ride in a 700-hp Hellcat.” And on display will also be tons of half-tons and larger trucks.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>