From the 2019 through 2024 model years, Ram sold two different pickups under the Ram 1500 name. The model year alone won't tell you which one is in your driveway, and that matters when you buy anything that has to fit. Here's how the two trucks differ, how the newer truck's engines have changed, and which cab and bed combinations exist.
Two trucks, one name
The fifth-generation Ram 1500 debuted for 2019 as a full redesign. Instead of retiring the older truck, Ram kept selling the fourth-generation design, which dates to the 2009 model year, as the Ram 1500 Classic. Edmunds describes the 2019 Classic as a renamed, simplified version of the 2018 Ram 1500.
The Classic was sold for the 2019 through 2024 model years, and Ram says its production ended in 2024. The newer Ram 1500 continues, and Ram's website already shows 2027 models.
| Ram 1500 (2019 on) | Ram 1500 Classic (2019 to 2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Fifth, introduced for 2019 | Fourth, introduced for 2009 |
| Cabs | Quad Cab, Crew Cab | Regular, Quad and Crew Cab for 2019; Quad and Crew Cab listed for 2024 |
| 2019 engines | 3.6L V6 with eTorque, 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 3.0L diesel |
| 2024 engines | 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, plus the TRX's supercharged 6.2L V8 (diesel dropped) | 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8 |
Ram 1500 engine changes by model year
- 2019: a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 305 hp and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 rated at 395 hp, both with an eight-speed automatic. The V6 came with Ram's eTorque mild-hybrid system, which was also offered on the V8.
- 2020: the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 returned to the lineup.
- 2021: the TRX arrived with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 rated at 702 hp.
- 2024: the diesel option was discontinued.
- 2025: a refresh brought light styling changes, a new Tungsten trim and a turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six in two outputs, 420 hp and 540 hp. The 5.7-liter V8 and the TRX's supercharged V8 left the lineup.
- 2026: the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 became available again, alongside the 3.6-liter V6 and the Hurricane six.
Ram's website also shows a 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT, so the high-performance model is coming back. Confirm the exact model year and engine before buying parts for the engine bay or exhaust.
Cab and bed combinations
On the 2019-and-newer Ram 1500, the Quad Cab has smaller rear doors and comes only with the 6-foot-4 bed. The Crew Cab has full-size rear doors and more rear legroom, and it pairs with a 5-foot-7 or 6-foot-4 bed. Spec sheets sometimes round these to 5.6 or 5.7 feet and 6.3 or 6.4 feet, so small differences in listings are normal.
For 2019, the Classic offered the same Quad Cab and Crew Cab pairings plus a two-door Regular Cab with a 6-foot-4 or 8-foot bed.
How to tell which one you have
- 2025 or newer: it is the newer truck, since the Classic ended with the 2024 model year.
- 2019 to 2024: it could be either. Check the model name on the window sticker or purchase documents, or ask a Ram dealer to look up the VIN.
- Engine: a Hurricane six means a 2025 or newer truck.
Because the 2019 redesign changed the cab, dashboard and body, parts that touch them, such as floor mats, seat covers, dash mounts and grilles, are generally made for one design or the other. The 2025 styling update can also matter for grilles and front lighting.
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